Friday, January 27, 2012

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail News

We are very pleased to report that as of SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, the LHHT bridge will once again be open to trail users. This critical link reconnects the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, as well as the multi-use trail system on Forbes State Forest and other adjacent public lands. Thank you for your patience and continued support throughout this project.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Chilly Cheeks



Todd Hanks ran in the Chilly Cheeks 10 Miler on Saturday the 21st over at Buhl Park in Sharpsville, PA.
Todd was 8th overall in 1:05:47.
Complete results here.
In addition to the 10 mile event they also had a 5 mile race as well.
Then after both races are completed, they have the Rigamortis Mile.
Todd also competed in that race as well, and recorded a 6:49, good enough for 8th place as well.
Mile results here.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Run for Regis: Race Report

Reposted from their website:  He Runs, She Runs, We Run

She Runs: More Firsts
It's true....I have self disclaimed that I am not happy to get up and do anything, especially go run in 12 degree cold weather and snow. But, I got out there and it was another day of firsts for me.

I have never run in temps as cold as it was this morning. But, once we met up with 180 people all ready to get out there and get it done, I was in a much better mood about not being in my bed.

This would be my first official race on the trails. We started out across a field of deep snow. The air was so cold against my face, I immediately thought I would probably end the race with frostbite. Having been married to an accomplished runner, one would think I would know how to dress for this weather. I don't. Or maybe I was just in denial that I would actually get out of the car. I only wore my insulated tights and insulated hoodie. I had a hat and a pair of gloves. That was it. Fortunately, I had taken my winter coat to put on after the race, so I wore that to run in as well.

After we made our way across the snowy field, we eventually entered the woods and were on the trails. The trails were snow covered and frozen. This was a dream to me. I have yet to run on any trails that weren't muddy and flooded with small ponds. Other than being really cold, I felt good.

We ran with other runners in front and behind us. They were catching up on their lives since the last time they had been together on the trails. I just kept to myself. I like to entertain the thoughts in my own head. But the conversations around me were pretty interesting! He, now known as my "sherpa" was at my side the entire time. Eventually the crowd would thin out and we would have the trails mostly to ourselves. Just the way we like it.

As we made our way into the first aid station, I asked Him how far we had gone. I was feeling really good and was surprised to hear we had just finished six miles. Woohoo! We spent a few minutes at the aid station. I ate a cup of Ramen noodles and drank a small cup of Heed. We "took care of business" and then headed back out.

By this point I was completely numb. The only thing that was warm were my hands, and my gloves were in my pockets. I have found that my hands stay warmer sans gloves.

The next seven miles were much the same as the first six. The only difference was we passed the 50K runners who were lapping us in their upper teen miles. But, I voyaged on. My nose was running like a faucet and I was starting to get tired around mile eleven. This was the spot He wanted to stop for a photo of the two of us on a bench. This is a picture He takes every year. Now I am a part of it.

The race ended with a steep uphill and a finish across the snow covered field. I finished the race with a total of 13.4 miles. Again, another first for my farthest distance run. Our time was 3:20.

And with that, I am happy!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Recent Activities

Lots going on Running wise and want to keep everyone up to date with all that is going on.

Saw on the WRTR Newsletter that several NEOTC members did well in the 2011 Trail Running Series.

Congrats to Shannon Fisher for winning the Women's Long Series.

Shannon also was first for the Grandmaster Title as well.
Congrats to Courtney Russell for 3rd place overall in the Long Series.
Courtney also was first for the Master Title as well.
Good Job Ladies, and keep up the good work.

Dan Bellinger also received special recognition along with several others for their efforts as volunteers during the 2011 series.

Eric Harris ran at the recent Jerome Fields Open meet at Akron on Jan 14th.
He placed 2nd out of 44 in the 1600 meter event in a time of 4:40.25.

Elizabeth Sosan travelled to Houston to watch the trials and then run the Houston Marathon, finishing in a nice 4.31.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

MARRIED

Congratulations to Jetfuelburner, Mike Keller, for tying the knot on January 14th!!!




Mike and his beautiful bride, Beverly

Best wishes and love to you both!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Pittsburgh Recover from the Holidays FA

Rick Freeman and Company have a great annual event down south of Pittsburgh in Upper Saint Clair.
The RftH FA is held in Boyce Mayview Park, and the trails are always beautiful as well as the standard camraderie shared on the trail.



Usually this event is a cold, windy, sufferfest, which pleases RD Rick Freeman to no end.(he is not happy if no one is whining) But with the mild temps it felt like a spring day, and some even commented on hearing the tweety birds at the start. There was a bit of mud here and there, but overall conditions have never been better for this event.

Chris Kalie, Cam Baker, Rich Vrboncic, Eric Deutsch, and Jim Harris, along with RD Rick Freeman were all able to toe the line for the start and get at least one loop in for the day.
Lots of local onelooperz came and went in the morning, but there were a few who started early and several who finished late.
(you know when the moon sets and then rises again on the same run you got your money's worth)
All told NEOTC members got in 17 loops on a route of mostly all trail.



If you enjoy a low key, casual event, then save your first Saturday of 2013 and make the trek over to PA for a great run.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sold Out


Hope you got your registration in for LT's race, because the Fools Race is SOLD OUT!

Monday, January 2, 2012

MHM Race Report Kellie Maheu

Just when you think things can't get any crazier ,you better think again. After completing my first 50k at URINEO  I was left a few brain cells short and I'm afraid I am getting a new love for the trails of Mill Creek park. Hugging trees and logs and slipping in the mud.

Contrary to what you may believe, Lenny came up with the idea of the 3 maheu's doing a monkey hill marathon relay. He blew out of work at 10:00 am and we arrived at the trail head at approx 11:00.The fact that all three of the maheu's were going to enjoy the day together on these trails excited me. Almost immediately I regretted not arriving at 6:00am and giving this a real effort along with the rest of these monkey marathoners.

It was a brisk 26 or so degrees but knowing what was in store we knew it wouldn't take long to warm up. The first loop I ran cautiously as there was a light coating of snow on the trail and my confidence of staying on my feet was low. Then Bob came along and said something like take the slides with fun and enjoy being a kid again. And then I really regretted not getting out there and being a part of the whole deal.

I had the chance to run a little with Kimba and chat with her a bit. The loop I did with her I forgot about being so cautious with my footing a relaxed a bit more. I thought the toughest part of the whole course was going up the hill to the love log and crossing over. But I developed just the right technique for getting across. Kimbas way isn't so bad! Laying down, it gives the feet a break.

The goal was to complete MHM between the 3 maheu's (Lenny, Myself, and Audrey.) Lenny and I started off the relay while Audrey got in her 6 miles on the road before joining in. This allowed us to get 4 laps a piece in before the 3d maheu joined in. At this point we had 21 laps to go between the 3 of us., It really does go by fast when you have other runners passing by and encouraging you (when they are the ones who have been out there for 6 plus hours already, and still smiling!!)

We completed our goal around 1:45pm and headed to Salsita's to celebrate. Upon arriving home we learned Kimba was the first female to complete the MHM!! Congrats ! And now the question is "When will the Maheu's complete the MHM individually and Who will be the 2nd female to finish!"


Kellie Maheu