Club News
Powell Nails 2:56 at Last Train; Robin Oswald Runs Strong Half Marathon in Williamsburg; Baird Begins Racing Season in the Big Apple; Another Tri-Dog Joins the Club; ClubNews Makes Tentative Stab at Country Music
New Members
Jim Taylor, 52, of Arlington. Jim works at the IRS, like our friend Donna Moore and has been running competitively on and off since Junior High. The Boston Marathon will be Mr. Taylor’s fifth marathon in six months.
Aaron Schwartzbard, 23 of Reston. Aaron will also be running the Boston Marathon, having qualified last year at MCM in a time of 3:04. Aaron tell us
About two years ago, I realized that I work with a lot of inactive people. The general attitude was, “In shape? I’m in shape. ROUND is a shape!” So to avoid joining their ranks, I signed up for an olympic distance triathlon. Since then, life has gone like this: run, swim, bike, eat, sleep, work… repeat as necessary. So it’s been a little less than two years since I got off the couch and started running. Right now, I’m getting ready for Boston, and my first Ironman triathlon, which will be at the end of July.
Yup folks, we have another Tri-dog amongst us – a special breed. We welcome both Aaron and Jim into our socialist collective, and look forward to running with them.
Race Results
Last Train to Boston, Feb 24th, Aberdeen, MD
Bryon Powell leads this week’s headlines. Bryon posted at 2:56 at Last Train to Boston on February 24th. Bryon did it the hard way, going through the first half in 1:21. Fortunately for Bryon, a kind soul pulled up on his shoulder at mile 13 and inquired
Kind Soul “What are you trying to do?”
Bryon “Qualify for Boston”
Kind Soul “Then slow down!”
Bryon took the advice, called off the dogs, and ran the last 13 miles in a very sensible 1:35. Kudos to Bryon for a terrific performance in his first marathon outing.
Al Gordon 15K, Feb 17th, New York City
Kirk Baird is up to his old tricks. Kirk ran 51:26 at the Al Gordon 15K in New York City on Feb. 17, 2001 to gain 9th place.
Anheuser Busch Colonial Half-Marathon, Feb 25th, Williamsburgh, MD
Rockin’ Robin Oswald traveled south to Williamsburg February 25th to run the 22nd Annual Anheuser Busch Colonial Half-Marathon. Robin posted a 1:28, to take 6th among women. Said Robin about the race.
“The half was a great race on a tough course! Never ending short steep hills through the woods and campus of William and Mary College.”
DCRRC 25K, March 4th, Alexandria
And at the DCRRC 25K on March 4th, our friends Jon Thoren posted a 1:46;50, while Jim Taylor ran a 1:56:28. Nice job guys! Jon will be on our Cherry Blossom 10 Mile team. Ohme 30 Kilometer, February 18 th, The Land of the Rising Sun
Word from USAF Capt. Greg Pece, currently stationed in Japan. Note the differences between in post race cuisine betwee the U.S. and Japan
I was hoping to run around 1:55, but for some reason, I was given a starting number of 9805, pretty much behind 9000 other runners. Not suprisingly it took 1:14 to run the first 15km(9.3 mi) on a relatively narrow road, and then at the midpoint I was finally able to find some room and sort of take-off, and ran the second 15 km in about 57 min. A total of 2:11. It was a narrow course, so if you can believe it, I passed people the entire race, up until the finish line.
Interesting notes:
- We had two bibs, for the front and back, in the elite racer style. This was great for me, motivation-wise. As I passed everyone, I could guage my progress as I worked my way down from the 9000s all the way to the triple digits. And my name was printed on my bib. In katakana. makes for a nice souvenir.
- No shoe-chip. The chip was actually adhered in plastic, on the back of the front race-bib. Just pulled it off in 2 seconds at the finish. Much easier than a shoe chip.
- I know I am in Japan when after the race I get a rice cake wrapped in seaweed as opposed to a banana..
Greg will be returning Stateside to run Bull Run 50 miler on the 7th of April, and then Boston ten days later.
News of the Club
Now Let us Praise Race Captains
WRC is in the midst of finalizing its race teams for the spring. We will be fielding seven teams in five races. This would not be possible without the concerted efforts of our race captains. Many thanks to all the Liz Parks and Tony DeCrappeo (Boston Marathon), Jascha Fields (Defenders 10 Miler), Kevin Ryan (Sallie Mae 10K), Julia Jacoby and Jeff Aronis (Cherry Blossom 10 Miler), and Barb Fallon (Lawyers Have Heart).
St. Patrick Volunteering
The club is still looking for volunteers to work at St. Patty’s 10K on March 17th, from 7-9:30 a.m. The work we do (giving away t-shirts) is fairly low-tech. But it is fun – a chance to socialize, get a t-shirt to boot and while earning WRC a bit of moola. We still need volunteers. Please contact Prez Jim Wadsworth to volunteer.
Barb’s Father in the News
Special recognition to Secretary Barb Fallon’s father Admiral William Fallon. Admiral Fallon was designated by President Bush to be a Special U.S. Envoy. He visited Japan last week, apologizing for the tragic sinking of the Ehime Maru, which sank February 9 after being accidentally rammed by the nuclear-powered submarine USS Greeneville off Honolulu.
On February 28th, Admiral Fallon said to the families of the nine victims. “I’m here to request in the most humble and sincere manner that you accept the apology of the people of the United States and the U.S. Navy as a personal representative of President Bush,”
Admiral Fallons’ visit was praised by the parents of the survivors, and did much to heal the wounds opened by this most regrettable incident.
Admiral William Fallon
Tales from Merry Olde England
This past Sunday, Gerry Ives regaled the assembled with stories about England circa 1944, when the Nazis were pummeling that island nation with V2 rockets. Gerry used to wander thru his neighborhood, picking up the residual shrapnel. Fortunately V2 rockets were highly inaccurate, missing their targets by miles. To make a long story short, Gerry survived the war, Adoph Hitler did not, and here we are.
Anyway, this story reminded us of two things;
- Gerry is a few years older than the rest of us. This is easy to forget, when he is scooting along at 7:00 per mile pace.
- Inaccurate projectiles are not a thing of the past. They are a very common occurrence whenever the Lakers Shaq O’Neill does a free throw.
Hypothermia Dangers
On a serious note, during the February 27th long run in the rain, some of our mates experienced terrible cold, boarding on hypothermia. Fortunately, all are now fine, but it does prompt a safety reminder.
Hypothermia is more apt to strike younger people and those with little body fat (i.e. us types). The best way to avoid it is to dress appropriately in inclement conditions, with gloves, tights and head bands. And take care of your mates, if they look like they are getting into trouble, give ’em help.
Wool and lyrcra headbands are preferable to those made of whalebone. The Club takes no position on nose rings
Tuesday Speed Work
Just reminding all that our Tuesday night speed workouts are back again. These can be rather bracing experiences. Like 19th century German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche once wrote”That which does not destroy me, will only make me stronger.” Or in our case -heighten the amount of hemoglobin & enzymes in the blood, per unit volume.
6:30 p.m. on Tuesday G’town Track, with running starting at 6:45.
Country Music Lyrics
We have word that Todd Martin will be doing the Country Music Marathon in late April. The organizers will have country music playing the entire course. The incentive to run well is that the sooner you finish, the less C& W music you listen to.
Strangely, there has never been a C&W song about running. So we figured we would remedy this historic injustice, with our own song. Perhaps someone could sing this at the next club meeting?
That Spandex Don’t Impress Me
I’ve known a few guys who thought they were pretty fast
But you’re so cocky, you leave me complete aghast
You think you’re Kahid Khannouch, you think you’re Steve Prefontaine
You’re a regular and total, complete and utter pain
Oh-oo-oh, so you think your just so slick?
Oh-oo-oh, boy so you think you’re really quick?
Okay, so you placed 128th, age group 38-39
That don’t impress me much
So you got the latest gear, but can you kick in the clutch?
Don’t get me wrong, I think you’re alright
But 30 minutes for 5k won’t set the world alight.
That don’t impress me much
I never knew a guy who carried a heart rate monitor while running
And some goo in the pockets -just in case
And all the spandex and lycra, looks pretty stunning
All while going 12 minute pace
Oh-oo-oh, you think you’re something special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you’re something else
Okay, so you’re Alan Webb
So you got the latest gear, but do you choke in the clutch?
Don’t get me wrong, I think you’re alright
But 30 minutes for 5k won’t set the world alight.
That don’t impress me much
I can’t believe you walk more than you run
C’mon baby tell me- Galloway method – right!?
whatever
That don’t impress me much