bluegrass runners to compete in national senior olympic...

Five club members will represent the state of Kentucky in the 2007 National Senior Olympic Games in Louisville June 22 through July 7. The largest senior multi-sport event in the world, this year’s Senior Games will bring together 12,000 athletes aged 50 and over for competition in more than 800 events.

The games began 20 years ago and take place biannually under the umbrella of the United State Olympic Committee. To be eligible for the games, athletes must qualify at a state event deemed as a qualifier for the games.

Events span a variety of sports from volleyball to swimming to horse-shoes to table tennis, and 20,000 spectators are expected to attend this year’s competitions in Louisville.

BLUEgrass Runners Brenda Burton, Bruce Carey, Terry Foody, Mary Nagle, and Trish Wiglesworth will be among the 2007 competitors. Brenda Burton and Terry Foody will each compete in three track and field events, the 400m, 800m, and 1500m, which will take place at the University of Louisville. Brue Carey and Mary Nagle are slated to run in the 5K Road Race, held at hilly Iroquois Park. Trish Wiglesworth will represent Kentucky in the triathlon at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park.

Terry, Mary, and Bruce were all spotted at the club track workout on June 27, getting in a few fast preparatory laps. “It’s a treat to be able to represent the state of Kentucky and BLUEgrass Runners in this national event,” said Terry, who also participated in the 2003 games. Mary indicated that she’s excited but also nervous about her 5K Road Race competition, in which she will compete against 20 or more women in her age division, including the 5K world record holder. Congratulations and good luck to each of you!

BLUEgrass Runners to Compete in National Senior Olympic Games

Edition 2007, Volume 4 July-August, 2007

Inside This Month’s Newsletter… Announcements & Reminders……….p. 4 Race Results………………………….p. 6 Race Reports & Snapshots………….. p. 9 Thoughts on Distance Running …..…p. 12 Summer Recipes……………………..p. 14 RRCA Update………………………..p.15 Upcoming Races……………………...p. 16

UPCOMING CLUB MEETINGS:

√ Thursday, July 19, 7:00 p.m. √ Thursday, August 16, 7:00 p.m. Meetings held at the Good Foods Co-op Community Room, 455 Southland Drive

2 July - August 2007

Tom Hackney President

[email protected]

Mary Stebbins Vice President 859-537-7322

[email protected]

Louise Hensley Treasurer

859-276-1906 [email protected]

Leo McMillen

Secretary 859-278-8959

Martin Bess Dave Kjelby 859-361-0071 859-913-5466

Terry Foody Larry Steur 859-277-5291 859-421-7814

CLUB OFFICERS

BOARD MEMBERS

BLUEgrass Runners News

Shannan Gabe Editor

Chris Grecco

Production Assistant

Martin Bess Race Results

Bruce Carey

Birthdays

Larry Steur Photographer

Submissions, suggestions, & questions

welcomed at

[email protected] or 859-971-7400 (fax)

NEW MEMBERS:

Matt Osborne William Stevenson

Thanks to this issue’s contributors:

Bob Sellin ♦ Mary Henson ♦ Gerald Thompson Dan Wells ♦Terry Foody ♦ Lisa Dahl

Betty Nigoff

Chris Grecco prepares his bike for the Buffalo Trails

Duathlon (above). Shannan Gabe relaxes with

her dog Brindy after the Mutt Strut (right).

Could It Be YOU? Seeking New RRCA State Representative for Kentucky

Due to a career opportunity, your current state representative, Lisa Dahl, will be relocating to Minneapolis this summer. “I feel honored to have served the RRCA in this capacity since 2005, but it is time for another Kentucky based running enthusi-ast to step forward,” says Lisa. The main responsibilities of a state repre-sentative include supporting and commu-nicating with member clubs, encouraging new memberships and renewals, attending the annual convention, and granting the state championship. Among the many benefits of serving are meeting dynamic run-ners from all over the US, giving back to the community and the sport, learning about the RRCA, and exercising your com-munication skills. Express your interest to Lisa Dahl at [email protected] and Ken Bendy (RRCA Southern Region Director) at [email protected].

Send us YOUR pictures, or else we will be forced to use our own!

July - August 2007 3

PAST PRESIDENTS Lisa Dahl 2006 Martin Bess 2005, ‘02-’03 Leo McMillen 2004, ‘97-’98 Louise Bieschke 2001 Chuck Griffis 1999-2000 Patrick & Louise Bieschke 1996 Betty Nigoff 1995 Larry Steur 1994 Alan Miles 1993 Brian Crumbo 1992 John Lathrop 1991 Dave Winters 1989-1990 Larry & Celia Wheeler 1988 Dick Jeffries 1987 Bruce Carey 1986 Jim Sutton & John Culbertson 1985 Robbie Robinson 1983-1984 Ken Hoskins & Dr. Tom Pauly 1982 Dennie Williams 1981 Jerry Stone 1972-1980

WANT TO SAVE A TREE?

You can now read this newsletter online at www.bluegrassrunners.org

If you’d like to help save paper and postage

costs, please send an email to [email protected] and let us know to remove your address from our newsletter mailing list.

Join bluegrass runners for a night at the ballpark

Tuesday, July 24, 7:00p.m. Applebee’s Park Lexington Legends vs. Lake County Captains $6.00 per person To reserve your seats, make check payable to ‘BLUEgrass Runners’ and send $6 per seat to: Rana Johnson 3497 Castleton Hill Lexington KY 40517 Payment must be received by the July 19th club meeting. For more information, call Rana at 272-1697.


Looking for someone to hit the pavement with?

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY EVENING

FOR THE WEEKLY 5-MILE CLUB RUN

Meet at 6:00 p.m. Commonwealth Stadium Parking Lot Near KET * Meeting time and location changes in the fall.

Lowell’s

Toyota/Lexus/Scion Specialist Maintenance and Repair 111 Mechanic St.

233-1173 Visit our web site - www.chooselowells.com

Owners: Lowell and Betty Nigoff Since 1979

Announcements & Reminders

Wednesday Night Track Workouts Are in Full Swing!

Want to improve your speed for the summer racing season? Looking for people to help you through tough interval workouts? If yes, come on out to the track!

Where: University of Kentucky Track (near Cliff Hagan Baseball Stadium) When: Wednesday evenings (track is open from 6:00pm until dark)

Come out and join fellow club members one Sunday each month for

a post-run potluck dinner. Friends and family welcome! Potlucks will be held following the 6pm 5-mile club runs at the Commonwealth Stadium parking lot near KET on these Sundays:

July 22 August 19 September 23

Sunday Evening Potluck Dates

Calling All Hikers The club social committee is in the process of organizing a Saturday afternoon picnic and hike at Raven Run or a nearby state park. If you have hiking experience and would be interested in helping lead a small group of hikers, please contact Bruce Carey at (859) 266-3756.


Keep your membership current. Please remember to pay your dues!

$20 for individual membership and $25 for family. For your membership expiration date, please check the mailing label on this newsletter.

MONTHLY MEETINGS ARE

THE THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 7:00 p.m.

AT THE GOOD FOODS CO-OP ON

SOUTHLAND DRIVE. ALL BGR MEMBERS ARE

ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN

One local group run option is the “Louise

Hensley” run which leaves from Harrodsburg Road

near New Circle. To get on the weekly email list for

these runs, send an email to Louise Hensley at

[email protected]

Have an announcement or

reminder for the club?

Email info to

[email protected] or

Fax to 859.971.7400.

July 3 Jason Lee 3 Bob Sellin 4 Walt Bower 17 Ron Frey 21 Rana Johnson 21 Jim Pierce 22 Chuck Craycraft 22 Roy Vasher 30 Terry Leach 30 Zanne Jefferies 31 Brenda Burton 31 Tom Law

Happy Birthday! August

2 Chris Grecco 8 James Pelphrey 10 Hugo Endris 14 Carolyn Phelps 14 George van Meter 16 Hope Hager 17 Rodney Norris 18 Mike Kirchner 20 Doris Medley 29 Barry Bertram 31 Herve Antoine 31 Martin Bess

For birthday additions or corrections, please contact Bruce Carey, (859) 266-3756.


Chrysalis House 5K April 28, 2007

Zach Wilder 16:36 Varinica Barbini 19:17 Harper Smith 20:13 Mike Kirchner 20:18 Robert Green 23:45 Lynn Cole 27:33 Carolyn Sue Phelps 31:27 Terry Foody 31:32 Marianne Falk 32:08 Jenny Falk 32:08 Cathy Parks 32:41 George Partridge 39:38

Run for Glory 5K May 19, 2007

Sue Phelps 39:57

Get Healthy Kentucky 5K Frankfort,

May 12, 2007 Harper Smith 21:28 Bill Adkisson 27:10 Harold Brandenberg 29:01 Sprint for the Springs 5K

May 19, 2007

Danny Place 22:44 Bruce Carey 23:42 Mary Naagle 25:40

Winchester/Clark Co. 5K May 12, 2007

David Watson 20:57

Skelter for the Shelter Wilmore

May 26, 2007

Charlie Lutz 19:28 Patrick Lutz 23:55 Martha Lutz 27:21 Margaret Lutz 28:29

James Moore 29:48 Sonny Whitt 30:02 Harold Love 35:23 George Partridge 40:13

Fungus 5K Irvine

April 28, 2007 Tim Bailey 19:25 3rd Male Wendy Cegielski 22:54 1st Female Pam Kincaid 24:28 3rd Female Sonny Whitt 28:16 1st Age

Richmond 5K Classic May 28, 2007

Brian Ochs 18:56 Tim Bailey 19:03 Harper Smith 19:36 Wendy Cegielski 22:12 David Nelson 23:01 Neal Gray 25:42 Sonny Whitt 27:59 Karen Nelson 29:47 Harold Love 34:05


Buffalo Trails Multisport Racing Triathlon

0.5-mi swim/22-mi bike/3-mi run Maysville

May 26, 2007 Mary Henson 2:11:34

Duathlon 2.4-mi run/22-mi bike/3-mi run

Chris Grecco 1:41:20

4-Mile Mutt Strut May 28, 2007

Gerald Thompson 24:56 2nd Master Carol Miles 27:03 1stFFemale Kimberly Stigers 29:54 2nd Master Danny Place 30:26 1st Age Robert Green 30:27 1st Age Tara Cox 30:59 1st Age Robert Johnson 31:02 2nd Age Deloris Farmer 31:57 1st Age Bruce Carey 32:28 Shannan Gabe 33:33 Mary Nagle 33:43 1st Age Brenda Burton 36:00 1st Age Jason Martens 38:04 James Moore 38:29 Trish Wiglesworth 43:33 Lowell Nigoff 46:07 Brent Cox 54:09

2K for Humans & Canines

Tom Law and Huey 4th place

Run by the River 5K Russell

June 9, 2007 Matt Collins 19:34 Tim Bailey 19:38 Wendy Cegielski 22:53 Marcus Bess 23:11 Vicki Bess 32:38

10K

Robert Johnson 49:44

Ford Ironman 2.4-mi swim/112-mi bike/26.2-mi run

Coeur d’Alene, ID June 23, 2007

Mary Henson 15:30:55

swim: 1:57:27 bike: 8:10:09 run: 5:01:41

John's 5K XC Challenge Race I

June 12, 2007

Walt Bower 19:48 Brian Ochs 20:22 Mike Kirchner 21:32 Patrick Stephenson 21:53 Margaret Lutz 27:43 Lynn Coe 27:59 Nancy Stephens 30:41 Jim Moore 31:38 Trish Wiglesworth 33:39 Karen Nelson 33:46 Terry Foody 33:49 Kristi Kappes 34:02

Ironman 70.3 Kona 1.2-mi swim/56-mi bike/13.1-mi run

Big Island, HI June 2, 2007

Bob Sellin 7:13:56


Delaware Marathon Wilmington, DE

May 20, 2007

Dan Wells 5:04:38

Hatfield-McCoy Marathon Goody, KY—Williamson, WV

June 9, 2007

Dan Wells 5:41:45

New Jersey Marathon Long Branch, NJ

April 29, 2007

Dan Wells 5:09:31

Share your latest race experience with BGR! Whether it’s a detailed article, a brief review of the event, or a photo of you crossing the finish line, send it to [email protected] or fax to 859-971-7400. BGR members want to know!

Indianapolis Half Marathon May 5, 2007

Lisa Dahl 1:48

Cleveland Half Marathon Cleveland, OH May 20, 2007

Lisa Dahl 1:43

Sunburst Marathon South Bend, IN

June 2, 2007

Lisa Dahl 4:12

Kentucky Masters USATF Outdoor Championships

Elizabethtown June 9, 2007

1500m

Terry Foody 8:09 400m Terry Foody 4:02

KY Fort Harrod Beef Festival 5K

Harrodsburg June 2, 2007

Gerald Thompson 19:12 Harper Smith 19:53 Sonny Whitt 28:38


The Buffalo Trails MultiSport Racing Triathlon/Duathlon on May 26th found my fellow triathlete Ken Ball and me feeling good about our training and how far we have come since two years ago when we did this same event. The triathlon consists of a 0.5-mile swim, 22-mile bike and 3.05-mile run. The race is in Maysville, Kentucky along the Ohio River. It is called Buffalo Trails MultiSport Racing because of the many buffalo trails in the region centuries ago.

Our improvement was evident in our swimming approach. Two years ago had us on the barge in the back of the pack and we did not jump in the water until very last! This year was a different story – we jumped in with the first group. I knocked 3-4 min-utes off my swim time and 21 minutes off my bike time! The Big Hiney Hill found both Ken and I pass-ing other cyclists and they saw our Big Bad Hineys! The weather was perfect. It did get hot on the run as there is no shade and I felt like a lizard on a hot rock. I passed one runner (a guy and younger than me and that is always good for my ego!!)

The food was great -- Applebee’s catered and we ate sandwiches, baked beans and cole slaw and my fa-vorite post race drink, Mountain Dew! The day was not over; we drove back to Lexington and rode from Masterson Station Park another 28 miles. Lots of fellow cyclists from the Horsey 100, which was held the same day, were around. I slept good that night!!!

Race Reports

It is hard to describe the Hatfield-McCoy Marathon in just a few words. It is a very difficult marathon because of the heat and humidity, but we did get a few small breaks in the weather on Saturday, June 9, 2007. The course is pretty, interesting, with one ma-jor hill – Blackberry Mountain – and several other medium hills. The people are wonderful. For the $45 entry fee, you get a pasta dinner on Friday night, medal, towel, t-shirt, barbecue sandwich, and a big hug at the finish line. On one day out of the year you are assigned to one of the feuding families and you are treated as family.

You run through for-mer company coal towns, past aban-doned and active coal mines. One smiling lady greeted me again for the third year as I ran past her house decorated with Christmas orna-ments. The halfway point is at Matewan, site of the historic 1920 gun battle between the Chief of Police and min-ers versus the Baldwin-Felts detectives. Near mile 18 you cross the river from Kentucky to West Virginia on a large swinging bridge in the middle of a golf course. The start is in Goody, KY and the finish is in Williamson, WV, so the race can count for either state. Where else in the world could you find two old geezers with shotguns walking down Main Street and feel that you were a lot safer than if you were in Washington, DC? This course is certified by an ole Dodge pick’em-up truck and is a qualifier for the Boston, KY Long Branch Saloon - along with $50.

Overall, this is a real good marathon if you can take the heat & humidity. It’s only about a 3-1/2 hour drive from Lexington. The price is right but you may have to find a motel in Pikeville. Give it a try!

Dan at the finish with one of the McCoys

Hatfield-McCoy Marathon by Dan Wells

Buffalo Trails MultiSport Racing Triathlon & Duathlon by Mary Henson

Mary & Ken enjoy their post-race meal (above); Mary races

to the finish line (right).


The run was over a magnificent golf course and included some easy hills, a lot of flat, hot fairways, a short beach run, and one long, moderately steep hill from miles 9 to 12. First down the hill for 1.5 miles and then turn around and run back up. The reward for conquering the hill was arriving at the mile 12 aid station, which was staffed by exuberant, nicely dressed Hooters girls and shirtless tat-tooed biker guys. I knew the vision was real and not a fantasy because I’m sure I would have reversed the outfits if I were hallucinating. Then it was one flat mile to the promised land of loved ones, finishers’ medals, and mar-garitas. I’d thought with my best effort I could go under 7 hours. This was a bit optimistic since it took me 7:41 last year. Considering the heat and some technical issues on the bike, and just how exhausted I felt at the end, I was glad to finish under 7:14, an improvement of almost 28 minutes over 2006. Heck, if I could improve 28 minutes every year I could qualify for the world championships by the time I’m 60. On second thought just finishing a triathlon is a great feeling, at any speed, especially in paradise. The Honu Half Ironman is by far the best organized and best staffed triathlon I have seen in my limited triathlon experience, and I recommend the race to anyone interested in a challenging but fantastic triathlon adventure. Local runner and a speaker at one of last year’s BLUEgrass Runners’ meetings, John Balthrop, finished in 5 hours 33 minutes and was 5th in his age group.

The Half Ironman was many things, but it did not feel like “half” of anything. The third annual Honu Half Ironman was set on a typically beautiful Big Island day. The water at Hapuna Beach, one of the world’s best public beaches, was calm and 79 degrees with a mild current. The swim course was a 1.2-mile rectangle in crystal clear water. The shotgun start for almost 1,000 participants was an adrena-line rush. For the slower swimmers in the back of the pack (my place) it was not too congested. I knew I was doing better on this year’s swim than last year because I had eye contact with other swimmers the entire race. The prescription goggles were a big factor. Another positive sign was that I didn’t have rescue swimmers paddling their surfboards alongside me with worried looks on their faces.

After stumbling through the first transition area and wast-ing precious minutes setting my GPS, I was off for a chal-lenging 56-mile bike ride over a course that covered the middle half of the classic Ironman Championship course. From Hapuna Beach there was a hilly 8-mile, down and back ride through the lava fields and then upward to the town of Hawi (Hah-Vee). The trip to Hawi was a 20-mile ride that was generally uphill and against the wind. The turnaround was at approximately mile 30, which was fol-lowed by miles of beautiful, primarily downhill riding, with the endless ocean on the right. The bike course fin-ished at the picturesque Mauna Lani Beach club. At that point the wind seemed to stop blowing, the sun boiled, my legs felt like congealed sludge, and the fun began.

I have always thought of myself as a runner, having taken up triathlon training in the last two to three years. Run-ning after swimming, and especially after cycling, is a uniquely humbling experience. When the run started at 12:00 noon and it was 90 degrees, it became very personal, and near the end, an almost religious event.

Bob crosses the finish line after 7 hours of swimming, cycling, and running in tropical weather.

Race Reports Ironman 70.3 Kona Big Island, Hawaii by Bob Sellin


Race Reports

What: Two-loop, annual Boston qualifying race along an ocean boardwalk. Where: The New Jersey coastal city of Long Branch and nearby Monmouth Beach, a 1.5-hour drive from Philadelphia. When: Sunday, April 29, 2007 What I Liked: A flat course with only a few small hills, the race starts and finishes along the ocean boardwalk. Temperatures were cool and breezy with overcast skies, good for running. Administration and aid stations were good. Challenges: Lodging in the area is scarce and a little expensive.

.

Race Snapshot

Runners on the boardwalk in New Jersey(top); Dan enjoyed sight-seeing in nearby Phila-delphia, where he snapped this shot of the Liberty Bell (right).

New Jersey Marathon by Dan Wells

What: Annual two-loop race in an old ship port that takes runners past sights such as large ship building cranes that have been painted for visitors. Where: Wilmington, Delaware, about 30 minutes south of the Philadelphia Airport. When: Sunday, May 20, 2007 What I Liked: Relatively flat course. Wilmington has a nice new boardwalk and park along the river in downtown. Administration, aid stations, and parking were good. Airline tickets to Philadelphia were cheap and lodging was reasonably priced. It’s easy to fly there on Saturday and home on Sunday after the race. Challenges: Temperatures were warm, but overcast skies made it easy to forget hydration.

Race Snapshot Delaware Marathon

by Dan Wells

Dan battles warm temperatures in Wilmington.


State of American Distance Running: Decline and Resurgence by Gerald Thompson (The author recognizes that both Runner’s World and Running Times have recently published articles about some of the elements contained in this editorial. His article was written before those publications were released and is pleased to know his thoughts are validated by major running publications.)

While watching a broadcast of the Boston Marathon a few years ago, I was amused by a term one of the broadcasters used. He was calling the masses of non-elite runners “citizen runners,” a reference to runners who do not get to run as a profession, or at least train full time. He went on to explain in a very complimentary manner the dedication of these runners even though they most likely will never get to make a full time commitment to running. These people have a lot going on with jobs and families, yet they still make the time for quality training. Upon further evaluation, I find it very interesting how many “citizen runners” do not know the elites of the sport. Imagine rec-reational basketball participants not knowing the big name professionals in their sport, some of them even wear the jersey of their favorite.

I am not criticizing the lack of knowledge of the running masses about the best in their sport. In fact, I laud runners for getting something much more meaningful out of par-ticipation, as opposed to admiring their professional he-roes through the television. However, something wonder-ful has happened to our sport recently, and I think it is worth noting. I thought it would be interesting to delve into the disconnect between “citizen runners” and the top performers in their sport and also look at where American distance running has been over the last few decades, where it is now and where it might be headed. I believe there is a correlation between the state of American dis-tance running and the lack of elite awareness among the running masses. I understand this is open to much de-bate, and there is much more that can be said, but I think the following discussion can at least be a start.

Arguably, United States distance running hit a low at the men’s and women’s marathon Olympic Trials of 2000. Because both the men’s and women’s trials of that year failed to produce a runner with a qualifying time, the U.S. only had only one man and one woman for the 2000 Olympic marathon team. Maybe at a great disadvantage due to difficult trials courses and warmer than ideal tem-peratures, the only representatives that year were the tri-als winners. Ordinarily, the U.S. sends its top three trials finishers, provided all three finish under a standard time. If no one finishes below a qualifying time, as the case in 2000, then only the trials winner makes the Olympic team. One has to wonder if the officials who make decisions about the trials gave enough thought to weather and courses when giving the athletes a chance for the Olym-pics. There are expected ups and downs in distance run-ning, but it stood to question if the U.S. had an inherent

problem in training distance runners at that time. Who were our running heroes?

During the 1970s and early 1980s, America had Frank Shorter winning Olympic medals (gold in ’72 and silver in ’76). Bill Rodgers and Alberto Salazar were performing very well at the Boston and New York City marathons during this time. Of course, Steve Prefontaine was achiev-ing cult-like status as a standout on the track at the Uni-versity of Oregon under Bill Bowerman. Joan Benoit im-pressed all with a dominating performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, earning marathon gold at the first ever women’s Olympic mara-thon. Most “citizen run-ners” of the time knew the names of these icons. These runners were not only on the covers of running magazines, but national magazines like Sports Illustrated and Life. However, since that time it has been a little difficult to name great distance runners. Sure there have been very good performances such as Bob Kempainen turning in a 2:08:47 time at the 1994 Boston marathon (a top ten finish, but not a win) or Bob Kennedy running an Ameri-can record sub-13 minute 5k time, but these efforts did not resonate with the American public. Khalid Khannouchi set American and world records during the early 2000s in the marathon as a U.S. citizen, but his formative years, as well as some of his world class and record years, were spent as a Moroccan citizen. Sorry Khalid, I am for you as

an American runner, but for this discussion the fo-cus is on training American runners through their for-mative years. Since the mid-1980s, distance run-ning has not been very con-sistent in the U.S. I give serious hesitation to saying that a sub-2:20 marathon is a decline, but the elite level performances seemed to be waning on the world stage. Americans were not win-ning, not even getting in the top 10 at major events over several years.

Face it, as Americans, we do not pay much attention to very good runners who do not finish first. I have to admit my interest in the Tour de France picks up when an American is near the front, such as the years Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong were winning, and I paid attention to the run the women’s soccer team had a few years ago.

Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers running the Falmouth Road Race in the 1970s.

A distance runner on the cover of SI?! No way! Yep, “Pre” in June, ‘70.


money in training and not waiting to throw money at a runner after he or she has achieved at a very high level. Typically, in the past, an aspiring runner had to figure out his/her own training, find a way to survive financially and then hope the contracts would appear after getting a top finish at a major event or two.

That model, however, is starting to change somewhat. There is the Nike Oregon project training such newcomers as Galen Rupp, University of Oregon up and comer on the track with the best collegiate 10k time, 27:33, for a U.S.-born runner, and Dan Browne, 2004 U.S. Olympic mara-thon member and 10k Olympic qualifier. Nike has hired Alberto Salazar as one of its coaches for this project. Brooks Running has recently increased its commitment to the Hansons-Brooks distance running project and team. The Hansons-Brooks team has done some wonderful things over a few years. The team members are placing near the top at marathons such as Chicago and Boston and performing well at other distances such as the recent USA 25k championships. It is interesting to go to Hansons-Brooks website periodically to see how well this group is indeed doing. Saucony has introduced a program that offers running grants to communities to fight childhood obesity, maybe a program that can spark a future runner. Yes, I know there has been plenty of criticism levied at the corporate shoe empires, but there are some positives.

Running projects, such as Hansons-Brooks and Team USA, have hit upon a successful method of the Kenyan runners, a team approach. Hansons now trains several runners at varying distances and emphasizes a significant amount of training with a team approach. Hansons athlete Brain Sell routinely places in the top ten at major events and is now considered one of the best U.S. distance run-ners. Katie McGregor and Jen Rhines, two top U.S. female runners over several distances, have done well with this approach through Team USA Minnesota and Team USA Mammoth Lakes, California (more on Mammoth Lakes later), respectively. There are other projects that are now shaping distance runners, such as Zap Fitness in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, where local product Thomas Mor-gan runs. (Thomas is ranked number 10 in the July/August Running Times USA road race rankings.) Most of these programs might not offer great financial support, but they offer athletes a chance at full time training with living arrangements and nutritional benefits. Some also offer health care benefits. Maybe a few in such programs can break through to elite status and gain enough finan-cial support to stay with distance running for several years. Importantly, these athletes have a chance to devote full time to running. It must be incredibly difficult to sup-port oneself running, as it must be a labor of love. It also must be difficult to train in an isolated manner. These groups give athletes a chance, and, at least partly because of this approach, it seems that there is a change in the for-tunes of the U.S. distance running scene. (To be continued in the next BGR newsletter.)

I usually follow the major tennis events, but my interest piques when an American is making a run through a tour-nament. There are many Olympic events that I follow little and know next to nothing, but I am usually following along if an American is near the top at the Olympic Games. A classic Sports Illustrated cover is U.S. Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz wearing all the medals he won at the 1972 Olympics. Mark Spitz was an instant public figure, like other Olympic stars such as Bruce Jenner and Mary Lou Retton…the list goes on and on, you get the idea. Most of us are for the home team, or homers. Sometimes my interests in professional sports figures and perform-ances in endeavors such as cycling, soccer, and most Olympic events is not always at a heightened level, but it picks up when an American makes some noise. Maybe Bill Rodgers got attention because he won often, and oth-erwise deserving performers did not get any attention be-cause they did not win. So, I understand the disconnect in this country with sports other than the typical American sports: football, basketball, baseball and NASCAR. The only way to break through in another sport is to win, usu-ally often. There is only so much attention sports fans can give and its usually taken by the typical American sports. A better than average football player is known by a lot of people in this country. However, if you want to get noticed as a runner in this country, you better be superb and American.

There are many possible explanations for the American distance running decline at that time (beyond mid-80s), at least as I see it. There was a phenomenal rush of distance greatness from the east-African nations (Rift Valley) mak-ing a top finish even more difficult. Many American dis-tance runners had to work outside of running to support themselves, some full time. It was not that long ago that an athlete had to make an agonizing choice between ama-teurism and professionalism, possible exclusion from the Olympics being the consequence. Distance running is not a sport that most American youth aspire to participate in professionally, just listen. The money is not there as much as in other sports. Also, no disrespect to the level of com-mitment required of other sports, distance running and training at the highest levels is tough. Around the time of the 2000 Olympic trials disappointment, it had come to a point where some were wondering how or if the U.S. could turn around its distance running performances.

I have a love/hate relationship with shoe companies. However, shoe companies are starting to come up with money for those wanting to turn professional. True, shoe companies have paid runners for some time now, but there is a noticeable difference. It seems they are investing

Mary Lou eats her Wheaties.


Favorite Summer Recipes & Cooldowns

Insalata Caprese Betty Nigoff’s all-time favorite summer treat

This salad basically is just a fresh slice of tomato, a fresh piece of basil, and a slice of buffalo (fresh mozzarella) cheese, either stacked or arranged in a circle alternating the ingredients, and a good olive oil drizzled over top. Served with a warm loaf of Italian bread and a glass of wine, this dish makes for a nice, light dinner.

Stuffed Jalapeños Submitted by Lisa Dahl 24 jalapeños, halved and seeded – make sure not to cut the end off or stuffing will melt out. ½ lb Italian sausage 1 8 oz. container of light cream cheese 1½ cups of shredded parmesan cheese Brown the sausage and drain. Using a hand mixer, combine the sausage and cheeses. Stuff the jalapeño halves and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Easy and delicious!! You can also make these a day ahead of time and bake on the day of the party!

Luscious Key Lime Cake Served by Shannan Gabe at the June club meeting

1 package Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe lemon supreme cake mix 1 (4 ounce) box lemon instant pudding and pie filling 4 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 3/4 cup water 1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled lime juice may be substituted)

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan.

Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, 3/4 cups water and 1/4 cup key lime juice in a large bowl. Beat at low speed with electric mixer until moistened. Beat at medium speed 2 minutes.

Pour mixture into pan and bake 50 to 60 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in pan 25 minutes. Remove cake from pan onto a cooling rack.

Return cake to pan. Using a fork or wooden skewer, poke holes in top of warm cake. Pour glaze slowly over the top of the warm cake. Cool completely.

Invert cake onto serving platter. If desired, dust with additional confectioners sugar and/or garnish with lime slices and strawberry slices.

Glaze: 2 cups confectioners sugar 1/3 cup Key lime juice 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons butter, melted Combine the confectioners sugar, lime juice, water and melted butter in a medium bowl, whisking well to combine all ingredients.

Terry Foody’s Favorite Post-Run Cooldown My summer sports drink is low-fat milk (including chocolate!) about 30 minutes after a workout. It’s a great source of protein, calcium, magne-sium and phosphorous, making it especially good for masters athletes.


KY State Championship Awarded to BLUEgrass Runners’ Thoroughbred Classic

Join the BLUEgrass Runners I understand that the “BLUEgrass Runners” is a nonprofit running club organized to foster safety and promote excellence for runners and walkers of all ages, levels and abilities in the Bluegrass area. As a BLUEgrass Runner, I subscribe to the above purpose and agree to abide by the club’s constitution, by-laws and rules. I also agree to hold harmless the BLUEgrass Runners from any liability for any injury incurred while participating in any activity organized or sponsored by the BLUEgrass Runners. An-nual dues in the BLUEgrass Runners Club are $20-single and $25-family.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name__________________________________________ Birthdate_________________ Age__________ Address________________________________________________________________________________ No. Street (P.O. BOX) City State Zip

Phone (home)___________________ Fax___________________ T-shirt size ____ Gender ______ Phone (work)_______________________ E-mail______________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________________ Date___________________________ Mail dues and application to: BLUEgrass Runners Referred by: ______________________________ P.O. 23551 (BLUEgrass Runners Member) Lexington KY 40523

RRCA Update RRCA Chicago Convention Highlights This year’s convention delivered great content and big fun! Experts offered a variety of valuable seminars regarding running, clubs, news-letters, and safety, among other topics. At the State Representative Luncheon Runners’ World’s John “the Penguin” Bingham delighted diners with his wit and historical recount of all things running. Group runs were a daily event, including a Chicago History Run, which heightened everyone’s appreciation of the city. The sizable and popular Shamrock Shuffle 8K toured the downtown with a post-race party in Grant Park near the Buckingham Fountain. We also enjoyed an evening at Goose Island, a silent and live auction to raise funding to benefit the RRCA, and the annual awards banquet.

The 2007 Kentucky State 5K Championship has been awarded to BLUEgrass Runners’ annual Thanksgiving Day 5K. This long-standing event is popular with local and extended families, including out-of-towners visiting over the holiday weekend. The dual purposes of this race include promoting run-ning / fitness in the community and supporting local charities. The 2006 Thoroughbred Classic 5K regis-tered 1,443 participants and scored 1,300 finishers, generating proceeds of over $15,000 for local chari-ties. Treasurer Louise Hensley will serve as race director for this year’s event.

Lisa Dahl’s pre-race strategy session with Dr. Hartley at the Shamrock Shuffle packet pick up at Navy Pier

Save These Dates September 21, 2007: Run@Work Day. A Run @ Work Fact Sheet & Planning Guide are available @ rrca.org

November 22, 2007: BLUEgrass Runners Thoroughbred Classic and RRCA State Championship

May 1-4, 2008: RRCA Annual Convention in Cincinnati hosted by the Flying Pig Marathon


Upcoming Races Around the Bluegrass July 7 - Eubank Fire Dept. 5K - Eubank, KY 8am. Information via email at: [email protected] July 10 - John's 5K XC Challenge - Masterson Station Park; Lexington, KY at 7pm July 14 - Magnolia 5K - Falls of Rough, KY (Rough River Dam) at 8am CDT July 15 - 14th Annual General Butler Off-Road Triathlon - Carrollton, KY July 21 - Bluegrass State Games 5K - Lexington, KY July 21 - Heart of Kentucky 5K - Danville, KY 8am - Darrell King 859-236-0347 or 859-236-9415. Part of Wilderness Trace 5K Running “Serres” July 28 - Run for Recovery 5K - Lexington, KY - Ed Tedder 859-252-1939 August 5 - Beaumont YMCA Kid's Triathlon - Lexington, KY 8am August 11 - A Midsummer Night's Run 5K - Downtown Lexington, KY August 11 - MS Find a Cure 10K & 5K - Calvert City, KY August 14 - John's 5K XC Challenge - Masterson Station Park; Lexington, KY at 7pm August 18 - Lame Duck Sprint Tri - Georgetown, KY - Shar Golding 859-433-1907 August 18 - Mt. Sterling Parks and Rec 5K - Mt. Sterling, KY 8am - Suzanne Garrison 859-498-8728 or email at: [email protected] August 18 - College Hill Rhythm Race 5K Run/Walk/Wheelchair - Cincinnati, OH 7pm August 18 - Nathan's Run/Walk-n-Roll 5K- Lexington, KY (Keeneland Barn 2) - Lynette Crist 859-223-1185 or 859-333-6458 or [email protected] August 25 - Railroad Days 5K - Junction City Park; Junction City, KY at 8am - Dick Burchett 859-583-5700 Part of Wilderness Trace 5K Running “Serres” August 25 - The FCA Solid Rock & Roll 5K - Somerset, KY - Ricky Farmer [email protected] August 26 - Louisville Ironman Triathlon - Louisville, KY September 1 - Wendy Wyrick Lung Run 5K - Keeneland Race Course; Lexington, KY September 1 - Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival 5K - Winchester, KY 8:30am - Rhonda Morphew 859-745-9662

PO Box 23551 Lexington KY 40523

bluegrass runners to compete in national senior olympic...

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