Feb. 6, 2009

Trail Running
Buckeye Trail: Pine Lane

What a beautiful day! I took advantage of the sun and warmer temps.
Thursday morning, it was negative one when I left for class. Today’s heat wave of 35 degrees was a small slice of happiness. 

I decided to hit the BT. In hind sight, not a good idea. I have a greater admiration for those who braved  the trail conditions on Jan. 18 during the Winter BT50K.

I have run the BT during the winter before, but today’s run was brutal. Before I even got out of the car, I got stuck in the parking lot. I rocked my Jeep, and was able to find a spot that would allow me to drive right out when I finished my run.

I hit the trail at 12:30 p.m., with a huge smile on my face. But that didn’t last long. I was the only fool out on the trail – today. Well that’s not 100 percent true. The deer and coyotes had used the trail too. I could see their foots prints – clearly.  There was not one fresh  human print. I must admit, I was a little uncertain about being out there  alone. Never used to bother me …

The deep snow on the hills made it impossible to run without slipping. Whether I was running up or down hill, my footing was off. I misjudged the creek and ended up with a soaking wet foot. Fifteen minutes into the run my ankles and knees were soar. I turned around.

Thirty five minutes and 2.07 miles later I returned to my car – disappointed. I love running the trails, but not today.

I am curious:  Has anyone experienced any issues with the wildlife on the trails? I have seen the coyotes a few times, but I was extremely uneasy today. Any advice for running solo on the trails?

Stacy’s 2009 Race Schedule

 

 

I am really excited  about the 2009 race season, for two reasons:

Reason one:
I was unable to race last year. I was mentally and physically burnt out. I have been working two jobs and going to school full-time. 
I am now “only” working one job, and going to school full-time. One less job means a little more rest and recovery time.

Reason two:
BAFF. I am on the Bike Authority/Fleet Feet Triathlon Team. The team has more than 50 members.
A nice mixture of all abilities. Keep an eye open for us at several local events.

March
Sunday 8: Shamrock 15K – Cuyahoga Falls

April
Saturday 25: Hermes 10 Miler – Cleveland

May
Sunday 17: Cleveland Rite Aid 10K – Cleveland

Saturday 9 & Sunday  10: 48th Annual TOSRV - 200 mile tour (This will be my first tour – the weekend before finals. I love a good challenge) 

June (C race)
Sunday 7: Deer Creek OLY – Mt. Sterling
OR (maby both)
Saturday 27: Alum Creek OLY – Columbus

July (B race)
 Sunday 5: Caesar Creek – OLY – Waynesville

Saturday, July 19: MCBC Ice Cream Ride. 8:30 a.m., Medina ( Have to throw something in from time-to-time, plus I love ice cream)

August (A race)
Sunday 9: GCT – OLY – Mentor

September through November is open.

Winter Buckey Trail Fun Run

 

Fifth Annual “Running for Regis”

Winter Buckeye Trail Fun Run

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009

22 degrees and snow covered trails

 

2009 season officially begins

The 2009 race season has officially kicked-off.  At 7:15 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 18 more than 200 runners braved snow covered roads and frigid weather to run in the Fifth Annual “Running for Regis” Winter Buckeye Trail Fun run.

 

The start

Large snowflakes greeted runners as they made their way to the start line, which began on Boston Mill Road. It was still dark when the runners began their 50K (31.64 miles) journey, marathon or half-marathon. 

 

The early morning atmosphere was filled with an energy that I can only describe as curious: smiling faces and bodies bundled in colorful and reflective gear joyfully bounced around to keep warm.

 
Trail  conditions

The snowy, icy conditions create a terrain that begs for your undivided attention, as well as your time. Running smart and paying attention are key elements for this race.

 

The results

Several teens joined the ultra-ranks:
Rach Raykov, 14, 10^th overall of the 50K and first female overall
Heath Harris, 17, overall winner of the half-marathon
Patrick Fisher, 17, fourth overall for the marathon

50K overall winner: Dave Peterman, 46, 5:35

 
“Congratulations to everyone who braved the weather and trail conditions,” says Tanya Cady, event director.

 
Official results can be viewed at Buckey Trail 50K

Get a first hand feel for the conditions and experience by reading participants blogs.

 

trisaratopsimadventure

daisyduc

trierictri

triguyjt

 

 

The Ultra List: Pioneered by a Local

                     2008 BT50K

Back in 2007, I ran my first ultra-distance race, the BT50K. A friend of mine told me she wanted to run the race. I thought it would be fun to train together, plus I loved training on the Buckeye Trail. Nothing compares to trail running – nothing!

I trained as much as I could – as a full-time student with a full-time job, I didn’t have a lot of spare time. My training was intermittent at times. When classes ended May 9, I began a more regimented program. With only two months of serious training I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t even sure if I could finish the 31.64-mile run. My so-called training partner had to back out as she was in the process of relocating.

By June I thought my legs were going to fall off. I am not sure how many miles I logged May 9 through July 12, but it was a lot and enough to get me through the race with extra energy – or maybe that was my adrenalin…

I didn’t finish it in record time. I am not even proud of my time. And, I am not going to share my time – you will have to research that yourself.

The point: I did it, and I am hooked. Although, I will admit, I have not had the time to train for another. I did half of the BT50K this past summer with my friend who relocated, once again with limited training.

I’ve been asked if I will ever do a 50-miler or a 100-miler. Maybe and no are my answers, respectively. For me, 50 miles is doable, and one day I will tackle the 50. As for 100 miles, I admire those who have accomplished this feat, and those who have run the 100 more than once. But I can honestly say I don’t see it in my future.

In August, I volunteered for the second time at the Burning River 100. I was stationed at the 85-mile mark. What an experience. Watching the runners come in at this point was, for lack of a better word, amazing. Some were full of energy and others were walking zombies. You could see the determination in their eyes, as well as the pain. Some were unable to continue.

I was inspired. I was motivated. I was in awe, and I was convinced these runners were a different breed. This so-called breed of ultra-runners has a pioneer in its group, a local guy who after running his first marathon felt great, and felt the need for a greater challenge. Joe Jurczyk is the man behind the BT50K and the Burning River 100. To learn more about Jurczyk and his contribution to the ultra-community, go to Plant Endurance, where you can listen to his interview.

CYCLING ISSUES IN CLEVELAND

Tonight, I am choosing to post an unedited, unfinished, blog post. To complete my post in it’s entirety will take a better part of the week. Time is precious, and therefore I feel it’s important to begin sharing my thoughts, as I work toward expressing the big picture: Clevelander’s have issues with cyclists.  

If you have not already read, “Mountain bikers at odds with Cleveland Metroparks over building more trails,” please do. Then send me your comments, as I am working toward creating a letter to the Cleveland Metroparks and the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

I just finished reading, “Mountain bikers at odds with Cleveland Metroparks over building more trails,” by Jim Nichols, Plain Dealer Reporter.

After reading the story and the accompanying comments, I see a bigger issue, and it’s not just with off-road bikers, it’s with cyclists in general.

Bikes Share the Road
Based on conversations with non-cyclists, the following sign seems to be overlooked – often:

This sign is posted throughout the metroparks. Yet, motorists yell profanity and other rude comments at cyclists. 

Correct me if I am wrong, the roads through the metroparks are not a through-way, but scenic roads for viewing pleasure and getting to various points within the park. The average speed is 30mph or less, not 45mph.

Riding single-file, I have been cussed at, called horrible names, and I have been run off the road.

Here is a great example, this is a comment posted by booey420:  

“Keep the bikes in the woods. At least that way they are not in the road holding up traffic. That road in the metro parks isn’t wide enough for bikes and cars. The bikes have a path that cars can’t drive on, so why are the bikes allowed in the road? We can’t drive on the bike path. Plus if you are on a bike would you rather hit a jogger or dog walker,or get run over by a car?”

Dear booey420,
As a cyclist, riding 20mph and greater at times,  I will take my chances on the road, for two reasons:

• That is where I am suppose to be riding, not on the paved path with the joggers, dogs, children, walkers etc.
• Bikes share the road

In Absentia

 

It has been more than a month since my last blog post. In my absence,  I have been attending full-time classes at Kent State University, working on the magazine, and working at Diebold. I am interning in the corporate communications department.

Three responsibilities
The combination of these three responsibilities, which adds up to about about 48 hours a week, not including study time, has caused me to cut back on two things I love: training and blogging.

Training
I am averaging four, if I am lucky, training hours a week. I am used to riding or running for four hours at a time. I have cut my training time by more than 50 percent. I am not swimming at all, and I divide my time between cycling and running.

Blogging
As I am sitting here writing this blog, I could be running, but I am choosing to blog for several resaons. My number one reason: to inform you about a desicion that was made a few weeks ago by the Cleveland Metroparks.

100-miles of world class trails
If you didn’t know, CAMBA has been working to expand off-road riding for cyclists for more than seven years. CAMBA has invested more than 2500 volunteers hours toward making its vision of expanding and creating 100-miles of world class trails a reality. 

Having world-class trails would be an excellent addition to our already elaborate trail system, which is dedicated for horse riding, hikers and runners, but not for those who enjoy off-road riding.

Denied but not deterd
CAMBA and the Cleveland Metroparks have been debating this subject for more than seven years, and I am sad to say it looks like CAMBA’s efforts to achieve the permission to build 100-miles of world class trails has been denied. 

The Cleveland Metroparks’ decision, which is stated on the CAMBA Web site states: “…no expansion of mountain biking will be considered in any other Cleveland Metroparks Reservation.”

There is disappointment over the Cleveland Metroparks decision, but CAMBA will not let the decision deter its efforts.

The next step
CAMBA will continue to work toward its goal and in doing so will be posting the complete history of the interaction with the Cleveland Metroparks on its Web site.

Its time for us to come together and support the sport of off-road riding. We can help CAMBA by contacting the Cleveland Metroparks directly and expressing our opinions. Before you do that, take a few minutes and read the history.

Cleveland Metroparks 
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, Ohio 44144
216-635-3200

Mountain bike Disgrace

August 2008

 

Last week I received a phone call from Mike Farley, founder of CAMBA. The purpose of Mike’s call was to share with me the concerns he and fellow members of CAMBA had regarding the August cover of Ohio Sports & Fitness magazine.

 

I listened intently, as I believe it is important to hear what your customers have to say about your product. 

 

The concerns: The cover of OSF was misrepresenting the Metro Parks and the sport of off-road riding – because the cover displays a rider pictured in the middle of a field, riding through tall grass.

 

 Each of the above-mentioned concerns are dangerous and illegal.

 

Dangerous: Tall grass can cause injury (get caught in the wheels, etc.) and true off-road cyclists – mountain bikers - do not ride in the middle of a field. They follow designated trails.

 

Illegal: The Metro Parks have designated certain areas for mountain bikes. It is important that all riders, whether it be off-road, paved roads or on the towpath, follow the rules.

 

I certainly appreciate the Metro Parks, the rules, and the time Mike took out of his day to bring the associations concerns to my attention. Thank you again, Mike! 

 

So why am I writing about this?

 

After my conversation with Mike, I visited CAMBA’s Forum.

 

First, let me say this – Mike was very positive, helpful and understanding AND he took the time to express concerns regarding a sport that is important and special to him. I have a lot of respect for him.

 

On the flip side, some of the CAMBA members were not so positive and that’s OK. The freedom of speach provides us with the opportunhity to express our opinions whenever and where ever we choose. 

 

In this case, however, the facts are incorrect and I would like to set the record straight, because like Mike, I care about the sports I participate in, as well as the sports OSF supports. 

 

Comments on CAMBA’s Forum:

 

 ”…That is exactly my point. These small budget magazines print mostly worthless “fluff” and sell advertisements. They DON’T research their content. They DON’T take their own pictures. They DON”T write a whole lot about anything. They DON’T have the money to pay people to do these things and they really DON’T care about the actual content of the publication. If they had their way, the magazine would be 100% advertisements…”

 

Editor’s response: Our “worthless fluff,” as it has been called, has evolved in the past two years. We have five new columns, all of which are written by athletes with several years of experience and/or with degrees and/or certifications in their respective fields. 

 

Looking for feedback: On several occasions, I have called upon the readers of OSF to submit their concerns, comments and suggestions. After all, this magazine is produced for the readers, not to sell advertising.

 

Side note: As a free publication we rely on advertising to continue producing OSF.

Research: The OSF writers are athletes and experts in their field of interest. In each issue they attribute their sources, site references, research and studies. .

 

Photos: Sometimes we take our own photos. I personally go on the photo shoots. Since I have been editor, two years in December, I have gone on seven photo shoots and we have produced two covers from professional footage: Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon and Bill Maurey from the Cleveland Touring Club graced the cover last May.

 

Ads vs. editorial: OSF is 77 percent editorial and 23 percent advertising – nowhere near 100 percent advertising.

 

Editor’s passion: In addition to being the editor, I am an athlete. I have been my entire life.

Those who know me will tell you, I am always working to recruit (motivating and inspiring) new athletes to various sports, volunteering at various races, and networking to find out what is going on in the local sports arena. When I am 80, I will be crossing the finish line of my umpteenth race.

 

It saddens me to think anyone could and would make such aggressive accusations without being fully educated on the mission of OSF. 

 

For the record, we did not choose the cover to make “mountain bikers” look bad. We chose the cover for the energy and fun it was conveying. If you don’t like the cover, that’s cool; you’re entitled to your opinion.

 

I would like to extend an offer to the members of CAMBA: I would like to offer you the opportunity to contribute two feature articles to OSF in 2009, regarding mountain biking. Your contribution will enable us to work together to support and enhance the sport of off-road riding. Please contact  me at your convenience and we can discuss the details.

www.srhea@tntpublications.com or 216-534-2834.

 

In the meantime: I have had the following editorial has been set since December ’08: CAMBA’s vision: 100 miles of world-class trails in Northeast Ohio. Steve Schirra will be interviewing Mike Farely on this issue  for the Outdoor issue which is set for October/November.

 

Until then, ride safe, smart and obey all the rules set forth by the Merto Parks.

 

 

In good health,

Stacy Rhea
Editor, Ohio Sports & Fitness

I am a Loser

“Loser!”

That is the word that was yelled at me while I was riding up a hill (toward Route 82) on Riverview Road Monday evening.

Nothing motivates me more than to hear someone yell ignorant, meaningless words at me.

After cresting the hill, I turned to make my way back down the hill, toward my car, which was 15 miles away. As I made my way down the hill, the same driver that yell, “loser!” was coming back up the hill, but this time he was pretending he was in London – and headed right toward me.

My initial thought: I have no where to go. Visions began running through my mind. I saw myself and my bike doing flips, like an Olympic BMX’er. My landing was a perfect 10. I landed on my tires and chased the “real loser” up the hill.

What I really did:I called his bluff.  I road the center line for a nano second to scare him – it worked, but scared the heck out of me. Whewwww! Another successful ride.

In the five years I have been riding, I have been run off the road, cussed at: “whore,” “slut,” “asshole,” “bitch…” Oh and let’s not forget, one of my favs: “Lance wanna be.”

I love to ride. It’s liberating, the scenery is beautiful, and nothing beats flying down a hill at 35 mph. That’s  my max speed, as I am afraid to go any faster, I am a …

I’ve had some unusual experiences on my bike this year. The best, is posted on my personal blog: www.watchstacytri.wordpress.com.

I’d love to hear about your cycling adventures.

Ride safe,
Stacy

16th Annual Classic at Mastick 5K brief

16th Annual Classic at Mastick 5K
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 6 p.m.
Cleveland Metroparks, Rocky River Reservation

Story by Mark Shelton, Photos by Rose Stackhouse

 

Men’s start at the 16th Annual Classic at Mastick, 2008

Classic facts:

• 575 runners
• Registration closed nearly three weeks prior to the event
• Due to runner limits, Race Director John Nakel turns runners away
• The Coach Potatoes are the honorary entrants

• Overcast conditions make for perfect race weather
• Field includes some of the area’s top open, college and high school athletes.                                                                                         

                                  Women’s start at the 16th Annual Classic at Mastick, 2008

Many runners use the Annual Classic at Mastick 5K as a cross-country tune up for the fall season, which is about three weeks away.

Each year the Annual Classic at Mastick awards 16, $500 scholarships to local high school and college-bound athletes. The winners are nominated from area cross-country coaches.

Title sponsors include: First Federal of Lakewood, Second Sole of Rocky River and TGI Friday’s

Overall Men’s Race

1. Pat Sovacool, 21, of Lakewood, in 16:12 (ran a 13:55 5K on the track for Miami of Ohio this past spring).
2. Kenny Sullivan, 20, of Rocky River, (at Duke now) in 16.16.
3. Dee Salukumbo, 20, of Lakewood and Dennison University, in 16.21.

Overall Women’s Race

1. Jessica Kuhr, 27, of Kirtland, in 18:03.  Repeat win from last year.
2. Hannah Necyzpor, 15, of North Royalton, 19:13.
3. Maddie Champers, 16, of Westlake, in 19:45.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome

Hello!

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