The Pacer

ANDERSON ROAD RUNNERS CLUB

January-February 2004

President: Bob Hart 643-6304 Vice President: Tommy Goodson 642-4834

Treasurer: Peggy Hart 643-6304 Secretary: Denise Skillman 683-0483

Editor: Robin Van Camp Gerhart 643-6617 At-Large Officers: Ron Harmening 778-2618 Membership Chairman: Doug Townsend 644-0747 Greg Smith 778-7987

Race Directors:

Thursday Night Points Race Bob Kearns Road Series-Wally Post 649-8674

Walking Series- Judy Baylor 643-7637 Fun Run- Frank St. Phillips

Words from the President…

Hello to all of you Anderson Road Runners. This will be my last article as your club president. I can't believe how fast the time has gone and how much the club and your officers have accomplished. We have more than doubled in size and have added a great youth outreach program that envies most other clubs in the state. I was very pleased to see 60 middle school and high school runners at Run the Mounds.

I want to use this last article for a few things....
First, I want to thank the officers, board members, race directors, and race committee members who have supported me and have made the expansion of the club and its activities possible. We have been fortunate to have high quality people serve in key positions to make and help things happen. You were great.

Also, I want to challenge more people to come forward to get involved with the club board, race directing or committee assignments. We need help at all levels and I suspect the new president will be looking for anyone who is willing to make a commitment, even a small one. It is rewarding and also fun to be involved and give something back to the running community. New blood is always a plus to any organization and each of you need to think just how you can help. You can learn more by talking to a current board member or come to the annual meeting on February 7, 2004 with a willingness to help.

As the club looks forward to a new year and the start of a new era, it can be very proud of its past. We have been a fixture and a resource to the east-central Indiana running scene for nearly 25 years. In fact we are known all over the state as a club that puts on quality events and opens our arms to runners and walkers of all ages, sizes and abilities. In order to continue to be a club that people want to join and be a part of, we must continue to adapt and meet the needs of those seeking quality of life improvements through fitness.

I see a need to further challenge ourselves in three areas: supporting the youth, attracting fitness walkers and improving our training support groups for both runners and walkers.

The Youth - Our ARRC kids program has been fantastic and our support for middle school and high school runners has been growing - but we need to do more. The answer might be in establishing a new club committee for better organizing this support and getting more articles written about the kids’ events and their accomplishments. We need to be there to cheer when they are competing. When I look at the young runners coming up, I see some great potential - as athletes - as citizens. After all, they are the future.

Fitness walkers - we tend to intimidate them because we have focused on having a points system that rewards race walkers, and not every walker seeking fitness wants to be a race walker. I envision a means where we can attract fitness walkers into our group and recognize their progress and accomplishments without expecting them to race as we do. We already have a walking committee - just a new challenge.

Training support groups - probably one of our best strengths, but also the area where we can gain the most ground. Getting fit and getting strong is more than just meeting up after work or on a Saturday morning and putting in miles with friends. It's learning how to take proper care of yourself, how to eat and how to cross train properly. There is so much for all of us to learn about taking care of our bodies, that it makes sense for us to help each other. When you see an article or a good book - share it with another, or submit something to the newsletter or the web site, etc. Grab a friend and get into a yoga class. Encourage others to join the group. Let's be more inclusive. Think more about a lifetime of fitness and enjoyment of life and less about out pacing the next guy.

There is so much we can do for ourselves and for others in this club. We have done very well, but need to do more. Everyone should be a part of it. It will be fun. It will be rewarding.

Happy Trails.....
Bob

Notes for the present…

Annual meeting, 07 February 2004 at Wesley Free Methodist Church 6:00 p.m. Wesley Free Methodist is located at 3017 West Eighth Street in Anderson. If you have specific questions with regard to the location please contact Carolyn McKinney, 640-4333. Plan to attend this evening of food, business, awards and fun. ARRC will again provide the meat, members need to bring a double-sized covered dish, salad, or dessert along with drink and table service. We have many members and we don’t want anyone hungry.

It is during this meeting that election of officers takes place. If you would like to hold an office/board position or recommend someone for a position please contact Tommy Goodson. It is always good for any organization to have “new blood” to help direct and lead. Whether you are a long standing member or new to the club, we invite anyone with an interest to step forward. Perhaps you don’t wish to hold an office or board position, but would like to be more involved, please let any officer know of your desires. During this meeting we will also be discussing some by-law updates. Thursday Night Points awards and Road Series awards will also be presented, as well as, a few special awards.

Share the Pain

Most of you are aware of the ARRC board decision to strongly encourage an early sign up for points for the 2004 race season. In accordance, the decision is to only allow the discounted points fee of $15 (for Thursday nights) to be available to adult members up until May 1, 2004. After that, to join the Thursday points program, the fee will be $40, or $2 per race. We hope that most members will opt for the $15 and the early sign up. To enjoy the lower fee, just renew your membership (single or family) and also pay your fees - make sure we receive this before May 1, 2004. A membership form is now available on the club web site.

The purpose of the new policy is to reduce the bookkeeping and points scoring work load (and confusion) on the race director and race team. It is always a pain to bring members along after the season starts and insure accuracy of all the information we need to keep track of. So, if anyone misses the May 1 deadline they will also share in the pain by paying the higher fee and having to remember to pay each week to receive their points.

There will be no IOU's from week to week. Remember, no points fee paid =no points.

This policy is with respect to the Thursday points races, not specifically the Road Series. You are also encouraged to sign up early for the road series as well. Road Series points accumulation starts the next race after we receive the series fee (currently $10). This is in addition to your membership fee. Again, there is quite a bookkeeping effort required here as well.

This policy will be communicated to the ARRC membership many times and in many forms between now and May 1. You can help in two ways. (1) Pay your fees early. (2) Make sure all of your ARRC friends are aware of the new policy and get their dues and fees paid early as well. Please direct your questions to any board member - thanks.

Training runs/walks

While the Anderson Road Runners Club does not have “official” training sites with runs/walks, one can usually find a partner at Shadyside Park or Mounds State Park on Mondays and Tuesdays evenings between 4:30 pm and 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays anywhere from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Pace and distance vary between individuals and you will find most members welcome running/walking partners.

Coffee Runs

Kevin and Debbie Harry, along with Bill and Pat Miller decided they were not giving up on Thursday evening runs. So meeting at the Shadyside Activities Center each Thursday at 4:15 p.m. they run/walk 2 laps, whatever works best for those in attendance. After the run/walk, out come the cups and hot cider/coffee/hot chocolate thus began the “Coffee Runs.” It is amazing how each week, despite cold, wind, ice, holidays and bouts with the flu the group continues to meet and attract more and more people. Grab your coffee mug and bring a thermos of your favorite beverage, if you like, and come join us. No fees, no clock, no stress, only fun allowed.

Thursday Night Race Results…

Despite two washouts, heat and threatening skies, the runners of the Thursday Night Point Races concluded another fine year under the direction of Bob Kearns. Bob and his wife, Elsie have spent the last two summers conducting the Point Races and encouraging the runners and walkers all the while. Any race director has his hands full to put on a race, this race director puts on a race each week throughout the summer. These Thursday Night Point Races are the focal point of our club and certainly would not be possible or as successful without such a dedicated director as Bob Kearns. In case you missed the post season races, Bob saved the best for last…a one lap scavenger hunt for Tootsie Roll Pops and a cookout following the run. It was big kids running around like a bunch of young kids! Thank you again Bob and Elsie for another great Points season!

Age group winners for the 2003 season are as follows:

Females

12-14 - Jessica Bentley 1^st and Erica Smith 2^nd

19-29 - Kristin Henry 1^st and Honesty Hart 2nd

35-39 - Carolyn McKinney 1^st and Sharon Etherington 2^nd

40-44 - Kathy Wehrley 1^st, Denise Hall 2^nd and Paige Truman 3^rd

45-49 - Robin Gerhart 1^st

50-54 - Pam Taylor 1^st

60-64 - Pat Miller 1^st and Judy Baylor 2^nd

65-69 - Barb Hamilton 1^st

Males

01-11- Aaron Martin 1^st

12-14 - Jeremy Knox 1^st

19-29 - Brian Forster 1^st and Mark Harris 2^nd

30-34 - Paul Lamey 1^st

35-39 - Perry Knox 1^st, Keith McCool 2^nd, and Kevin Guion 3^rd

40-44 –Mike Hall 1^st, Tim Swain 2^nd and Tom Corda 3^rd

45-49 – Terry Spoo 1^st, John Wulff 2^nd, and Tommy Goodson 3^rd

50-54 – Ron Harmening 1^st, Wally Post 2^nd, and Frank St. Phillips 3^rd

55-59- Jack Stepp 1^st, Jim Leffler 2^nd, and John Gentry 3^rd

60-64- Phil Miller 1^st, Ron Wallace 2^nd, and Evan Achenbach 3^rd

65-69- Bud Stiffler 1^st

70 + Bob Kearns 1^st, Gene Chandler 2^nd, and Bennie Westmoreland 3rd

HVWT- Keith Hamilton 1^st, Steve Ulrich 2^nd and Marty Dulworth 3^rd

If your name is bolded above you need to contact Tommy Goodson at 642-4834 on or before 10 January 2004, with your clothing size. Apparel is available to try on at Citizens Travel Service up through 09 January 2004, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. See Robin Gerhart at Citizens Travel Service. If we do not hear from you on or before 10 January 2004, the sizing you indicated on your membership application will be ordered. Should you not have a size checked on your application sizing will be at Tommy’s discretion and exchanges will not be permitted.

A word of thanks…

Although the turnout was low, the spirits were high as the rain was not a factor in our enjoyment of the morning gathering for the annual Turkey Trot. We could all fit under the club tent. Almost everyone went home with something.

There were several people who came in from out of the area, including Carmel, Ft. Wayne, Michigan, New Jersey and Beirut, Lebanon.

Using the Seiko timer as a backup helped with the results as some were not accustomed to our system of taking a stick and remembering the time.

A special thanks to Robin Gerhart and Doug Townsend for ordering and transporting the goodies. Thanks to Kathy Wehrley, Pat Miller and Debbie Harry for bringing cookies. Also, thanks to the race volunteers: Greg Smith, Hank Gerhart and Kathy Wehrley.

Footlocker review…

On November 29th, 2003, several area runners flocked to Kenosha, Wisconsin for the 25th annual Foot Locker Cross Country Midwest Championships. Formerly known as the "Kinney Nationals" to us old time runners, this event draws the cream of cross country runners from 13 states each trying to accomplish a top 8 finish and the opportunity to compete in the nationally televised Foot Locker Finals in San Diego, California on December 13th. Many go for the experience to compete at a new level of competition not normally seen around local races. Many coaches and running dads compete at the end of the day in the "Nike Open" race or what I affectionately call the "Mud Bog".

With the weather hovering slightly above freezing after a light dusting of snow the night before and 20-30 mile per hour winds, local students waited their turn to start up the "Big Hill" of their event. The starting line of this event is a football field wide with as many as 400 runners in each of the six separate 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) races. With each firing of the starting cannon, runners head directly into the wind uphill for a half mile before turning into the woods of the University of Wisconsin at Parkside cross country course. As each race was ran and the temperatures started to edge up the ground thawed quickly, turned to mud, then with the help of some added sand in spots turned into quite a swamp like mixture or Mud Bog. Of course the Coaches and Dads go last to enjoy the total flavor of the now worn in course.

Local Madison County runners to compete were Highland Boys: Christopher Funderbunk, Mathew Ousley, and Brandon Noland. Highland Girls: Amanda Volk, Stephanie Bartlett, and Anna Grady. Liberty Christian Boys: Kent Wohlberg and Jeremy Knox. Former Southside Middle School Student Andy Prieshoff. Pendleton Heights Boys: Brock Hagerman (who placed 9th, just one spot from a national berth ran a spectacular race against a stellar field), Kyle Carey, and Cole Hardacre. Finishing the "Nike Open" race at the end of the day (less gracefully than our younger counterparts only because we had more mud!) were Mark Volk, Perry Knox, and Highland CC Coach: Jason Osborn. With 15 total finishers from Madison County among the 2000+ participants, we all came home with a little Wisconsin mud on ourselves and a great memory of a thanksgiving weekend competing with some of the country's best cross country harriers.

Official Results:

Kent Wohlberg (Liberty Christian) 18:55 137 / 316 Freshman/Sophomore Race

Jeremy Knox (Liberty Christian) 18:57 75 / 280 Nike Open Race *Note: placed 9th in Jr.H.S. Division

Andrew Prieshoff (Cathedral) 18:41 110 / 316 Freshman/Sophomore Race

Christopher Funderbunk (Highland) 25:27 308 / 316 Freshman/Sophomore Race

Mathew Ousley (Highland) 27:06 313 / 316 Freshman/Sophomore Race

Brandon Noland (Highland) 19:20 180 / 297 Junior/Senior Race

Amanda Volk (Highland) 22:57 288 / 404 Girls Seeded Race

Stephanie Bartlett (Highland) 27:13 386 / 404 Girls Seeded Race

Anna Grady (Highland) 27:21 388 / 404 Girls Seeded Race

Brock Hagerman (Pendleton) 15:27 9 / 338 Boys Seeded Race *Note: just missed a top 8 national berth by 1 position and 1 second!

Kyle Carey (Pendleton) 16:54 167 / 338 Boys Seeded Race

Cole Hardacre (Pendleton) 6:58 182 / 338 Boys Seeded Race

Jason Osborn (Highland Coach) 19:20 94 / 280 Nike Open Race

Mark Volk (Highland Dad) 22:37 192 / 280 Nike Open Race

Perry Knox (Liberty Dad) 23:03 201 / 280 Nike Open Race

The Winterfest Fun Run

With a misty cold rain/sleet combination and temperatures right at the freezing mark, the Inaugural Winterfest Christmas Bell Fun Run was held downtown Anderson at our new Town Center Park at the corner of 12th and Meridian streets on Friday December 5th. One of the many activities of Winterfest, the Christmas Bell Fun Run was a totally free event, whereas children 12 and under were invited to run a short distance (approximately 4 blocks) while wearing bells on their shoes. When finished each participant received a finisher's ribbon, a pop, and a treat bag with candy canes, chips, cookies and more. Our sponsors, Mark Volk Realty and Auction, and Rax Restaurant downtown, paid for all costs involved to enable this event to be free to all and garnered 24 young participants plus their parents for a nice little jog in the cold. A great time was had by all, and with free hot chocolate in the YMCA from Subway, a quick "warming" took out the chill of the night. An added bonus was a front page picture the next morning showing the start of the event in our local newspaper. Many members of the Anderson Road Runners were in attendance including many children from the children's fun run program. I must also give a special thanks to Frank St. Phillips for his assistance and to the members who attended the event to show support. Mark Volk and I hope that next year’s event will be an even bigger success and look forward to hosting it again next year.

AAU National Cross Country Finals

After placing 4th in the Youth division at the A.A.U. State Cross Country championships in Hammond early in November, Jeremy Knox advanced to the National Finals in Kettering, Ohio on December 6th. After 2 days of rain, the course at Kettering's Indian Ripple Park was a swampy mixture of mud, water, and grass with a degree of difficulty that can only be described as extreme cross country terrain. This course also featured a "man made hill taller than the surrounding trees that participants had to scale on the way out and back while they navigated the 4 kilometer course through wetlands, woods and a flooded area called the swamp. Many a runner was seen wearing only 1 shoe because one of theirs had been sucked off in the ankle deep mud as they could not stop to get it with almost 300 runners in each of the 10 events. Stopping in that crowd would have most certainly meant some sort of injury with children falling over each other. While Jeremy was running his race, a young runner in the 13-14 yr old Youth Division somersaulted all the way down the man-made hill on the return trip with only a 1/2 mile to the finish line and courageously got up and completed his event...with one shoe! With 253 finishers in Jeremy's division (Event 6 Boys Youth ages 13-14); his finishing time of 15:13.2 gained him a 35th place spot and an experience that I am sure he will always remember. To all the members of the Anderson Road Runners that have supported Jeremy this year, I must offer my sincerest appreciation. It takes good people to make a great organization and we certainly have that with our running club. Thank you!

Perry

Perry Knox and Mark Volk avid runners, members and supporters of the Anderson Road Runners Club have volunteered to keep the membership updated through The PACER, on the area middle school and high school cross country and track runners. When not running their own businesses, you will find these guys out running with not only with their own children, but other young runners in the community. You will often find the parents challenging the youth at Mounds State Park and sometimes winning!

ANDERSON ROAD RUNNERS CLUB, INC. 2004 Membership Application (12-8-03)

The Anderson Road Runners Club promotes fitness through the enjoyment of running. We have programs and events for all levels and all ages, including a weekly children’s series. The Club meets informally during the winter months and weekly during April through October for organized running events, including two major races. A newsletter, THE PACER, will be e-mailed (must provide e-mail address). For those who do not have an email address, arrangements will be made. All adult members are automatically enrolled at no additional cost as members of Road Runners Club of America, of which we are a chapter. Our website address is www.andersonroadrunners.org

ONLY ONE PERSON PER FORM. Family memberships must be submitted together.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Name __________________________________Age _____ Sex ____ Date of Birth ____________

Parent’s Name if Minor (under 18) ____________________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________________________________________

City _________________________________ State _______ Zip ________ Phone ________________

E-Mail Address (required for newsletter)

Apparel Sizes: Singlet ___ Shorts ____ T-Shirt ____ Sweatshirt ____ Vest ____ Jacket _____

Interests

Walking ____ Beginning Runner ______ Non Competitive Runner______ Competitive Runner _____

Distance _____________ Children’s Running ________Fitness / Nutritional Information ___________

Membership Information New ________ Renewal _________

Membership Type		Amount
Kids Membership / points races	To Age 12	Free
Youth Membership	18 & under	$5.00
Single Adult Membership	19 & up	$15.00
Family Membership