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May 2009 Greetings PSRR members and welcome to spring! Or, is it? Already we are one month into the season and I am beginning to wonder if we will be jumping right from winter into summer. Speaking of spring, one popular springtime race that caught many runners off guard this year is Chicago's Shamrock Shuffle 8K. Many of us look so forward to this race because it's just plain fun! Sure it's crowded, but running through the Loop and attending the festive post race party most always outweighs the hassle of the crowds. It's a race that draws a variety of runners from first-timers to seasoned veterans. Fast runners, slow runners and everyone in between comes out on this day. However, for this year's March 29th race, many people decided that it just was not worth it. Weather conditions made up of steady snowfall, wind, slush, ice, puddles and temperatures in the low 30's kept many participants off the streets and sheltered in the comforts of their nice warm homes. According to a Shamrock Shuffle press release, of the 30,000 registered runners only 13,714 began the race. However, eight of our club members came out and endured the elements. Those members include Tammy Munch (34:58), Scott Ehling (37:04), Sergio Arreola (31:04), Kent Munro (49:24), Donna Shupe (43:10), David Shupe (44:07), Brian Norrick (34:28) and myself (40:43). And, congratulations to the Men's PSRR team (Sergio Arreola, Scott Ehling, Kent Munro and Brian Norrick) that placed 10th out of 23 teams in the team competition. Unfortunately, the Co-ed team was not counted in the standings due to being an incomplete team. Just this past week, I was informed that the Chicago Marathon has filled. Each year that seems to come sooner and sooner even with a field cap as large as 45,000. If you are not registered, but would still like to run the Chicago Marathon, it's not too late. Many charity organizations still have entries available in exchange for your fundraising efforts. In mid April, I was honored to be invited to attend the Special Olympics Chicago (SOC)-Chicago Marathon Kick-off Reception at the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant on South Michigan Avenue. Several SOC board members, along with Cary Pinkowski (Chicago Marathon Race Director) spoke about the SOC organization, the marathon event and the importance of charity fund raising in the marathon arena. Needless to say, I was inspired. Pictured below are Special Olympics athletes Kenneth (left) and William (right), along with myself. Kenneth and William are two athletes who compete in the Special Olympics events and they both just captured my heart with their enthusiasm. SOC is important to athletes like Kenneth and William as the program provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. During the presentation the speakers explained that in exchange for your fundraising efforts, SOC will provide:
If you would like more information and to register as a runner for SOC, visit www.sochicago.org or call 312-527-3743. There are also other charities that have entries available as well. For instance, the St. Jude Heroes program still has limited bibs available and your fundraising efforts will go towards inspiring hope in children who are battling cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. See page 5 for further information on this program. The Joints in Motion Training Team also has entries available and this program is directed by our very own Kent Munro. Every Joints In Motion participant receives a comprehensive 18-week marathon training program, designed by experienced coaches. While following the training schedule through the week, teams meet on Saturday mornings for team trainings. Not only is this a chance for you to meet the athletes and become part of the team, you also have access to coach and mentor advice, fundraising information, nutrition tips, water/ Gatorade/nutrition stations and honoree information. In addition, their staff will be out on the path providing you with pacing help and program advice whenever you need it. Trainings are a great way to get to know the team and build a sense of team camaraderie. You can visit www.arthritis.org/chapters/greater-chicago/joints-in-motion.php for more information. I am sure you can imagine how rewarding it can be to support any of these worthwhile causes, so please consider them if you still would like to run the Chicago Marathon. YOU SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY.
I would also like to congratulate Sergio Arreola on an outstanding job at this year's Boston Marathon. To set a PR of 2:58:57 on the rolling hills of the Boston course, into a headwind, no less, is remarkable. Another notable story is Dennis Killian's. Boston was Dennis' second marathon (3:58:54) in nine days, plus he did River to River just two days prior. And, if that's not enough, he's now off to do the Eugene Marathon on May 3. For me, this year was my first time running Boston and what a great time it was! Other than the infamous heartbreak hill, I really did not know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the rural areas that we ran though early on, in addition to the exuberant spectators along the entire way - especially the "scream tunnel" at Wellesley College. Without a doubt, I will be going back next year! Finally, if you have not been on our website recently, I encourage you to do so. Club member, Mike Wilson, has been working very hard on improving the site. It is looking GREAT! Thank you Mike!! Please feel free to forward any feedback to me regarding the site. Let's also welcome new members Steve Tutt and Fernando Franco! Have a Great Month of May Everyone! Sue Mores |
