Club news in the
South Florida Runners Forum
Every Month
KWSR-SFRF March 2010
PRESIDENTS NOTE
Hello Fellow Runners and Walkers:
Since my last Forum entry we have managed two more terrific events. The DAS No Name 5K Run Walk was a blast as usual with great weather and a nice field of about 162 folks of all ages. I enjoyed herding the crowd of about 650 over US1 during the Key West Half Marathon. This is the first year that I did not lose my voice cheering and clapping for each racer; how sweet it is to hear so many “thank-you-s”. We had the strangest weather, from warm and humid to cold with fog and drizzle. Hey, at least it didn’t snow!
I want to welcome all of our new KWSR members and thank our renewals. We love to see the club grow and change. Spring is a time of growth and renewal; yes, I said spring…can you believe it is almost here? How apropos that we as a club are in the midst of our annual hunt for new blood, I mean board members. It is unfortunate but we just had to let some of them go, they just didn’t cut it! I AM JOKING. We really hate to see anyone go, their service is greatly appreciated. If you have ever participated in a race you may have an idea of how much work goes into putting it all together. Believe me, it is way more than throwing down some cones and writing down bib numbers on a pad of paper. With that said, I find it very rewarding to do my part to make such fun and healthy events happen; not to mention the many charities that benefit. We have already been approached by some great new KWSR board candidates and after thorough background checks, and timing their attempts at the “gauntlet” (did you ever watch American Gladiator?); we may have at least one new board member. If you are highly motivated and interested in attempting the “gauntlet”, please feel free to contact me for consideration. Just make sure to ask yourself, “Can I handle the fame?”
Looking Forward,
Susan Kochan
FROM THE EDITOR
Dennis and Bob key KW Southernmost Volunteers
Many thanks go to all the people that made the 12th Annual Key West Half Marathon a great success. BW Promotions and the Key West Gator Club as partners with KWSR and a new host location of Dante’s made this the best to KWHM ever. Mike Melton’s Chip timing gave quick results to the more the 650 participants, giving them just enough time to enjoy the Michelob Ultra at the Post race party before the awards were handed out. Key West Police kept the traffic controlled allowing the runners safe passage thorough our city streets. KWSR Volunteer coordinator, Dennis Gormley kept things moving on the course keeping the runners safe and hydrated, with the help of more then 200 volunteers from the community. Dennis Thanks the residents of the City for the quick response filling 98% of the volunteer positions 10 days before the race. KW Half Marathon Volunteers enjoyed the event enough that over 50 spots are already filled for the 13th Annual KW Half Marathon January 30, 2010. Remember Volunteers are needed for every race, KWSR needs the support of it members to make our races happen. We need skilled volunteers for Data entry and Race results as well as race directors to continue our busy calendar of events. Call Don 305-304-0091 to get in on a training session.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
March 3, Wednesday, KWSR Board meeting 6 PM, Members Social 7 PM at Grim’s Grill
Sombrero Beach Run 5K 10K, March 6, 8:00 AM
Few race venues can rival the beauty of competing (running or walking) in the Florida Keys. Many runners see the “Sombrero Beach Run” as an excellent warm-up for the widely popular “7-Mile Bridge Run” held the following month. This year’s event will Feature separate starts for the 10K Run at 7:30 AM and the 5K Run/Walk at 8:45. This will eliminate some congestion on the course and Challenge runners to do the both races and be in the running for the 15K Challenge Awards. These awards will be given by adding both the 10K and 5K race times. Kick off Friday March 5, night with pre-registration party beachside at one of Marathon's finest bayside resorts, Banana Bay www.BananaBay.com. Race Day be swept away with custom t-shirts, entertainment by D.J. Tito, runners' breakfast (bagels, fruit and pastry), after race lunch (grilled sausages and hot dogs), drinks and ice cold beer - all at the spectacular setting of Sombrero Beach.
This community rallies together to make this an experience the runners will never forget. Restaurants, hotels, businesses and individuals generously donate, raffles, trophies, overall prizes, food, entertainment, time. That's why this race is so special!
After the race, enjoy a swim at Sombrero Beach. Sombrero Beach is open to the public and offers free parking, bathhouses, a large pavilion, covered picnic tables, grills, volleyball nets and a child play-scape. Come see for yourself why this is the #1 event of it's kind in the Florida Keys.
Toping all of that, what makes this event really special is that 100% of the proceeds of this race go to KAIR a non-profit organization providing food and emergency services to those in need in the middle Keys.
5th Annual Menendez Miler 5K March 14, 8:00 AM
Another great event by the Sunset Rotary Benefiting the Bobby Menendez Scholarship fund. Celebrate after the race with free beer, free snacks and lots of door prizes and drawings. Call 305-304-1019 for more info.
Spring Florida Keys Community College, MWR, Sprint Triathlon, is March 20. If you haven’t tried it you should. This event is a lot of fun and more people are enjoying the benefit of cross training for this event. This year it will offer a selection of biathlons. Bike Run, Swim Run, or Swim bike. So I’m sure there is something for everyone. For more info Call 305-809-3562
17th Annual Turtle Trot 5K Run/Walk April 3.
Don’t miss great event with promotions by BW promotions and the usual great post race party on the docks. Location TBA, Call Barb at 296-7182 for information
14th Annual Earth Day Run/Walk, April 10
Another great annual event starting at White street pier. This race highlights Earth-Friendly Recyclable Awards and Proceeds to go to, Friends And Volunteers Of Refuges (FAVOR). FAVOR volunteers have been directly responsible for mountains of trash being removed from our beaches and wildlands. Application on our website. Call 305-745-3027 for information
WHAT HAPPENED
No Name Race Start: Note rare photo of Rick MacKenzie (Volunteer extraordinary) Running.
9th Annual No Name 5K Run/Walk, Saturday January 16, 8:00 AM
Warm weather finally and just in time for race day. Over 230 runners and walkers had the chance to run with the deer on No Name Key. Though no deer dared to show on the course a few observed as runners warmed up on the Bridge to No Name Key early Saturday morning.
Overall winners Aeschton Tomita led the way winning the 5K Run in 19:21 with his Cross country Coach not far behind running a 19:48, for 2ns overall and the over 40 masters win. Other notables in the men’s race were, Key West’s Timothy Faucette, 20:17, 3rd overall, San Diego runner, David Sohar, 20:40, 4th and from Germany Kolja Klar, 1 second behind for 5th place overall.
Younger boys runners were well represented in the 9 and under age group, with 5 year old Rickey Gruetzman being the youngest runner.
And the 10-14 age group had a good showing in both the boys and girls groups, with local runners from Marathon to Key West toeing the line.
For the Women, upper Keys runner Joan Scholz never looked back running a time of 21:47 almost a minute ahead of up and coming Natalia Duke running the 5K in the middle of her 20 mile Marathon training run. Beth Ulbarri from Albuquerque NM, was 3rd overall woman, in 23:26, Masters Winner Sheree Ganske, 23:30 4th overall and Allison Curry, 24:45, from Miltown NJ 5th place overall woman.
Again in there were lots of young people running in the younger girls divisions, a good sign for the future of running sports.
Walkers were well represented with Marathon Walker Cory Walter, pushing the pace to a 30:57, just under 10 minutes per mile, winning the woman’s walkers award. Larry Ferguson started his racing season with a hard to beat time of 33:41, leading the men and winning the overall male walker award.
Thanks to all the Runners, for participating and donating to this worthy cause.
Results and photos will be on the website
12th Annual Key West ˝ Marathon Jan. 31, 7:00 AM
See the website for photos and Results, Great race showing off our Island paradise. Thanks to all Sponsors, Volunteers and participants, See photos at www.coxsportsphotos.com
February 3, 7-8 PM KWSR Social at Grim’s Grill
Board meeting 6-7 and runners gathered at 7, meeting with the new KW Triathlon Club and hearing about new events.
February 13, Road to Graduation 5K Run/Walk
Check the website for results and photos and look for a race wrap-up next month.
3rd Annual Blimp Road 4 Miler, February 20, 9:00 AM
Pirates Wellness Center hosting for this event that benefits the St. Peter Church SeaBee Foundation which provides educational scholarships for single parent families in the lower Florida Keys. Pirates Wellness puts on a great event just a short drive from Key
West, (MM21) Check the website for results and photos and look for a race wrap-up next month.
KWSR’s ON THE ROADS
Southernmost Walker Chester Kalb, walks in Hawaii this month.
Maui Oceanfront Half Marathon
I race walked the Maui Oceanfront Half Marathon on Sunday, January 24, 2010 in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. The course was an out and back route and for the most part flat with a view of the ocean. Most of the course was on the shoulder of a main highway containing plenty of traffic. Fortunately, the shoulder was wide enough that I never had to walk on the roadway. Water stations were located approximately every 1.5 miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. There were no sports drinks available during or after the race. There were no need for traffic control except in the first and last mile, where a few volunteers were needed. The race was well organized and featured a 5K, 15K, half marathon, and full marathon. The weather was sunny with the temperature starting at 67 and becoming hot in the mid 70's once the sun came up. There was almost no breeze. I did manage to see 3 humpback whales out in the ocean as I walked the race. It was a wonderful day in Maui and I enjoyed myself.
Chester Kalb
Check out Pictures and applications online from the www.southernmostrunners.com web site, all applications are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Race results from all our events are posted promptly.
Remember all memberships are now good for 1 year from the date you joined, Check on the website to see when you last paid or call me at 305-745-3027
Run On, Don
SFRF Runner Profile
Lilla Whiteside
Lilla is currently a board member and President of KWSR. She ran competitively in high school and college, cross country and track. While in the Marine Corps, stationed in Hawaii she ran her first Marathons in Honolulu and Maui. When she moved here in 1993, she ran with the "Christian Runners Club" who were the core group who founded the KWSR club. Lilla left Key West in 1995 for graduate school in physical therapy, and when she returned in 1997 she was starting a new family. Between having children and working full time, she is keeping up the mileage, but not worried about new PRs..."my 10 year peak was 10 years ago."
NAME: Lilla Whiteside
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Key West
JOB: Physical Therapist
MARITAL STATUS: married to Mark
CHILDREN: Eric 4, Mason 17 months
HOW LONG RUNNING: 21 years
FAVORITE RUNNING ROUTE: Smathers beach
FAVORITE WORK OUT: Long runs on Sundays (10 or more)
TRAINING PARTNERS: Debbie Bertolini, Kim Schaeffer, Karen Adams
P.R.'s: 5K- 18:42 (18:48 Hemingway Days Sunset 1993), 10K-39:50 ,1/2 Marathon - 1:34, Marathon- 3:24
FAVORITE LOCAL RACE: Hog Trot
FAVORITE NON-LOCAL RACE: USMC Marathon
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A RACE: Friends to run with
CROSS-TRAINING: water running
RUNNING HERO: Robert Price
RUNNING GOALS: Continue to run "Injury free"
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO CATCH:
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW RUNNER: Always listen to your body, Stretch a lot!
