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

Saturday, December 31, 2011

MHM Race Report Kim Love*Ottobre

“Some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible.” -Doug Larson



The start of the Monkey Hills Marathon was cold. I grabbed my hydration vest, since that's where the car key was, and my gloves and ran across the field to find the trail.
Which was a bit hard to do, as I don't approach it from this angle, but Scooby and Erin's lights were coming back at me, so I began my long journey of the day, the first downhill on Pinball Ridge.


The Monkey Hills Marathon is a very simple premise.  Run the 0.9 mile section of trail that has been christened the Monkey Hills, for a total of 29 laps, to make a marathon.

3 Hills on the course, 6 climbs per lap.  6 x 29= 173 climbs.


452 feet of gain per lap, so 452 X 29 = 13,108 feet of gain.

Mike Dobies, the genius who dreamed up this idea, was also smart enough to not attend the MHM for the second year in a row.

It was dark at 6 am, so I had the light on my head. I climb the last hill at the north end of the loop, and begin to run, and then WHAMMMO! I hit the tree branch and fall on my ass.


Yes, I ran head on into this branch. It hurt quite badly, and for a brief moment I was scared my day of running was over. And all this in the first loop! The pain subsided, and I gingerly got up, and continued down the trail. At least I didn't damage my light.

With this very short loop it was easy to see the other runners-the early starters were Jim, Bob, Jonathan, and Erin. The trail at first was slick and greasy, and I thought for sure it would deteriorate as the day went on, with the myriad of runners on the trail.

It began to snow after the sun came up

and the wind increased. This actually seemed to help the footing on the trail; the mud dried out a bit.

Running-if you could call it that-this was more like climbing a marathon was simple. It was easy to step into the zen and be a little startled to see Scooby passing me yet again. (He passed me alot!)

Dan Kuzma showed up, and the time passed more quickly with him. Erin, Dan and I stayed together for quite a few loops, chatting the entire time.

Todd "Cheesburglar" Hanks showed up at 1pm with the promised fast food, and the cheeseburger tasted pretty good!

But around this time, I hit my low spot of the day. I was slowing way down. I was also wet on the top, and starting to get a good chill. I made a trip over to my car and changed my entire top, which did help.

I did not eat and drink properly for this effort, despite passing the aid station twice on the loop. The short distance made it deceptively easy to think, yeah, I will grab a cookie next time through... I should have actually been eating more and drinking more.

We were keeping track of our splits on the clipboard at the Happy Hill Aid Station
and it was good to start actually noting what lap I was on.

Bob and Slim joined me for their last few loops, and then Todd accompanied me for my last two loops, so the end of the Monkey Hills Marathon did not suck as bad as I thought it would. I cheerfully said goodbye to the tree that tried to take me out, way back in the beginning of the day.

I finished first female-or first broad, whatever, and also DFL. 10 plus hours for a marathon? Believe it. I was just beat. I have not been that tired from a run in a long time!

There were four finishers from the December 28 MHM, which brings the entire MHM finishers to five. Slim is the only runner idiot to have repeated the marathon effort. 

Resolve to Volunteer

A good 2012 resolution would be to get involved on the other side of the aid station table-consider volunteering for a race!

All race directors need volunteers, and cannot manage a race without the people who are giving their time on race day to direct traffic, issue bib numbers, mark trail, stuff schwag bags, mix up Gatorade and Heed, stand in the cold-or the hot sun-for hours, refilling water bottles, cajoling and scolding runners to go on with their race.


Volunteers can be found the day before the race, loading totes with aid station supplies, sorting shirts according to size, sorting Excel spreadsheets with bib numbers.

Race morning they are up early. They are sitting in the cold, checking runners in, grabbing the right size shirts, making sure runners have safety pins, answering questions about the course, where the portopotties are.
Volunteers are standing in the road at intersections, making sure runners are aware of the road crossing, motioning cars to slow down, pointing runners in the correct direction.

Volunteers are at the Aid Stations..for hours. They are cutting up sandwiches, fruit, monitoring water and Gatorade levels.  They are refilling your water bottles, making sure you eat, making sure you have water.  They are keeping an eye on you, assessing your condition, maybe suggesting they get the hell out of your aid station and get down the trail.

Some races now have a volunteer requirement in order to enter the race: Western States, Vermont, Wasatch, Buckeye Trail 50K.

If you are new to running, trail running, or ultras, consider volunteering. You will certainly get pumped up as you see these folks filter through your aid station.

A seasoned runner who has never volunteered? Maybe this is the time for you to sit out a race, and help on the other side of the table.  See what the volunteers are doing for you.

And you bring education to the table. You know what that runner is going through on the other side, whether it be a 50K or a 100 miler.
You know what they need-salt, food, a pep talk, a "4 miles to the next AS" speech, how good they look. You know, by a look, when to suggest they sit down down in the chair for a moment to regroup and rehydrate.

You've got the knowledge of 'them' and know what they need..now help them.

NEO TC will need volunteers for the YUTC Race in September. We will be sending out an email, in the summer months, asking for some additional help.  If you are not running the race, please consider putting in a few hours of volunteering.  It's a little work and a whole lot of fun.

Friday, December 30, 2011

MHM Race Report Jonathan Bolha





I wasn't really sure how i would do in the MHM, but i know i love running and hiking up mountains and this would almost be a mixture of both.  I ended up getting spoiled with some snow too.  I began going at a good pace with Erin, but realized i like to walk faster up the hills so i went ahead after a few laps.

  I liked how there were lots of us out there and we got to cheer each other on as we passed by every lap.  I also liked not having to carry water since i have access to it twice every mile.  My garmin died after about 23 laps, so i spent some time looking for another watch in the car.  It was my fault as i forgot to charge it the night before.

I enjoyed getting to talk to most everyone a bit about some of their running experiences or plans for the upcoming year.  I don't have any 100s planned yet but I would be up for trying one someday, probably after i have a couple more 50s under my belt.

  I never really hit the wall either until i began my 33rd lap then decided i had enough.  My 29th lap, i ended up standing around and talking to Lenny and Kelly for a few minutes not realizing that this was a timed event.  I made up for it by running the 30th lap harder than the rest.  30 was my goal anyways, so i was glad to have fun that one the fastest.  I slowed down for sure for a few near the end to more of a comfortable pace.  My feet actually hurt a bit after 25 laps and i thought about switching shoes but then someone they felt better and i forgot about them. 

In conclusion:  I enjoyed this event much more than i thought i would.  Going out and back 30 times up the toughest trails in mill creek wouldn't have sounded like much fun last year but to no surprise i just loved it!  Thanks for letting me participate with you on such a unique and crazy event.  I've learned quite a bit and know there's still much to learn,

Scooby



Thursday, December 29, 2011

The Monkey Hills Marathon..in Pics

Race day dawned, cold. About 30 degrees.

Scoobi and Gombu once the sun had come up. We started the race at 6am.


Conditions were greasy on the first three or four loops. Then it began to snow, and the temperature dropped. This helped the footing on the hills.



Slim on the trail


Gombu heading uphill on the north end.





The Monkeys! Aid was staged out of the Happy Hill Aid Station.

Bob Combs and Dan Kuzma heading out of the HH AS.



Dan Kuzma, Kimba, Erin Schumacher.  She is really not that short.

The Maheau Family joined us after a few hours.


Ultra Kellie looking cool!

Audrey did the most running out of everyone on the trail. She made it look easy.


Lenny coming through! Look out!!!



Trail got a bit congested in the afternoon.  Showing proper etiquette for the downhill runner.



More trail support for Slim.




First female. Also DFL.

We sent our splits to our data analyst, who promptly gave results:



Times and race reports forthcoming.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

King of the Miles-Paul Lefelhocz

The dust and dirt has now settled from NEO TC "King of the Miles" 2011 contest, and one person ran away with the clear title of King of the Hill Miles.

That would be Paul Lefelhocz, who ran, in "races" 1085.2 miles.  These were all ultra events, including 8 100 mile-or longer-events for Paul.  Out of his 100 mile-or longer-races, Paul finished 4 of 8, a good 50% finish rate.  It should be noted that one of his 100 mile races was The Barkley Marathons. 

His longest race was the Last Annual Vol State Race, 314 miles across the state of Tennessee.

A comparison on what a huge accomplishment this is:

Trail Runner Magazine also holds a Trail Running Trophy Series Contest, with a point structure far more convoluted that the Rules Committee KOTM contests.  Their 2011 series has concluded.
In a contest, which is open to runners all over the North American continent (that means Canada too), their Mile  Mogul winners were only able to cover 677.4 (for males) and 429.5 (for females).  Paul almost beat their combined mileage!!






Monday, December 26, 2011

Mike Keller Race Report East Port of Spain 10k - 18DEC2011




The pressure was on me, from me. I PR’d in the 10k last weekend and felt like I could PR again, with this Sunday’s race starting earlier (630am) and being cooler. I did take note that the humidity is actually HIGHER in the morning though as the air temp is cooler, so I expected it to be a struggle to PR if I even could.

This race was a great deal at just 5 dollars US! I reminded myself of that before I got carried away with any disappointment in the race...the only two things that even irked me were the 32 minutes late start (due to the assigned police officers all showing up late) and there were less water stops than I was told. (3 vs. 4) Still...FIVE dollars!

Once we started it was two laps around Memorial park (1.6 km) and then one lap around the larger, adjacent Queen’s Park Savannah (beautiful!) before entering city neighborhood streets for the last 5.5 km or so. The humidity showed early and I was drenched by only 3km in or so, holding a nice early pace of about 5:00 per km...I didn’t think this would hold throughout though.

The sun and heat were killing me (715 am here) already by 5km and once we entered the neighborhoods I found more downhill segments, and much more shade and got a few kms of relief. Soon I was just hot and working hard again though, and I began the second half job of walking down runner after runner. A few obliged just as I reached them and switched to a walk, making me blow by them. A few put on a spurt, only to die out minutes later and have me pass them. Down the home stretch, I could literally see the finish line when the urge arrived too strong to deny.


I always said I wanted to be able to puke on the run, without stopping or breaking stride, because then I would be so tough. For now, I am not. I found I instinctively HAD to pull over, and after three strong dry heaves, I hurled three more good wet pukes to the hot sidewalk. A few hard spits for good measure, and I raised my head to find three guys I had passed in the last kilometer had snuck by while I tossed chunks.

Well, that just gave me the chance to pass them AGAIN! Two of them anyhow.

I bore down, hit the pavement hard and passed two of them again to hit the finish line in 52:12, another new PR (notably in my Forget the PR tshirt, always a special added bonus.) As soon as I crossed the timing mat, I pulled over to a spot away from the chute and broke another PR right there. TEN more vomits. (yes I am stupid enough to count.) A total of 13 Vomits in the last half km broke my previous PR of 10 vomits just after the Lake Chelan (WA) marathon! Who gets to set two PR’s all within the same few minutes!!! Only a true NEO Trail member in my opinion!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas







"..And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'"

"...And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve


But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Crooked Road 24 Hour Race December 3

Sometimes the Facebook stalking pays off.  I just learned that NEO TC member Dan Kuzma ran the Crooked Road 24 Hour Race December 3. This was held in Rocky Mount, Virginia.






Dan finished in second place, with 109.29 miles in 24 hours. Congratulations to Dan!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Club discount for Fools Trail Run

Fools 50k & 25k Trail Run is set for April 1, 2012.

NEO Trail club members in good standing (dues paid through 2012) are eligible for a $20 off discount to the event.

To claim your discount, ensure your name is up-to-date on the club roster and if necessary renew your membership:
http://www.neotrail.org/neotrailmembers.htm

Then send an email with your first and last name to:
fools50k@gmail.com

The race director will send you a promotional code to claim your $20 off.

Entry opens on January 3, 2012 at Noon ET.

Sincerely,
LT

Monday, December 19, 2011

URINEO Trail Fest Recap 2011

This was the 6th Annual URINEO Trail Fest for NEOTC.
There was again, good weather, and snowflakes to complement the beautiful trails of Mill Creek Park, Youngstown.

As always, great trails and great Camaraderie in the Cabin.
If there is anyone who didn't enjoy themselves at URINEO, please let us know.

URINEO 2011 Results
17 December 2011

*Rich (Monkey Spanker) Vrboncic – MHM 9:43 (+1 Monkey Mile)

Cam Baker – 6 loops (+1 Monkey Mile with Rich)
*Jonathan Bolha – 6 loops (first 50 mile run)
*Jeff Musick – 6 loops (first 50 mile run)
Todd Hanks – 6 loops

*Kellie Maheu – 4 loops (first Ultra)
Aaron Shoemaker – 4 loops (plus a few extra)
Cindy Sanchez - 4 loops
Jeff from Pittsburgh – 4 loops
Jim Harris – 4 loops (+7 Monkey Miles with Rich)

Shannon Fisher – 3 loops
Tara Schweitzer – 3 loops
Wild Bill Wagner – 3 loops (wandered aimlessly throughout MCP wondering where he was)
Grandpa Mike Kazar – 3 loops
Lenny Maheu – 3 loops
Bob (President for Life) Combs – 3 loops (+ some more)

Lloyd Thomas - 2 loops (+3 Monkey Miles)
Kimba Love*Ottobre – 2 loops
Audrey Maheu – 2 loops
Barefoot Johnny O – 2 loops
Pepper – 2 loops
Taylor Sowers - 2 loops?

Cyrus Taylor – 1 loop (+5 miles)
IronVal Watson Sweeney – 1 loop
Gary Glitter – 1 loop
Nick Tripi – 1 loop
Kelsey Dickey – 1 loop (first Trail Run at MCP)
Eric Harris – 1 loop
Heath Harris – 1 loop (FKT? 64:24)
Joe Moose Novicky – 1 loop
Jayne from Salem – 1 loop
Megan from Steubenville – 1 loop
Tim Knapp - 1 loop
Bekah Billock – 1 loop (with Lake Newport)
Marjie Billock – 1 loop (with Lake Newport)
Jim Billock – 1 loop (with Lake Newport)
Nick Billock (the Admiral) – 1 loop (with Lake Newport)
Patrick Fisher - ? (5 hours total time on feet)

Beth Harris – no loops (8 road miles)
Allison Holko - no loops
Shubi – no loops

"THE King" Lefelhocz - 15 MHM laps (plus Cabin to south end of Monkey Hills and back)
Brian Musick – 12 Monkey Hill laps