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February 2004 Special banquet news, Wardian smashing in trials debut, volunteer message from the president, chilly distance running, track, team racing info, other stuff |
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Steve Baker Elected Vice President
In overwhelming fashion with nary a dimpled or hanging chad and without Supreme Court involvement, Barb Fallon Wallace was reelected to another year as President of the WRC, and Stephen Baker was elected Vice President. The quorum of members present pretty much raised their hands in near unison for the required "yay" votes. They then (we hope) pledged their support to Barb and Steve for the year ahead. Casey Smith stepped down after a year as VP, but President Barb appointed her as an ex-officio officer representing the women of the club for race teams and support. The WRC thanks Casey for her great work as VP in 2003! Here are the WRC officers. WRC Officer Slate
Michael Wardian and Marie Sandrock
Take
The "2003 Outstanding Runner of the Year" went to Michael Wardian who had a phenomenal racing year and who competed in the Olympic Marathon Trials last weekend in Birmingham, Alabama. The WRC also presented Mike with an "allowance" of $150 to use toward his trials trip and experience.
The "2003 Most Improved Runner" went to Marie Sandrock, also our Secretary and Membership Outreach Officer, who improved her times tremendously in a number of distances, largely the marathon (3:33 to 3:12) and 10 miles (72 to 64 mins). Way to go Marie and keep up the good work!
Prez Barb also noted some of the superb times and performances by a good number of women and men in the club that deserved mention and recognition. Great going to all for a great racing year! A "Special Recognition Award" was given to member Tris Kruger who generously lets the club use his pool every year (and anytime we want to for that matter), and in addition is known for giving members of all sorts rides, magazines, project help, etc. Thanks Tris!
Adina Wadsworth received the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her dual-shift help at pretty much every volunteer activity the WRC has been involved in since the time she first joined the club, for her track coordination efforts, and as well her periodic help with the club website and email updates. Prez Barb finished the awards ceremony by presenting Jim and Adina Wadsworth with an appreciation award for their efforts on behalf of the WRC, and also by giving a big thanks to all members (of which there are many) who volunteered and helped the club throughout the year in untold and told ways. Cheers to all! |
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Michael Wardian, with a 2:22:39 effort, ran his second fastest marathon time ever on an extremely tough, cold and blustery day in Birmingham, Alabama, at the 2004 USA Olympic Marathon Trials held on February 7th, 2004. Mike finished the race incredibly strong and was reeling in tired runners during the last harsh miles to the finish. Afterwards, Mike was overheard exclaiming, "I really wish there had been one more loop." This loop Mike was referring to was a 5.3 mile trek that the competitors had to run 3 times, much of it in blowing winds. Yes, only Mike would want to make the marathon longer! Even after averaging 5:29 miles for 26.2 of them. The man is endurance personified! Way to go Michael...excellent running!
Mike finished 33d out of 71 finishers (86 starters) in the race and was 3d among the seven DC area runners who ran. Here's how all the local area runners fared: 11th Keith Dowling 35 Reston, VA 2:16:49
Erik Kean, 27, who once lived in the area, but who now resides in WY, finished in 30th place in 2:22:08. The top 3 future olympians were Alan Culpeper (2:11:41), Meb Keflezighi (2:11:46), and Dan Browne (2:12:01). If you want to read more about the event, this overall take from Sports Illustrated senior writer Mike Fish is quite telling: "Passing the trial - Conditions don't dampen great day for U.S. marathon runners." Frostbite 10-Miler, NYC Lisa Thomas ran extremely well on a frigid cold (15 degrees and windy) day on a tough course in the Frostbite 10-Miler in Central Park. Lisa placed 2nd among women and 28th overall in an impressive time of 63:15! Last Chance for Boston Marathon,
Bob Platt, of RacePacket fame, ventured out to Ohio to hit the trails in a valiant attempt at qualifying for the Boston Marathon this year. Bob missed the mark, but put in a strong effort nonetheless. Though now, we may need to check Bob's internal compass, for you see, the course in Dublin consists of a 1-mile loop. Yes, you got it...26 loops to the marathon! Plus that nagging little 2 tenths at the end. Now, that's a study in patience, perseverence, and dedication to circles. Never mind the dreaded treadmill for a test of determination, this course takes the cake and icing. Better luck next time Bob! 34th Robert Platt 52 3:44:31 Message from the President - St. Paddy's Day 10K Volunteers Needed! Hello WRC members and friends. The time has come again that the WRC is in need of your support. Volunteers are needed to assist with packet pick-up and race day registration for the annual St. Patrick's day 10K race in downtown DC. The race is being held on Sunday, March 14th at 9:30 am. Volunteers are needed for packet pick-up on BOTH Friday and Saturday, along with race day registration on Sunday. The packet pick-up and registration are being held indoors at the Marriott at Metro Center (775 12th St., NW (between G and H streets). The times are as follows: Friday, March 12th: 12 noon until 6pm
Please e-mail Barb at blfallon@aol.com if you can help out with this event. Please specify what day and times you would like to work (i.e., Sat. 11-2). Along with helping the running community, the WRC counts on this event to bring in revenue for the club in order to sponser race teams, social events, etc. I hope to see everyone there! Thank you for your time and support. Barb Fallon Wallace
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Indeed, the WRC hosts a group run on Sunday mornings to complete distances ranging from 8-16 miles. We start at 8 am on M Street (3300 block) in Georgetown, across the street from the Staples Store with the red awnings.Distance run info and directions After running we regroup at Dean & DeLuca on M Street for drinks, food, and whatnot of the chatting kind. Tracking the Track
Wednesday is Track night and we're getting back at it this week (2/11). After tracking and surviving a couple of weeks of slippery weather conditions and thus, no track workouts, the WRC hopes to get back on track at the track this week. We meet at the track bleachers on the side opposite of where the track entrance gate is. Look for track coordinator Adina on the track, among other WRC track types and typettes. We plan these workouts with the thought that we'll be there (yes, at the track) come hell or high water. But, if it's very severe weather (pelting sleet, torrential rain, blizzards, hurricanes, etc.) to a degree beyond high water, the workout is cancelled without further communication. Those who show in such conditions be forewarned that you proceed at your own risk, which of course, is where the risk always lies. Because it's a popular night, due to the lights for one thing, there are scads of runners there from various clubs. To make things easier, we strive to get started earlier, aiming for a start time of 6:20 (some of us will shoot to get there earlier--5:50ish--to warm up). If you can't make it that early, just show up when you can. For more info on WRC track workouts, the track page says a thing or two. WRC Team Racing Info In an effort to be more organized for team events
as they approach, we will keep members up to date on what's forthcoming
to the extent we can. Please take initiative yourselves to get on WRC teams
as races are promoted on here and in the weekly email update. The more
for such events, the merrier. Check this
page from time to time also.
Cool site to check out. New VP Steve Baker registered the WRC with the Run the Planet website: http://www.runtheplanet.com It's a cool site to check out if you're going to be traveling and want to find places to run or people to run with. The WRC is mentioned in their February 2004 newsletter. Here's their take on what they're about: From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, Run The Planet
offers 3148 descriptions of where to run and walk in 2316 cities around
the world presenting running information told by the locals. Run The Planet
is for you to use when you are away from home and looking for a great place
to run. Come join the community that has been growing worldwide since September
7, 1996.
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Disclaimer: Club News is designed to inform, enlighten, and sometimes amuse. We make no guarantee that this stuff is completely accurate, or even bears a passing resemblance to reality. We also don't guarantee that your sense of humor will always be tickled. But alas, we try.
