Monday, September 21, 2009

2009 Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic 50K & 25K


Another year has come and past for NEO Trail's annual event, Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic, held in Mill Creek Park in Youngstown, OH. This past Saturday was the 5th running of the 50K event and the second year since the 25K event was added. The weather was perfect for runners with clear blue skies and a high of 71 and low of 43.


Several records were set this year including 113 total finishers (71 in 50K, 42 in 25K) and new course records for the men's 50K and 25K as well as the women's 25K.

Jacob Draa cut the tape first in the 50K with a new course record of 4:02:39. Michelle Ellery won the women's race in a time of 5:25:30. For the 25K, Alex White set a course record 2:04 and Bonnie Hartman set the female's record in 2:19:54.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who help make YUT-C a success every year!

Click here for pictures of the event. 50K Results - 25K Results

NEO Trail members - Nick Billock - Mike Keller

Saturday, September 12, 2009

QotD - September 7-11


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

September 8th
"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."
-Nora Roberts

September 9th
"The only true wisdom lives far from mankind, out in the great loneliness, and can be reached only through suffering. Privation and suffering alone open the mind to all that is hidden to others."
-Igjugarjuk, Caribou Eskimo Shaman

September 11th
The number one tactic, if you really want to race well, is to run really, really, really a lot. Hard work always works better than hardly working. You have to make your dreams your goals and then take that first step and practice them. What goes into practice comes out of practice. Thoughts need practice, too, so practice winning thoughts.

Examples:
-If you don’t follow your dreams, you might as well be a turnip.
-Some people buy a Mercedes, some people are a Mercedes.
-If you never go fast, you’ll never go fast.
-If you fall off your perch, FLY!
-Bernie Boettcher


Sunday, September 6, 2009

Marquette Trail 50K

On August 22nd NEO Trail member Daniel Bellinger completed the inaugural Marquette 50K in a time of 6:54:19. He commented that it was a very rough and technical trail, but beautiful. For more information check out the race website - www.marquettetrail50.com

Saturday, September 5, 2009

QotD - August 31 - September 4


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

August 31st
"Running is a lot like life. Only 10 percent of it is exciting. 90 percent of it is slog and drudge."
-David Bedford, English distance runner who sometimes ran 200 miles a week in training

September 1st
"I feel the earth and the wind and the trees. I feel its spirit. It puts me in the moment. I feel the rhythm of the race. It's like music. When the rhythm gets dissonant and chaotic, it is either a jazzy driving force behind me or demons inside me."
-Gabriel Harmony Jennings, talking about winning the 1,500 meter

September 2nd
One must pay the price.

A person must earn the right to set lofty goals. By that I mean one must be realistic, do the homework, pay the price and accept the sacrifices involved.
-Dave McGillivary

September 4th
"I love running cross-country... You come up a hill and see two deer going: 'What the hell is he doing?' On a track, I feel like a hamster."
-Robin Williams, film star/comic/runner/cyclist

Saturday, August 29, 2009

QotD - August 24-28


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

August 25th
"I have to run just to stay in place."
-George Sheehan

August 26th
Anniversary Poem, from a OH Man to his PA Woman

Collards is green, my dog's name is Blue and I'm so lucky to have a sweet thang like you.
Yore hair is like cornsilk a-flapping in the breeze. Softer than Blue's and without all them fleas.
You move like the bass, which excite me in May. You ain't got no scales but I luv you anyway.
Yo're as satisfy'n as okry jist a-fry'n in the pan. Yo're as fragrant as "snuff" right out of the can.
You have some'a yore teeth, for which I am proud; I hold my head high when we're in a crowd.
On special occasions, when you shave under yore arms, well, I'm in hawg heaven, and awed by yore charms.
Still them fellers at work, they all want to know, what I did to deserve such a purdy, young doe.
Like a good roll of duct tape yo're there fer yore man, to patch up life's troubles and fix what you can.
Yo're as cute as a junebug a-buzzin' overhead. You ain't mean like those far ants I found in my bed.
Cut from the best cloth like a plaid flannel shirt, you spark up my life more than a fresh load of dirt.
When you hold me real tight like a padded gunrack, my life is complete; Ain't nuttin' I lack.
Yore complexion, it's perfection, like the best vinyl sidin', despite all the years, yore age, it keeps hidin'.
Me 'n' you's like a Moon Pie with a RC cold drank, we go together like a skunk goes with stank.
Some men, they buy chocolate for Valentine's Day; They git it at Wal-Mart, it's romantic that way.
Some men git roses on that special day from the cooler at Kroger. "That's impressive," I say.
Some men buy fine diamonds from a flea market booth. "Diamonds are forever," they explain, suave and couth.
But for this man, honey, these won't do. Cause yor'e too special, you sweet thang you.
I got you a gift, without taste nor odor, more useful than diamonds...
IT'S A NEW TROLL'N MOTOR

August 27th
Frustration is the first step towards improvement. I have no incentive to improve if I'm content with what I can do and if I'm completely satisfied with my pace, distance, and form as a runner. It's only when I face frustration and use it to fuel my dedication that I feel myself moving forwards.
-John "The Penguin" Bingham

August 28th
"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"
- Kobi Yamada from "Ever Wonder"

Saturday, August 22, 2009

QotD - August 17-21


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

August 17th
You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.
-Gatorade ad

August 18th
"It's elevating and humbling at the same time. Running along a beach at sunrise with no other footprints in the sand, you realize the vastness of creation, your own insignificant space in the plan, how tiny you really are, your own creatureliness and how much you owe to the supreme body, the God that brought all this beauty and harmony into being."
-Sister Marion Irvine, 2:51 PR and 1984 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier

August 20th
"The worst thing one can do is not to try, to be aware of what one wants and not give in to it, to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized - never knowing."
-Jim Rohn

August 21st
A morning spent in the woods with friends is time well vested.
-Ben Franklin ( not really from Mr. Franklin, but I like to think that he would agree)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

National Trail Runnning Day - August 22

What Is National Trail Running Day?

National Trail Running Day is taking place on Saturday, August 22nd and is a day to promote, celebrate, and experience the sport of trail running. Trail running is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States with runners taking to the trails of varying difficulties and distances to connect with nature and the environment, while also building strength and more technical running skills.

What should you do on National Trail Running Day? National Trail Running Day is a day for runners to come together and celebrate the sport of Trail Running. Everyone should participate and anyone can plan an official event for National Trail Running Day. Some of the events planned are trail races, group trail runs, or trail clean-ups.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

MMD 50K


Last weekend, NEO Trail members Bob Combs and John Dewalt took part in the MMD 50K in New Hampshire. Many argue that the event is the most difficult 50K trail race in the country!

The course traverses New Hampshire's White Mountains taking runners over the Northern Presi’s before running over the Cats and Carters. The Presidential Range, pictured below (click to enlarge), is a series of peaks named after prominent figures and Presidents of the 18th and 19th centuries. Completing all the 4,000+ peaks from one edge to the other has become known as the Presidential Traverse.


About 15 runners finished the trail race, including Bob in just over 16 hours and John in 24.5 hours. For a detailed report of the day, click here for Steve Pero's report.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

QotD - August 10-14


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

August 10th
There is no "Y" in running. Believe in the run.
-Nike ad

August 12th
When I'm 3/4 of the way through a tough ultra, wondering why I'm out here doing something (again) that at the moment really doesn't seem like any fun at all, I invariably end up answering the question gnawing manically at my brain by responding, "This is what I do.

This is who I am. That's why.

When running 30 miles+ isn't just something you do occasionally, but becomes part of your own self-image, then you can call yourself a REAL ultrarunner. And you won't need to tell anyone else and you won't care what anyone else thinks.

You really wouldn't want to know what they think about it anyway!
-Mark Swanson

August 13th
My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny.
-Elaine Maxwell

August 14th
It's not over for me though. I will be back. I will test my soul again. I will push my limits. I thank God everyday that I am still here to do that. I can't tell people how to live, how to train, what to take for nutrition, or what they should and should not do. I can tell you this. Don't wait until tomorrow to make the decision to do that something you have always thought about doing. Don't put it off any longer. Tomorrow your life my change drastically. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be the one with a heart problem. But to be honest, I'm glad I do. Now I can really test myself and find out what I'm made of. What I am trying to tell you is this... If you are thinking about doing something tomorrow, do it today instead.
-David Goggins, while recovering from surgery after Doctors found a hole in his heart

Friday, August 7, 2009

Qotd - August 3 - 7


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

August 3rd
The most sublime act is to set another before you.
–William Blake

August 4th
Good athletes train when they want to, great athletes train when they don't.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

2009 Burning River 100

Starting Saturday morning bright and early at 5 AM, ultra runners took part in the 3rd annual Burning River 100 Mile Endurance Run. The event lasted into the night and ended at 11 AM Sunday morning. Runners were forced to deal with rain most the night and some muddy trails.

Mark Godale won the event this year with a time of 16:16. On the women's side, Connie Gardner won with a time of 19:21. An amazing total of fourteen NEO Trail members ran in the endurance race today. Members that participated include TJ Hawk, Nick Billock, Greg Murray, Kurt Osadchuck, Ron Ross, Brandon Russell, Courtney Baker, Brian Musick, Dave Peterman, Bill Wagner, Frank Dwyer, Mike Halkovich, Kim Love-Ottobre and Paul Lefelhocz.

Race Reports - Nick Billock, Greg Murray, Jeff Musick (pacer)

Nick Billock's Pictures in Video - BR Videos - Greg Murray

Official results will be posted on Burning River's website. Below is a video recap of the race.


Friday, July 31, 2009

QotD - July 27 - July 31


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

July 27th
The Sherpa don't believe they conquer the mountain, "they become one with it."
-Doug Freese

July 28th
I am so excited about Monday, that I am going to go to bed early, with my running clothes on shoes and all....like on Christmas Eve...
-cvctrackfan, on the first day of CC practice 2008

July 29th


July 30th
I've realized that to finish you have to really, really want it. Then when you reach that point in the race where you say 'what the @#$ am I doing here?' you can say 'finishing'. If you don't really, really want to finish, you reach that point in the race where you say 'what the @#$ am I doing here?' and you answer, 'holy crap, I don't know, I'm going home.' -John H. Powell, from his 2009 MMT race report, where he finished

July 31st
"You have to go into the jungle, find the lion, and spit in his face...then shoot him. You guys are not good enough to win on talent alone...you have to want it." -Herbie Brooks. coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

BR 100 Info


Good luck to all those competing in the Burning River 100 mile race this weekend at the Cuyahoga Valley. There will be plenty of NEO Trail members representing the club. Below are some links and race info.

Start Time: 5 AM, Saturday, August 1st
Start Location: Squire's Castle
Finish Time: 11 AM, Sunday, August 2nd
Finish Location: Cuyahoga Falls River Front

Important Links
Official Site
2009 Entrants
Course Guide
VIDEO: Modified Course Sections
VIDEO: Other Course Sections
LIVE WEBCAST

Saturday, July 25, 2009

QotD - July 20 - July 24


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

July 20th
I hadn’t really been aware of it. Not it’s weight or its form or its size. But the burden of doubt and anxiety I had carried with me from the start was formidable. My realization of its very existence came only when I began to dimly feel that burden getting lighter. As I came down off of Kern’s Mountain I was ahead of my schedule. I felt great. I didn’t feel even close to crashing. It evidently wasn’t going to rain anytime soon. My confidence swelled to fill the void as my fears floated up and away into the late day sun.
- Alan Gowen, from his 2006 MMT 100 RR

July 21st
When Mark Twain was asked how he had lived so long, he replied, "By sticking to a way of life that would have killed anybody else."

July 22nd
Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.
-General George Patton Jr

July 23rd
Pace to Finish BR100 – 18:36/mile

July 24th
You have been told that Real Life is not like college, and you have been correctly informed. Real Life is more like high school.
-Meryl Streep

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Summer Buckeye Trail 50K

This past weekend several club members participated in the 15th annual Summer Buckeye Trail 50K, which is an out-and-back course that starts and finishes at the Oak Grove pavilion in Brecksville, Ohio. The weather was unseasonably cool this year with highs in the upper 60s and even some rain. A nice break though from previous years where it has been sunny and in the mid to upper 80s. Once again, Vertical Runner was able to organize another quality event and finishers of this year's event were treated to a new finishers medal in the shape of the Buckeye Trail blue blaze.

Here is the list of N.E. Ohio Trail Club members who finished this year...

Dave Peterman - 4:59:29 (20th overall)
Stephan Kremer - 5:13:39 (34th overall)
T.J. Hawk - 5:17:11 (35th overall)
Ron Ross - 5:23:16 (39th overall)
Jim Christ - 5:55:20 (64th overall)
Brett Himes - 5:57:42 (68th overall)
Brandon Russell - 6:02:07 (74th overall)
Jim Harris - 6:17:58 (85th overall)
Bob Combs - 6:23:53 (87th overall)
Daniel Bellinger - 6:25:20 (90th overall, New male 60 & over record - formerly 6:46:27)
Kurt Osadchuk - 6:27:35 (93rd overall)
Bruce McMurray - 7:02:12 (119th overall)
Paul Lefelhocz - 7:35:40 (138th overall)

For complete results, photos, and videos - Click Here

Saturday, July 18, 2009

QotD - July 13 - July 17


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

July 13th
In ultrarunning, the heart and human spirit have as much to do with it as putting in long miles.
-Dana Roueche

July 14th
Some men can run the fastest, jump the highest, or lift the heaviest, but no man has the corner on ambition, desire, and hustle.
-Anonymous

July 16th
Seek your dreams and goals
-David Horton

July 17th
Ultrarunning seems a lapse in reason, taking something difficult and multiplying it by four. I considered applying the ultra logic to my chaotic days at home with the children. 'Hey honey,' I might say. 'I had a terrible day with the kids. Tomorrow I might invite four times that number of children over for the day. Not only that, but I will keep them up all night and do everything with just a headlamp.'
-Marty Button, on being the wife of an ultrarunner

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

2009 Hardrock 100


Last weekend, NEO Trail members Bob Combs and John Dewalt both finished the 2009 Hardrock 100 held in Silverton, CO with times of 46:00 and 47:47, respectively. A total of 140 runners started the 15th running of Hardrock and 105 finished. Special kudos to John Dewalt being the oldest finisher at 73.

The winner on the men's side was Karl Meltzer running 24:38, a new course record for the counter-clockwise course and the 2nd fastest time ever! Diana Finkel won it for the women in a course record 27:18.

Hardrock Numbers
Miles: 100
Elevation Gain: 33,000'
Average Elevation: 11,186'
High Point: 14,048' (Handies Peak)
Low Point: 7,680' (Ouray)

Results - Youtube Playlist

Friday, July 3, 2009

QotD - June 29 - July 3


To be added to the QotD list, contact Jim Harris at james.a.harris@delphi.com.

June 29th
A lot of people want a shortcut. I find the best shortcut is the long way, which is basically two words: work hard. As I see it, if you work more hours than somebody else, during those hours you learn more about your craft. That can make you more efficient, more able, even happier. Hard work is like compounded interest in the bank. The rewards build faster.

-Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

June 30th
When man runs and his worn out body and tired muscles fervently oppose his mental perseverance to continue the race, I'd say that's a pretty big challenge. My question is, how hard do you push yourself to demonstrate your own character?

-Scott Peragine

July 1st
As you know, going from a person who worked out constantly to a person that just had heart surgery is a big change. This has given me a lot of time to think. One thing that always comes back to my mind that I am going to share with you is this..... What good does all of this actually do. What does running ultra's, biking, lifting, ect. What does it do for you? Where does it get you?

For me, the answer is this. It's not about what you do in life. It is about what you don't do. The truth is running has not got me anywhere in life. I don't enjoy it. I hate it really. It certainly hasn't made an income for my family. And it definitely takes up a lot of my spare time. So why do it then? Because I can. When I was running 100 mile races back to back weekends, people never understood. They thought I was crazy. They told me how injured I was going to get. But I didn't care. I still don't. Tomorrow is never promised to you. If I looked back on those times now and didn't do the Plain 100 because it was too soon after my other race, I would kick myself. Now I can look back and say. I'm glad that I did what I did when I could.

I am not saying that this is how everybody should be. What I am saying is that I believe everybody should push themselves to their limit. Whether it be in life or in sport. If not, you will wake up one day and your limits will have been determined by other factors. Health, family, work, ect. While you have it in your power to do something, do it. Don't wait until that opportunity gets taken from you. I know I'm not.
-Goggins

July 2nd
We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall never surrender.
-Winston Churchill

July 3rd
I've always sort of thought that at Hardrock you sort of live your entire life in a single day," said Roch Horton, a five-time finisher. "You'll be the happiest you'll ever be in your entire life, whenever that was, here at Hardrock. And the most ragged, lowdown, just desperate, decrepit, degenerate, sore - you're going to feel that, too, in one day, all in one continuous experience.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Cortland 10 Miler

Yesterday, the Cortland 10 Miler took place and was dominated by the Harris family. NEO Trail member Jim Harris got third overall in the 10 miler with a 1:07:32 while his son Heath won the race in a time of 1:01:25. Also capturing a title was Eric, who won the 2 mile event.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

QotD - June 22-26


Every weekday NEO Trail member Jim Harris sends out a Quote of the Day (QotD) that is inspiring, insightful, or just plain funny. Sometimes it's not even a quote but a comic!

At the end of each week, the quotes he sends out will be posted on the NEO Trail blog. If you would like to be added to Jim's email list, then shoot him an email at
Tuesday, June 23rd

I'm an endurance athlete for many reasons. Escaping mindfulness, with all the lost brain cells that may or may not imply, is one of them. I'm also a closet control freak. Weird as it may sound, fretting about a problem and then solving it while getting hammered with a healthy dose of dopamine as I grind alone up a mountainside is one of my greatest fulfillments. I certainly get cranky when I don't get out there to train.

-Martin Dugard, from his blog


Wednesday, June 24th

If exercise were a pill, it would be the most expensive drug on the market.

-Dr. Carstensen


Thursday, June 25th

If the miles behind me could be put into words before you…
you would feel my efforts, my struggles, my desires,
most of all you would see my joy…
Watch me from afar run the trails and hills
and miles upon miles and you will see…

A runner.


Friday, June 26th



Thursday, June 25, 2009

So There I Was...


Have a great adventure story that you think deserves being retold and recaptured? Whether you're defying gravity, pushing the human limits, escaping death, or just plain living it up then tell Outside magazine your story. Submit a picture and story to Outside's "So There I Was..." contest and have a chance to be featured on their online photo gallery or even right in the magazine!!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Highlands Sky 40 Miler


Presented by the West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners, the 6th annual Highlands Sky Trail Run took place last Saturday at the Canaan Valley Resort State Park.

This point to point course travels across some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in West Virginia. Trail surfaces and scenery vary greatly throughout the run, as well as elevation which ranges from 2500 to 4700 feet. The course travels through the Canaan Valley, the highest large valley east of the Mississippi.

NEO Trail club members Bruce McMurray and Rich Vroboncic took part in the event this year. Bruce finished with a time of 11:08 while Rich followed close behind with an 11:18 finishing time.

Detailed Race Description - Course Maps

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Kettle Moraine 100 Mile Endurance Run


Last Sunday, Nick Billock became a member of the 100-mile club finishing his first at the Kettle Moraine 100 Mile Endurance Run held in Wisconsin. His finishing time was 25 hours and 39 minutes. Pictured above is the hardware...err kitchenware...that Nick and other finishers received.

Nick's Race Report: Part 1 & Part 2 - Race Info

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Another Dam 50K Run


On Saturday, NEO Trail club member Greg Murray participated in the 5th running of Another Dam 50K Run held in Englewood, OH. This race consists of a 7.9-mile loop repeated 4 times. The terrain is primarily dirt trails with very few hills.

Greg finished in 5:30:04, a great run in preparation of his first 100-mile attempt at Burning River. William Allen won the event with a spectacular finish of 3:43:03, over 7 minutes ahead of the 2nd place finisher! On the women's side, Terri Lemke won running a 4:25:36.

Race Results - Course Map - Greg's Report - Greg's Race Pics

Monday, June 8, 2009

2009 OHSAA Track & Field Championships


This past Friday, Heath Harris, son of NEO Trail club member Jim Harris, competed in the 1600 meter race at the Ohio Track & Field State Championship meet in Columbus at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Heath finished 5th overall and capped off a great high school career. Below is a recap of the day by Jim and a video provided by Flotrack.

Jim's Report
It was warm and nothing but sunshine for the entire day. Probably low 80’s with just a slight breeze occasionally in the upper level of stands, but down near the track there was no breeze and it was warm. This track has a slightly different configuration and the straight sections are shorter than 100 meters long. Heath mentioned that the turns feel really long and look a little shallower also. Also a rail on the inside of lane one, which hardly anyone is used to and causes some problems for athletes during the 2 days of racing.

Only 12 made the start of this event with the others bowing out for the 3200 only. Heath was lined up outside in lane 8 and after 100 meters he was in last place by at least 2 meters to the pack. Last still at 200, but at least he has contact with the group now. Around 250 meters in he moved up to next to last. Through the first 400 in 64.52 seconds and at 500 meters he is back to last place.

On the back stretch he makes a big jump up in position passes over half the field to move into 5th place at the start of the far turn. After the turn at 700 meters in, Heath is back to 6th, and then at the half way mark he is in 7th. White comes around Heath on the front stretch and positions himself better approaching the line. Heath’s second 400 split is 66.76 seconds and that gives him an 800 split of 2:11.28, which is really fast.

Into the turn after the line and Joe White leads out with Eick right behind. Going into the far turn at 1000 meters in, Heath is in 6th. After the turn, he is in 5th and they are 3 wide coming out of the turn with Heath right behind the leaders at 500 meters to go. Heath moves closer down the front stretch and then near the half way point of the front stretch Heath moves out to make the group 4 wide and surges ahead. At the line Heath comes around the whole pack to take the lead starting the last lap. He looks good and gets a small gap back to the field.

Round the turn Heath is leading the race and then at 300 to go Eick and Hix come up on him and with 250 to go they blow by Heath and then White and Miller come around him as well. At 150 to go he is in 5th and holds that to the line for 5th overall in a time of 4:21.77, not quite a PR, but only a second off of his regional time. His third 400 was a 64.96 and then closed with a 65.10. Very even splits across all four laps.

Eick did what he needed to win and if you watch the race you will see him position himself in 2nd place the entire race until the end when he out-kicks Hix for the win. White ran well and was with Heath in the beginning and then moves up through the field and did what he could with 800 to go. Heath ran a great race and his move with 400 was his attempt to try and get away from the pack. Not sure if it was great strategy or not, but it was exciting to see him attempt that.

As far as the team scoring went, here is a quick recap. On Thursday Ben Moody took 4th in the long jump for 5 points. Then he won the 110 hurdles, and then backed that up with a win in the 100 dash as well. That effort gave Lakeview 25 points, then Heath got 4 more in the 1600 and the 4x100 team took third to get 6 points to give Lakeview 35 points going into the 3200 and the 4x400. Tyler would need to win or get second in the 3200 and Eastwood would have to be last or DQ in the 4x400 for a tie as the best that Lakeview could place as a team. Tyler ended up in 6th place for 3 more points and Lakeview finished in 2nd place as a team with 38 points and Eastwood won with 47. 69 teams scored at least 1 point at the state meet, and this is the first time ever that Lakeview earned a trophy for 2nd place. Lots of pictures and a trip to the podium for the Lakeview boys at that point. They knew they had a shot, and was happy to be where they ended up. Every individual from Lakeview that raced at the state meet made it to the podium. No disappointment and everyone was happy with their efforts on the day.

Looking forward to the summer and training for CC for Heath and also Kristen and Eric. I am itching to run some longer distances and after Heath’s open house I already have one ultra on the schedule and am looking to get some more on the calendar.

Video of Heath's Race

Sunday, May 31, 2009

2009 No Frills, Just Hills FA


The 2nd Annual No Frills, Just Hills FA took place yesterday at Kendall Hills in the Cuyahoga Valley. Twenty-four total runners started the event sharply at 8 AM, seeing how many loops they could complete in the 6-hour time limit. An alternative course was required this year due to construction at the dam. This year's loop totaled 2.25 miles instead of last years 2 mile loop.

Jim Chaney won the title this year in a record setting 15 loops. Suzanne Pokorny led the women with 11 loops. And Jim Christ's dog, Jordan, led the non-human category completing 1 loop. Again, runners enjoyed the event sharing stories, miles, and food afterwards.

NEO Trail members that took part in the event include: Brian Musick, Courtney Baker, Dave Peterman, Jeff Musick, Jim Christ, Kim Love-Ottobre, Mark Anson, Paul Lefelhocz, Tanya Cady, Jim Harris, and Bob Combs

Pictures of the event can be viewed on Facebook. For complete results, click here.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Miler

This past weekend several NEO Trail members completed the 15th running of the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run despite having some of the worst weather conditions in the race's history and the 3rd lowest finishing rate to date. The day began with light fog and humidity levels near 100%. As the sun burned off the haze, the temperature and the dew point quickly rose. In nearby Front Royal, the temperature topped out at 85F at 2 pm, while the dew point was miserably above 70 from noon until after 2 p.m.

After being broiled, the runners were "treated" to a round of torrential rain and frequent lightning durign mid-afternoon. A second more significant round of thunderstorms swept over the course between 6 and 7 pm with nasty lightning and even reports of golf ball sized hail. This second system lingered until 10:30 or so. Radar estimates showed that 1 to 2 inches of rain fell over the entire course between 2 p.m. and midnight.

Here are the club results:

Lloyd Thomas - 100 miles - 27:41:38
Bill Losey - 100 miles - 33:51:31
Bob Combs - 100 miles - 34:32:44
Paul Lefelhocz - 81.4 miles
Brian Musick - 64.9 miles
Dave Peterman - 48.2 miles

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Cleveland Marathon 2009

3:50 pacer Brett Himes finishing (on right)

The 32nd annual Cleveland Marathon was underway bright and early this morning at 7:00 AM. Runners toed the line at the intersection of E. 9th St. and St. Clair Ave. The race this year featured a brand new course which headed West for an out-and-back loop then headed East past the start for another out-and-back loop. The newly designed course directed runners East on the lakefront so the wind was at their back. The course also featured less turns and traffic, extended views of the lake, views of all three professional sports stadiums, and a spacious finish line area. The events Sunday drew a large diverse crowd providing four events including the marathon, half, 10K and 5K.

Jeff Musick finishing

This year, seven NEO Trail Members participated in the races. Their times and event are listed below.

Half Marathon
  • Barbara Broad - 1:39:36 **Won 55-59 Age Group
  • Robert Clark - 2:38:29
Marathon
  • Jeff Musick - 3:07:01
  • Ronald Ross - 3:15:33
  • Brett Himes - 3:48:45
  • Doug Delahanty - 4:05:00
  • Bruce McIntosh - 4:45:03
For a recap of the day's events click here. For complete searchable results click here.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Forget the PR, Mohican 50K

This past Sunday, 11 NEO club members took part in the Forget the PR Mohican 50K held at the Mohican State Park Campgrounds in Loudonville, Ohio. The event, in its inaugural year, was a success and lives up to its name with plenty of hills. Complete results are available on the race blog. Don Baun's Race Report - Kim's Photos

The club members that participated include:
  • Dave Peterman - 5:17
  • Ron Ross - 5:23
  • Courtney Baker - 6:39
  • Doug Delahanty - 6:39
  • Paul Lefelhocz - 6:43
  • Bob Combs - 6:43
  • Corey Volz - 6:4
  • Don Baun - 6:56
  • Bill Wagner - 7:13
  • Bruce McMurray - 7:24
  • Mike Halkovich - 7:37

Saturday, April 11, 2009

The Barkley Marathons - 100 Mile Run

Considered one of the toughest 100 mile runs in the world, Barkley consists of 52,900 feet of climb (and descent) and has only been completed by 8 runners since beginning in 1986. Runners complete 5 20-mile loops with cutoffs of 12-hours per loop and they collect pages from various books along the way to prove they were there. This year, NEO Trail members John Dewalt, Bill Losey, and Jim Harris took part in the event.

Jim Harris completed 2 official loops in 22:08 and continued on for 7 more books. Becoming an ultra veteran, Jim is tough as nails and is a good measure to how tough the course really is. He will likely make a return to Barkley in the future with even higher goals. After the race Jim had this to say about the mental toughness required for Barkely and plans for it in 2010:

"Once you let that doubt creep into your brain, you are done. QUIT is a tough word to deal with. Took me 5 minutes in the moment to decide to give it up, but hard to get over and hope to come to grips with it soon. Wish I could go back and at least try to make it up to Fyke’s Peak. I was too scared to go back into the woods. Being alone is huge and that is where I gave up. Laz already called the race date for next year, March 26th. Hope that I am in Tennessee that weekend for another try on the course."

John Dewalt finished 1 loop in 11:27 officially, but toughed it out and finished another loop over the limit. At the age of 71, John is an ULTRA LEGEND. He has completed countless ultras including Hard Rock 13 times!! Anyone who has seen him run cannot believe his age and toughness. John has run Barkley many times in the past and consecutively in recent history since 2005.

Bill Losey finished 1 loop in 9:31 officially, but also was not satisfied and ran 7 more books off the clock. Bill has also run Barkley before 5 times including '06 & '07 in recent history. Wild Bill AKA Shubi is always up for an adventure and to test his limits. He has run over 20 ultras including Hardrock 100 and Laurel Highlands 70 just to name a few. After the race, Bill had this to say about the "Barkley experience":

"The course is relentless and never lets up. The atmosphere is what I wish for every ultra and hope that every runner has a chance to experience once in his/her running life. Gather thirty-five of your dear friends and share an experience that is wrought with challenges and obstacles and bundle all that up into one hell of a good time and you just found yourself in Frozen Head.

I am humbled by the determination of those that go further and am in awe of the "8" that have completed the 100. They are a special breed. I believe that I can honestly say that a Barkley finisher is as elite as you can get. This was my fifth year attending and each year I have hopes of exceeding my own expectations and each year I fall short of my goal but get just a lil bit closer.

The hills suck and briers bite which is not the worst of the game, it is the mental that creeps in. Jim was faster and stronger than most. Mentally and physically. Not knowing the course, mental took over. Mentally at some point in this run you ask yourself, WHY. What for and what am I trying to prove and to whom. For me at least, knowing what you have ahead and knowing the suffer sometimes is enough to say "I am done." Take all the training, dreaming, preparation, planning, and it all boils down to when, in your mind, you're done, you are done. That is a hole I can't seem to climb out of. If this makes any sense."

For many, this may not make true sense in the sense that to fully understand what goes on mentally and physically during this event is like what few other athletes experience. It is in a class of its own and has drawing power like no other race that keeps runners coming back year after year trying to finish one more loop, one more book, or one more step.

Results are posted on the Barkley website along with various pictures and race reports. To view all the pictures taken of NEO Trail members click here. Also, stay posted to the TeamPR forum as Jim will most likely post a report soon.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Umstead 100

On Saturday, two NEO Trail members, Joe Novicky and Kim Love-Ottobre, completed the 15th Annual Umstead 100-Mile Endurance Run in NC. Joe finished in 27:14 and Kim in 27:33. Kim got a PR and Moose completed his first 100!



Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Fools 50K & 25K Trail Run


Last Sunday, NEO Trail had a great showing of 15 members at the Fools 50K & 25K Trail Run organized by club member Lloyd Thomas. A total of 191 people crossed the finish line with 67 in the 50K and 124 in the 25K. Click here for full results. Below are the results of NEO Trail members:

50K
  • Dave Peterman - 4:51:18
  • Ron Ross - 5:10:47
  • Frank Dwyer - 5:23:53
  • Nick Billock - 5:26:15
  • Bob Clark - 5:34:34
  • TJ Hawk - 6:01:47
  • Paul Lefelhocz - 6:02:00
  • Tanya Cady - 6:09:58
  • Kurt Osadchuk - 6:13:31
  • Courtney Baker - 6:20:28
  • Bill Wagner - 6:28:07
  • Don Baun - 6:47:00
  • Mike Halkovich - 6:47:46
25K
  • Bob Johnson - 3:38:39
  • Bruce McIntosh - 3:38:40

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Drake Well Marathon & Half Marathon


With the 150th Anniversary of the historic Drake Well approaching in August of 2009, Titusville Renaissance, Inc., will start off the festivities surrounding the celebration of the first working Oil Well in the planet by having a top-notch race weekend.

For more information and a very interesting history of the race click here.

Monday, March 23, 2009

North Coast 24-Hour Endurance Run


The North Coast 24 is an exciting new 24 hour endurance race held in Northeast Ohio at the scenic Edgewater Park in Cleveland directly adjacent to Lake Erie. Runners will travel around a loop of just under a mile covering as many miles as possible within 24 hours. Runners may elect to run any amount of time or distance that they wish. The male and female leaders at the 6- and 12-hour marks will receive recognition. The winners will be those who cover the most distance in the 24-hour time period.
  • Location: Edgewater Park, Cleveland, OH
  • Date: Oct. 3-4, 2009
  • Start: 9 AM, Oct 3rd
  • Finish: 9 AM, Oct 4th
  • Aid Stations: 1 – and well stocked. Crew may access their runner within 100 feet of aid station.
  • Course Description: 0.91 mile loop. Flat! All purpose trail. Immediately adjacent to Lake Erie.
  • Awards: Top 3 Male and Female and top Masters Male and Female.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Green Jewel 50K Fun Run Results

Yesterday, Lloyd Thomas and Courtney Baker ran the Green Jewel 50K which starts in Scenic Park in Rocky River and finishes at Oak Grove in Brecksville. The event had 35 runners. Lloyd and Courtney ran 4:14:11 and 5:05:20, respectively.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Elizabeth Furnace FA 50K


On Saturday, Bob Combs ran the Elizabeth Furnace FA 50K. This event is held in the Elizabeth’s Furnace/Signal Knob area of the George Washington National Forest in the Fort Valley of Virginia. He finished in 8:17. For complete results click here.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Pittsfield Peak Snowshoe Marathon


This past Sunday, Bill Losey participated in the Pittsfield Peak Snowshoe Marathon in Pittsfield, VT. The course consists of a 6.55 mile loop repeated 4 times. Shubi finished in 7:08:40. Click here for complete results.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Covered Bridge FA 50K

On Saturday, NEO Trail hosted its annual Covered Bridge FA 50K at Mill Creek Park. There was a great turnout of 16 people including 11 NEO Trail Club members. Members present were (miles next to name):


  • Bob "Gombobu" Combs (16)

  • Nick Billock (31)

  • Don Baun (31)

  • Joe "Moose" Novicky (31)

  • Brian "Little Pebble" Musick (31)

  • Bruce "The Moose" McMurray (20)

  • "Slim" Jim Harris (38)

  • Lloyd "LT" Thomas (31)

  • Lifetime member Dave Peterman (38)

  • Courtney Baker (22)

  • Jeff "RO" Musick (20)

A great time was had by all despite the rain (and thunder...and lightening...and mud...Oh my!). Jim Harris and Courtney Baker (pictured below) won the Men's and Women's division of the Ohio FA 50K Championship, respectively.


Thursday, March 5, 2009

Running the Sahara Returns


In case you missed the Cleveland showing, Running the Sahara returns to the area in Canton, OH.

Narrated by: Matt Damon
Directed by: James Moll
Theater Name: Canton Palace Theater
Theater Address: 605 Market Ave. N, Canton, Ohio 44702
Show Date: Friday, March 13th, 2009
Reception: 7 PM
Show Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: $35.00

*Ticket price includes film screening PLUS a copy of the DVD

Green Jewel 50K


Registration for the 2nd Annual Green Jewel 50K will close this Saturday, March 7th. The event showcases the Cleveland Metroparks and is part of the 2009 Western Reserve Trail Running Series.


Monday, March 2, 2009

Covered Bridge FA 50K


Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2009
Time: 8:00 AM (6:00 AM optional early-bird start)
Location: Mill Creek Park
Parking: Log Cabin Waterfall Parking Lot (below the Rose Garden)