december newsletter
DESCRIPTION
newsletter of the San Antonio, TX Roadrunners clubTRANSCRIPT
www.saroadrunners.com
MISSION 5 & 10 MILER 12/17/2011 @ O.P. SCHNABEL. Be there with bells on!
December 2011
San Antonio
RoadRunners
SARR CLUB STAFF PRESIDENT Jerry Negrete887-4260 (C) [email protected]
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Sally Rios735-8037 (H) [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT / MEMBERSHIP Scott [email protected]
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Joan Bobrukiewiez286-6291 (C) [email protected]
SECRETARY Veronica [email protected]
TREASURER Jim Holbach240-2569 (C) [email protected]
HISTORIAN Tom [email protected]
FUN RUNS Debra Acosta822-2800 (H) 567-7865 (W) [email protected]
*************Next Club meeting is onDecember 13 at 7:00 pmAcademy Sports + Outdoors
2024 N Loop 1604 E *************
THE SAN ANTONIO ROADRUNNERS NEWSLETTER P. O. BOX 12474,
San Antonio, TX 78212
Newsletter Editor Martina [email protected]
Published monthly, except January. Subsidized in part by members' dues and paid advertising. Postage is third class. The Postal Service will not forward this newsletter. Send address corrections to the membership officer.
Newsletter ArticlesWe welcome all kinds of information and photographs about yourself or loved ones. Send your articles typed on plain paper or by e-mail in Microsoft Word to the Editor.
Newsletter Deadline All newsletter material must be in by the 15th of the month prior to publication.
Results Race results from all SARR road races are now available online at www.saroadrunners.com. Click on Results.
AdvertisingPage ads are available for a prepaid $75 per page. Make checks payable to the San Antonio Roadrunners and send to EDITOR, P.O. Box 12474, San Antonio, TX 78212. Flyer deadline is the 15th of each month. Equipment SARR has race equipment for rent. Contact Whitney Lawrence, 601-5647.
SARR Webmaster Stacy Kincy [email protected]
Race Photoswww.photoshow.com/members/sarunning
Wednesday Night Zoo Runs Hit New High!
The Zoo Run started the year with a large crowd and finished with one as well. We have had numerous track teams from local high schools and colleges participate in the zoo run. Many runners use the zoo run as a start for their longer run of the day.
Part of the fun is watching the kids grow from being in the stroller pushed by Mom or Dad to taking part in the run with their own two feet. Every year we have people drop in who used to run the zoo run but had moved away, gotten too busy with kids or work to come or stopped for whatever reason. Reconnecting with friends makes the zoo run such a fun event and you never know who will be running next to you or making you chase them down the trails!
We also collected $1659.56 this year to give to the San Antonio Zoo. That’s a record donation! Give yourselves a round of applause.
The Zoo Run is over 32 years old – there is debate about when it was actually started so we can’t really nail that down. That makes this race the only race in San Antonio which is staged every Wednesday night at Brackenridge Park from the first Wednesday evening in April to the last one in October. Quite an accomplishment for any event but especially since it was begun by an individual (Steve Smith) and has been handed down to different individuals since the inception—all volunteers! Many of the volunteers it takes to make this a safe run are members of the San Antonio RoadRunners but this run is open to the public and everyone is welcome to come run and then stay around to congratulate the age group winners and enjoy the lively conversations.
The next Zoo Run will begin April 4, 2012 at the same place and time. Hope to see you there!
---Joan Bobrukiewiez and Sally Rios
San Antonio Road Runners Monthly MeetingNovember 8, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. at Academy Sports + Outdoors on 1604 and 281.
Officers Present: Jerry Negrete, Sally Rios, Veronica Salinas, Jim Holbach, and Scott Peacock
Members/Guests Present: Martina Mauldin, Al Becken, Bob Ratliff, Joan Bobrukiewiez, Tom Lake, Paul Baltutis, and Debra Acosta
Club BusinessPresident’s Statement: None
Introductions: Paul Baltutis, now working for Fleet Feet Running Store, explained that new owner, Angel Whitley, wanted the store to become more involved with SARR events.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes were approved as read.
Guest items: Above
Officer Reports: VP/Volunteer Coordinator: Sally reported that she is working with Rob Vetter new coordinator of Water Stop #7 at the marathon 10 mile point and they are very short on volunteers. She sent out an e-mail blast to members and to those trying to earn points for a tyvek jacket asking for their help. Also, the Green Sneakers program has collected 284 lbs of shoes from SARR runs amounting to $142.00.
Treasurer’s Report: Jim reported $113,000 in savings and $25,000 in checking accounts. Fall Fest tallies have not yet been completed.
Membership Coordinator/Half Marathon Training Program: Scott reported that membership is back up to over 1000. Website visits and Facebook friends keep growing. RRCA membership was renewed for $3,875. The Half-Marathon Training Program was a great success. About 140 signed up and 75 new SARR members were added. A pasta party is planned for November 10th at Spaghetti Warehouse.
Website Report: Stacy was not present.
Newsletter Report: Martina said that she had three articles for the newsletter. Also, SARR members can have their marathon/half marathon results printed in the newsletter if they so indicate.
Fun Run Report: Debra reported fewer numbers at November’s fun run possibly because of several other events taking place in and out of town. Kids will continue to receive a medal for finishing any one of the three distances and a trophy if they finish all three distances.
Fall Fest Recap: Ashley was not present.
Action Items/Follow UpNew Venues: The 2012 Endurathon will be a two loop course running from the National Shooting Complex through the Del Webb residential area off Culebra Rd. It was decided to drop the relay because of the way the course is laid out. The possibility of running only one loop for a shorter run is being considered.
Printing/Formatting Race Results for Newsletter: Bob has not met with Chuck Campbell yet.
Scholarship/NCAA Regulations: A question had been raised about how receiving SARR scholarship monies might affect a student/athlete’s NCAA eligibility. Joan visited several websites but was not able to get a clarification. Sally said that she would try to get some feedback from local collegiate coaches.
Another discussion ensued about the best way to disburse funds to the scholarship winners. The idea of reimbursement to the student was considered. No decision was made at this time.
Pazza Pizza: Sally has been working with the owner of Pazza Pizza located at Starcrest and Jones-Maltsberger across from Blossom Athletic Center. He is very interested in providing sponsorship for SARR events such as breakfast pizza for the fun run, cash off coupons for packets, and water stop volunteers for the Turkey Trot.
New BusinessTraining Program: Due to the success of the SARR Half-Marathon Training Program, the possibility of programs for other distances was discussed. Some members expressed an interest in joining the training team and receiving the RRCA coaching certification. Further discussion will take place.
Marathon of Health: A Canadian family of 8 is attempting to run across Canada and around the United States. One of their scheduled stops was to be San Antonio on Thanksgiving Day. It was thought to invite them to run the Turkey Trot but the date of their arrival has been changed to November 21st.
Roundtable:
1. Sally suggested cleaning up the arrows painted on the roads and paths of Brackenridge Park from past runs as a club project. Parks personnel would be consulted.
2. Joan reported on Turkey Trot progress. Packet Pickup will be Tuesday, November 22nd at Soler Sports Vance Jackson location. Volunteers can buy the long sleeved t-shirt at a discount. H-E-B will continue its sponsorship and provide 80 turkeys for door prizes.
3. Debra reported on 10 Miler progress. Awards will be added this year in 5 year increments. Paul Baltutis of Fleet Feet said he would consider directing the race for next year.
4. Jim suggested that the SARR look into how to certify our own courses.
4. Jerry reported on Cobweb Chaser progress. The Black Eyed Pea Restaurant has agreed to supply the traditional dish for the run as will Joan.
Event Planning: Covered above.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica Salinas, Secretary
Inaugural SARR Half-Marathon Training Team:
Three training storiesThe inaugural season of the SARR Training Program was a big success. We had over 100 members complete the 12-week training curriculum and cross the finish line at the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Half-Marathon. During the program we ran in 11 different San Antonio parks, we ran up some big hills (and ran down too), we
ran in the pouring rain and the blazing heat, we ran fast sprints and slow jogs, we ran at sunrise and sunset, we ran and ran and ran. All those miles added up to great conditioning and many new friendships.
The SARR Training Team consisted of runners of all abilities and ages. Though running is considered an individual sport, we were a team in every sense. We ran together, sweated together, learned together, and became better runners together. Our team motto was: We are only HALF crazy. In reality, we were probably crazier than that, but it was a great 12 weeks… and now we each have a medal to prove it.
Below you can find three stories from members of our team who share their experiences with the SARR Half-Marathon Training Program. If you were not able to join the Training Program this year, perhaps you will read these stories and decide this Program is right for you. If so, then we hope to see you next year with us at the finish line.
--Scott Peacock, coach
<<<One>>>
The farthest I had ever run in one stretch was last year’s Turkey Trot. That was 4 miles. I would get anxiety at the beginning of this training when I would think about 7, 8, or 9 miles. My cousin, and training teammate, would tell me “Stop. Don’t think about that. You’ll worry yourself.” Since she has done a few half marathons, I decided to listen to her words of wisdom.
The 5 miler was one of the toughest for me. I fell extremely far behind, and at the end I felt like vomiting. I told Coach Mary that it was the farthest I had ever gone and she hugged me and said, “From now on, every week is a personal record for you!” Wow, I had never thought of it like that. The next week, six miles felt great; it was a cool morning, and I finished feeling strong. Seven miles made my confidence soar through the roof! It was all hills and we got poured on at the beginning, causing us to run in slushy socks and shoes. I missed eight miles due to illness but nine miles felt great. I struggled during the ten miler as my body just locked up, and I ended up walking the last 2-3 miles. I felt so supported though as I approached the end of the trail to find my teammates waiting for me. They waited when they could have easily left to start their day. It was a feeling of camaraderie I definitely didn’t expect to gain when joining this program. My confidence boosted again with the eleven miler and I reflected on that five miler in Brackenridge Park. The entire group finished strong and we talked about how far we have all come since August.
I was not able to attend Fall Fest and now here I am just three weeks away from completing my first half marathon. I get a little emotional just thinking about it. I think about how it will feel to run with nearly 30,000 people and have thousands of spectators cheering us on. I hope to soak up the entire weekend from the Roadrunner pasta party to the Expo to the race experience on November 13. What is going to make this event even more special is that a number of my cousins and my husband are also participating. When I cross that finish line, it will be a moment I will never forget. I might cry or just smile but it is something I never imagined I could accomplish.
--Christine Garcia
<<<Two>>>
I have always enjoyed physical activity. After the birth of my daughter in 1999, I really found an interest in running. I joined a jogging class at San Antonio College and participated in my first 5 mile race. Over the years, running was put on the back burner to everyday struggles, journeys, and challenges. I still ran an occasional race here and there, but was never consistent with it.
In April of 2010, I began recovery from an alcohol addiction. Growth became the key factor in my life at that point. Running was a key ingredient for me. I started doing more frequent 5k races just to get myself going. I gathered up a group of friends, some runners and some not, and talked them all into running the Beach to Bay Marathon with me this past May. We trained and prepared and finished within our goal time. The road to recovery was becoming easier. With a great support group and an outlet of running, I decided to join the training for the half- marathon. At this point, the longest I had ever run in my life was 6 miles. I knew it would be a challenge, but I was excited about the change that was taking place in my life and the growth that was emerging from within me.
Exactly one week from the start of the formal SARR training, my husband told me he wanted a divorce. Despite the positive change, we were growing apart. I had to make a decision. Would I continue the training and push through the overwhelming challenge of this major change? Or would I use this as an excuse to put it off and try to get through this divorce and continue my recovery on my own? Needless to say, I stuck around.
The past 12 weeks have been emotionally and physically strenuous. I have pushed myself to limits I have never imagined I could achieve. I have learned that my mind is powerful and that by surrounding myself with positive people, I can stay positive. I have learned that after getting through these challenges and continuing forward, I can do anything.
This training has been my saving grace. I have met so many incredible and inspiring people who have truly made it possible for me to get up every Saturday, no matter what, and lace up my sneakers and decide to get it done. No excuses.
--Tanya Alexander
<<<Three>>>
“If I run a half-marathon, can I have a puppy?”
We weren’t in the market for a puppy until our 8-year-old daughter, Ashi, laid that one on us. Before long all the joys, challenges, doubts, and triumphs that come with running were ours to share as a family. After her first 2 miler in the neighborhood, Ashi wondered what in the world she had gotten herself into. On July 4, she ran her first race, a 4 miler, crossing the finish line alone, having pulled out ahead of her mom somewhere around, oh, 50 yards. There is nothing like the feeling of seeing her out there on her own, making her own decisions in order to finish in as respectable a time as she was capable of. Afterwards, we asked what she thought of it all. Her answer: “I can do this.”
Not too long after her training began, she made another decision: “I think a puppy is too much responsibility for me,” she said, “if I run the half-marathon, can I have a fish instead?” What did we do to deserve this kid? We would have just bought her a fish, but we weren’t about to tell her that. “Yes, honey, if you stick with your training, and finish this half-marathon, we’ll get you a fish.” She probably didn’t know she has enough money in her piggy bank to just buy a fish, but she wasn’t going to learn that from her parents. We were enjoying running tome together too much.
Meanwhile our four-year-old son, Hughie, decided he wanted to be a runner too. He wanted to join the family fun, but he had also become convinced that with practice he could get fast enough to “catch a deer and knife it. Then bring home the meat to mom.” (Google “persistence hunting” for a sense of
where he’s hoping his life will go). His training runs mostly come in the form of 100 yard dashes, then he jumps back in the jogging stroller and talks about how fast that was. It’s about right for a 4 year old.
Then, Ashi surprised us again. She still wanted a fish, but she asked if we would help her use her run to raise funds to help provide water for kids in Africa who don’t have safe drinking water. She decided to join “Team Living Water” to support the work of Living Water International (www.water.cc). The smallest shirt-size they had was a XS, and it fit like a dress, but she wears it anyway.
Every weekend Ashi said, “That’s my longest run ever. . . so far!” She finished the last 2 miles of her 9 mile run with skinned knees. The following weekend, 10 miles—double digits!
Then, a couple mid-week runs were cut short by a pain in her foot. When it persisted all week, we explained that part of running is listening to her body and knowing when to give it a break. We enquired more about the pain and decided she had better sit out of her 11 mile training run. She was disappointed. To soften the blow of future disappointment, we shared that part of running too is the possibility—we hope not but the possibility—of missing a race due to injury.
The blow of such news is only softened because part get is dealt early. Her stomach sank. Her eyes welled up. “But I really, really wanted that fish,” she said.
“You’re going to get your fish, Ashi,” we comforted her. “You’ve been amazing.” But the promise of an impending fish didn’t make things all better. Being told she’s amazing didn’t either. You could see the gears turning in her head as she zeroed in on why she still felt a little crummy: “I really wanted to reach my goal.”
“You will, dear. Maybe this race. Maybe later.”
And all of that: “I can do this!”, skinned knees across a 9 mile mark, the heartache of a dream deferred, and realizing a fish is on the outside and a goal is on the inside, turned out—at least for a dad—to be a lot better than a puppy.
--Paul Darilek
---------------
Your Old Sneakers are Worth More than You Think. PLEASE DONATE YOUR UNWANTED AND USED SNEAKERS.
Bring your sneakers to the SARR Mission 5 & 10 Miler on December 17. They become REUSED as affordable footwear for people in need around the world, raise money for the SARR scholarship fund, and help support jobs in
Third World countries.For questions, call Buddy Sanchez 210-885-3372. Like us on Facebook
GreenSneakersTexas E-mail: [email protected]
2011SARR TRAINING HALF-MARATHON RESULTS
Scott Ahnberg 4:51:02 Did full marathon! Josh Leija 1:48:31
Yesenia Alcala 2:18:16 11 minutes faster than last year! Ryan Medrano 2:03:08
Veronica Alonzo 2:34:00 Beat last years time by over 30 mins! Elizabeth Mendez 2:42:34
Natalie Anders 2:16:03 Diana Moczygemba 3:03:21
Karen Battafarano 2:25:47 Robin Neal 4:07:00 Marathon, 3rd in age goup!
Mallory Bellacosa 2:44:03 Gina Noland 2:34:17Paige Bible 2:03:42 Randy Noland 2:46:33Ryan Bible 2:07:33 Scott Peacock 1:35:15Lora Butler 2:13:06 Kristie Powers 2:24:55Alex Charpentier 2:03:00 Merrianna Ramirez 2:03:25Tom Christensen 2:47:16 Bob Ratliff 2:41:47Kathy DiNuovo 2:44:03 Tom Roldan 3:39:00Ed Dylla 2:11:47 5th in age group! Elaine Salazar 2:28:00Shannon Garcia 1:57:02 Veronica Salinas 2:28:45Martha Graf 2:49:58 Monica Sherman 3:03:18Maxanne Groven 2:45:30 Mike Sherman 3:01:44Rose Guillen 2:45:45 Amy Sowles 3:03:45
Marisa Gutierrez 2:37:37 Beat last years time by over 25 mins! Karin Telaroli 2:56:49
Lana Harris 2:29:06 20 minutes faster than last year! Felicia Travieso 2:19:53
Candy Hennessy-Mensen 2:14:41 Rudy Trevino 2:27:00
Vanessa Hernandez 2:29:17 Jean Unser 3:19:00Carolina Hernandez 3:32:59 Cara Westbrook 1:58:48Rick Hopkins 2:37:24Kimberly Johnson 2:03:22
Congratulations!
»The next Half-Marathon training will kick off again in August. Sign up will start in March 2012. For more information about the training program, or to view training and race photos, please go to
www. sarrtraining.com
Hello RoadRunners,Congratulations to all participants in the 2011 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. The event is now history and is notable for a number of reasons. On the bright side, thanks to Scott Peacock, his staff, and all those who signed up, the SARR Inaugural Half-Marathon Training program was a tremendous success, ensuring a second program next season.
On a sad note, the San Antonio running community lost a fellow runner after he crossed the finish line. Our deepest
sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Jorge Fernandez.
By the time you read this, the Turkey Trot will also be in our rear view mirror. Hope you could join us for this holiday favorite.
Looking ahead, the SARR Mission 5 and 10 Miler on December 17 will be held at a new venue due to the Mission Reach construction. This year we will run the beautiful Leon Creek Trail out of O.P. Schnabel Park.
Up next is my personal favorite, the Cobweb Chaser on New Year’s Day. Of course, I am a bit biased, since I know the race director quite well. He has a bit of a twisted sense of humor, but I like him anyway.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your membership in the best running club in San Antonio, a memorable 2011, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Jerry Negrete
Run for Fun!
The San Antonio RoadRunners Present the 33rd Annual
SAVE THE DATE!!!
WHEN: SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012 @ 8:30 A.M.
**WHERE: TO BE DETERMINED!!!!!
SEE WWW.SAROADRUNNERS.COM FOR COMPLETE DETAILS!
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
DECEMBERDec 2 6:30 am Neanderthal Trail Run 11k, Gate, 19299 NW Military HWY, www.iaapweb.comDec 2 7:30 pm Light the Night for Sight 5k, Seaworld, www.preventblindness.netDec 3 8:30 am Monthly Fun Run, McAllister Park, Al Becken Pav, Debra Acosta, 210-822-2800Dec 3 8:30 am Santa Antonio 5k Walk/Run, McAllister Park Pav 2, www. iaapweb.comDec 3 8:00 am Bah Humbug 5k, Boerne, TX www.active.comDec 3 8:00 am Zambia 5k, New Braunfels, TX www.athleteguild.comDec 3 9:00 am Holiday Hunger Run 5k, Bulverde, TX www.athleteguild.comDec 3 8:30 am City Manager's 5k, Brackenridge Park www.racit.comDec 3 8:00 am Jingle Paws 5k, Helotes, TX www.athleteguild.comDec 3 8:00 am Zambia 5k, New Braunfels,TX www.athleteguild.comDec 3 8:30 am Spicewood Vinyards 10 & 1/2 Marathon, Spicewood, TX www.runintexas.comDec10 8:00 am Santa Claus Shuffle, Lackland AFB, Ray Kenny 210-497-8214Dec10 8:00 am St Paul Catholic Techno 5k, OP Schnabel, www.iaapweb.comDec 10 9:00 am St Judes Jingle Bell 5k, New Braunfels, TX www.athleteguild.comDec 10 8:00 am The Run For Me 5k, McAllister Park, www.runforme5k.comDec 10 8:00 am Toys for Tots 5k, Schertz,TX www.runawayclub.vpweb.comDec 11 9:00 am Churchill HS Jingle Bell Jog 5k, McAllister Park, Holly Hargraves 210-479-3034Dec 11 7:30 am Decker Challenge Half Marathon & Marathon, Austin,TX www.austinrunners.orgDec 17 5:00 pm Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5k/1 M, U of the Incarnate Word, sanantoniojinglebellrun.kintera.org**Dec 17 7:30 am Mission 5& 10 Miler, OP Schnabel Park, www. active.com
JANUARY**Jan 1 10 am Cobweb Chaser 5k, McAllister Park, www.active.comJan 7 8:30 am Monthly Fun Run, McAllister Park, Al Becken Pav, Debra Acosta, 210-822-2800Jan 21 9:00 am Gorilla Run 5k, Austin, TX austingorillarun.comJan 21 8:00 am River Road Run Half-Marathon, New Braunfels, TX www.athleteguild.comJan 28 8:30 am Endurathon 25 k, TBDJan 28 8:00 am Kinetic Kids 5k, U of the Incarnate World, www.active.comJan 28 8:30 am Celtic Crawl 5k Fun Run and Walk, Shavano Park, TX www.iaapweb.comJan 29 6:45 am 3M Half-Marathon, Austin, TX solutions.3m.com
FEBRUARYFeb 4 8:30 am Monthly Fun Run, McAllister Park, Al Becken Pav, Debra Acosta, 210-822-2800Feb 4 9:00 am Fuego 5k Run/Walk, Brackenridge Park, www.signmeup.comFeb 11 8:00 am Stockshow Stampede 4 mile Run, Rodeo Satellite Parking lot, www.sarodeo.comFeb 11 10:00 am Cupid's Chase 5k, Brackenridge Park, www.active.comFeb 11 8:00 am Fight for Air 5k, SeaWorld, www.lungusa.orgFeb 12 9:00 am Be my Valentine 5k, Pearl Brewery, www.bemyvalentinerun.comFeb 18 9:00 am Love your Heart 5k, New Braunfels, TX www.athleteguild.comFeb 18 8:00 am Street to Feet 5k and Kids Run, Haven for Hope, www.iaapweb.com**Feb 18 8:00 am Birds of a Feather 5k, Brackenridge Park, www.active.comFeb 19 7:00 am Austin Marathon and Half, Austin, TX www.youraustinmarathon.comFeb 25 8:00 am Run for Hope 5k, Brackenridge Park, www.active.com
**Feb 25 8:00 am UTSA Diploma Dash 5k, 1604 Campus, www.utsa.edu/dash
**Flyers in this month's newsletter.Please send email to [email protected] to have your event listed on this calendar. This information is provided as a service to SARR members. Every attempt is made to provide accurate information, however, you should verify race information prior to finalizing race plans.
Please recycle this newsletter.
Be sure to send in your change of address.The Post Office will not deliver your SARR Newsletter unless the address is correct.
San Antonio RoadRunnersP. O. Box 12474San Antonio, TX 78212-0474
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
SARR 2012 Race Calendar
January 1 Cobweb Chaser 5k, McAllister Park
January 28 Endurathon 25k, TBD (see SARR website)
February 18 Birds of a Feather 5k, Brackenridge Park
March 10 Prickly Pear 10 Miler, 50k Trail Runs, McAllister Park
April 21 Fiesta Mission 10k, Alamo Heights Swimming Pool
April 28 Fiesta Fandango, Columbus Park
June 16 Carraba's Half-Marathon Relay/Run, McAllister Park
July 4 Freedom Day 4 Miler, National Shooting Complex
July 21 Women's 5k, Lincoln Heights
September 3 Labor Day 5 Mile Whine Run, Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
November 22 Turkey Trot 4 Miler, McAllister Park
December 15 Mission 10 Miler, TBD (see SARR website)