THE VULCAN RUNNER · VOL. 32 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2008 ISSUE 2 10 – By Danny Haralson Jerusalem,...
21
Birmingham’s Area Running Club www.birminghamtrackclub.com www.myspace.com/birminghamtrackclub BIRMINGHAM TRACK CLUB THE VULCAN RUNNER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2008 VOL. 3 2 ISSUE 10 2 – By Danny Haralson Jerusalem, according to Wikipedia, is the capital and largest city in Israel in both pop- ulation and area, with over 700,000 residents and is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is a Holy City to each of 3 of the world’s ma- jor religions and a political hotbed. It is also one of the most unique cities and areas on earth and Micki and I were fortunate enough to spend a month there earlier this year. It’s one of the few trips we’ve made in the last 10 years where running was not the pri- mary focus, yet, as always some of our most memorable experiences would come on the road. The city of Jerusalem is located in the Judean Mountains between Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives and it consists of the ‘Old City’ (the biblical city we’re familiar with) with modern day Jerusalem cropping up all around. The ‘Old City’ is surrounded by walls thousands of years old designed to protect the city from enemies who’ve besieged Jeru- salem throughout its history and a morning run around these walls quickly became one of our favorites. One thing we quickly learned about Is- rael is that there is nothing flat there, noth- ing. We were either running up hill or down hill, oy! Our second morning of running we found ourselves on the eastern end of the city at one of those perfectly magical mo- ments when the sun was just beginning to peek over the Mount of Olives. It was indeed a spectacular and spiritual sunrise; one of those you simply had to stop and breathe in the beauty and glory of the moment. During our time there we actually went to a beerfest (imagine that, we found a beer- fest) in a village outside of Jerusalem in the area loosely referred to as Palestine in the village of Taybeh. To our surprise the beer was incredibly delicious; to our dismay we could only enjoy it in Israel because the Pal- www.rrca.org Danny Haralson, overlooking Jerusalem during a recent trip with his wife, Micki. The golden domed building is one of the holiest sites in Islam and Judaism dating back to the Second Temple of Solomon commonly known in our world as ‘The Temple Mount’ though today it is controlled be Muslims and Jews are not allowed access. ISRAEL <continued on Page 2> Danny & Micki Haralson visit Jerusalem to COMBINE PASSIONS OF RUNNING, HISTORY, RELIGION, AND CULTURE 1
Transcript of THE VULCAN RUNNER · VOL. 32 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2008 ISSUE 2 10 – By Danny Haralson Jerusalem,...
Birmingham’s Area Running Clubwww.birminghamtrackclub.com
www.myspace.com/birminghamtrackclubBIRMINGHAM TRACK CLUB
THE VULCAN RUNNERFEBRUARY/MARCH 2008VOL. 32 ISSUE 10 2
– By Danny Haralson
Jerusalem,accordingtoWikipedia,isthecapitalandlargestcityinIsraelinbothpop-ulationandarea,withover700,000residentsandisoneoftheoldestcitiesintheworld.ItisaHolyCitytoeachof3oftheworld’sma-jorreligionsandapoliticalhotbed.Itisalsooneof themostuniquecitiesandareasonearthandMickiandIwerefortunateenoughtospendamonththereearlierthisyear.
It’soneofthefewtripswe’vemadeinthelast10yearswhererunningwasnotthepri-maryfocus,yet,asalwayssomeofourmostmemorableexperienceswouldcomeontheroad.
The city of Jerusalem is located in theJudean Mountains between Mount Scopusand the Mount of Olives and it consists ofthe‘OldCity’(thebiblicalcitywe’refamiliarwith)withmoderndayJerusalemcroppingupallaround.
The ‘Old City’ is surrounded by wallsthousands of years old designed to protectthecityfromenemieswho’vebesiegedJeru-salemthroughoutitshistoryandamorningrunaroundthesewallsquicklybecameoneofourfavorites.
One thing we quickly learned about Is-raelisthatthereisnothingflatthere,noth-ing.Wewereeitherrunninguphillordown
hill,oy!Oursecondmorningofrunningwefound ourselves on the eastern end of thecity at one of those perfectly magical mo-mentswhenthesunwas justbeginningtopeekovertheMountofOlives.Itwasindeeda spectacular and spiritual sunrise; one ofthoseyousimplyhadtostopandbreatheinthebeautyandgloryofthemoment.
During our time there we actually wenttoabeerfest(imaginethat,wefoundabeer-fest)inavillageoutsideofJerusaleminthearea loosely referred to as Palestine in thevillage of Taybeh. To our surprise the beerwas incredibly delicious; to our dismay wecouldonlyenjoyitinIsraelbecausethePal-
www.rrca.org
Danny Haralson, overlooking Jerusalem during a recent trip with his wife, Micki. The golden domed building is one of the holiest sites in Islam and Judaism dating back to the Second Temple of Solomon commonly known in our world as ‘The Temple Mount’ though today it is controlled be Muslims and Jews are not allowed access.
ISRAEL <continued on Page 2>
Danny&MickiHaralsonvisitJerusalemto
COMBINE PASSIONSOf ruNNINg, hIStOry, rElIgION, ANd CulturE
1
2
ISRAEL <continued on Page 4>
ISRAEL <cont. from Page 1>
1. Micki at Masada, a mountaintop fortress built by Herod the Great. 2. Danny, after his Red Sea run. 3. Sun setting over the Red Sea (from the Exodus to a vacation resort) 4. Danny & Micki at the Sea of Galilee 5. Danny & Micki in the Sinai Desert. Danny is wearing a native headress called a Kefir.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANNY & MICKI HARALSON
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
estiniansaren’tallowedtoexport.
TheveryfirstmorningIran,thefirstperson I saw was a truck driver mak-ing his rounds. He smiled broadly andperformedanexaggeratedrunningmo-tionimitatingme(sortof…doIlooklikethat?). I remember thinking to myself,“Cool, they likerunnershere.”BoywasIwrong!
Thereareculturesandtraditionheredating back thousands of years fromJews,toOrthodoxJews,Ultra-OrthodoxJews,toChristians,Muslims,andPales-tiniansandtheyallmeetandmanagetosurvivethecrosscurrents.
Women here cover their legs andarms at almost all times; if you see awomaninshortsyou’reprettysureshe’satourist.Muslimwomenofcoursecovertheirheads(ahajib)andmosteveryonedressed very conservatively. We were(sortof)preparedforthisyetasweraninourshortswewerefrequentlymetwithglares,staresandtheoccasionalderoga-tory remark. Ididn’tunderstandArabicandIwashopingtheydidn’tunderstandEnglishsowellwhenIrepliedreferringto theirMother.Mickididwear sleeves(and it was hot) in deference to local‘custom’ yet she was still an object ofcuriosity.
3
2
5
4
1
3
Come out and join us forthe annual
SPRINGPOTLUCKSOCIAL
WHEN:Wed., April 2nd
at 6 p.m. (followingtheweeklyTrakShak
GroupRuns)
WHERE:trak Shak
inHomewood
WHAT:We’ll be grilling up some food.Please
bringasidedishlargeenoughtoserve
4-6people.Therewillalsobenon-
alcoholicbeveragesandakeg.
PLEASE COME OUT AND JOINUS FOR THIS
ANNUAL EVENT AS WE
CELEBRATETHE ARRIVALOF SPRING!
Sponsored by the Birmingham track
Club and thetrak Shak
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
ATTENTION BTC MEMBERS!
BTC Committees Build A Better Club SusanMcCullum [email protected] (205)368-5058 historian ArthurBlack [email protected] (205)822-1993 Marathon Coach AlDiMicco [email protected] (205)822-0499 Marketing MickiHaralson [email protected] (205)972-1258 Masters Events FrankNewland [email protected] (205)271-7553 Medical JackHasson (205)612-8780 Media relations TimO’Brien [email protected] (205)870-1864 Membership JudyLoo [email protected] Merchandise JohnacaKelley [email protected] (205)540-1372 Mini track Meets BrentCotton [email protected] (205)447-9223 New runner’s Society MeredithFarrell [email protected] (205)873-1214 Parliamentarian PhilMin [email protected] (205)849-6840 road race Chairman RickMelanson [email protected] (205)979-1731 Social Events KatieHannigan [email protected] (205)914-5233 Vulcan run director DannyHaralson [email protected] (205)380-1779 V. run Assis. director JohnacaKelley [email protected] (205)540-1372 ‘Vulcan runner’ Editor MarkBaggett [email protected] (205)422-7055 Walking/race Walking JimRichey [email protected] (205)870-3977 Webmaster BrinkofDesign [email protected]
BTC 2008 OfficersPresidentMark [email protected](205)422-7055
Vice PresidentJohnaca [email protected](205)540-1372
SecretaryAmy [email protected]
TreasurerMichele [email protected](205)910-4895
Past Presidentdanny [email protected](205)380-1779
Race Results Findthelatestandmostcompletelocalraceresultsatthefollowing:birminghamtrackclub.com trakshak.com run42k.com
BTC Mission StatementTheprimarypurposeoftheBirminghamTrackClub(BTC)shallbetheeducationandtrainingofindividualsinandaroundthecommunityofBirmingham,AL,astothebenefitsofjogging,running,andwalkingforfitness,healthandrecreation.
Contact BtC at: Birmingham Track ClubP.O.Box530363,Birmingham,AL35253(205)879-LEGG
‘Vulcan runner’ is available MONthly in color!!PRINTEDnewslettersaremailedoutQUARTERLYonly.PleasesendyourCURRENTEMAIL
ADDRESS,alongwithyourname/contactinfo.toJudyLooatmembership@birming-hamtrackclub.comsothatyoucanreceive(viaemail)themonthlypasswordinordertodownloadthenewsletter(.pdfformat)fromthebelowwebpagelink(includingpastissues
whichrequireNOpassword):
http://www.birminghamtrackclub.com/vulcan-runner-newsletter
ISRAEL <cont. from Page 2>
Thepurposeof our tripwasacourseen-titled ‘ThePalestineofJesus’soour journeyandourrunswerenot limitedtoJerusalem.Wetraveled,ran,andhikedthroughoutIsraelandEgypt.
WespentafewdaysinCapernaumlocatedontheSeaofGalileerunningontheveryRo-manroadsthatJesusandhisDisciplestrav-eled.ThisisalsotheareawheretheSermonontheMountwasdelivered,theparalyticwasloweredthroughtheroofandtheCenturions’servantwashealed.Here tooHewalkedonwater and fed the multitudes from fish andbread.
It is a remarkably beautiful area and weran alongside the road that curves aroundparts of the Sea of Galilee which is really agiant lake fed by the River Jordan. The sunwould rise over the Golan Heights and thereflectionoff of thewaterwas likeamilliondiamondssparkling,reflectingthesun’sbril-liance.Thereweretimeswewouldstopandmarvel,attemptingtoabsorbthehistoryandfeeling of traveling roads that Jesus, Peter,James,JohnandtheotherswalkedonastheytraveledtoandfromJerusalem.
Another day we found ourselves at theDeadSeawhichcontains somuchsalt thatyou literally ‘bob’ in it like a cork. NothinglivesintheDeadSea,nothingcanliveintheDeadSeathoughitisavacationdestination.ItissaidthattheSeaofGalileeisvibrantbe-causeitreceiveswatersfromtheRiverJordanand,likeaconduitsendsthewaterson,giv-ingofitself.TheSeaofGalileetakesandgiveswhiletheDeadSeaonlytakes.TheDeadSeaistheendoftheroadfortheRiverJordan.Thelessonisthatwecanallreceive,buttolive,prosperandgrowwemustalsogive.Thelandisripewithmetaphors.
ThiswasalsothedayMickiandIclimbeduptoandinthecavesofQumran.Whilethisisnottechnicallyrunning, itcertainlyquali-fies as cross training! Qumran is an area ofcavesonamountainsidethatoverlookstheDead Sea where the Dead Sea Scrolls werediscoveredbyashepherdsimplylookingforalostsheep.
Another day was spent climbing (lotsof climbing) the Snake Trail to Masada, themountain fortress built by Herod the Great–talkabout‘hilltraining’!
Cable cars carry the majority of touriststothetopofMasadainairconditionedcom-fort.MickiandIoptedfortheancientSnakeTrail that winds along the mountain side totheverytop.Masadawasalsothesiteofthelaststandofagroupof900orsoJewishreb-elswhoratherthansurrendertotheRomansand submit to slavery committed mass sui-cide.Ithashadsuchaprofoundeffectthatforyears Israeli soldiers took their oath of dutyat Masada. As you stand inside the fortressyoucanseetheRomanencampmentsoverathousandfeetbelowandthemassiveearthenroad they built as they lay siege to Masadaanditsrebelinhabitants.Onecanonlymar-velatthesefeatsofengineering,boththecity
on the mountain top and the Roman siegemachine.
Our lastweekwasspent inEgyptcamp-ing in theSinaiDesertandclimbingMountSinai.ThisiswhereMosesreceivedthe“Fif-teen,oy!” TenCommandments (MelBrooksreference)andonceagainthecrosstrainingaspectofmountainclimbingcameintoplay.Well,ifyouconsiderridingacamel2/3ofthewayupthenclimbingthelast1/3,crosstrain-ing–whichIdo(stupidcamel).Justahint,ifanyoneevergivesyouachoicebetweenrid-ingacamelforsayover50yardsorclimbingamountain…goaheadandclimb.Bytheway,EgyptianbeerisNASTYandinthewordsofForrestGump,“that’sallIhavetosayaboutthat.”
There’s no way to capture what we sawand felt during our month long experience,butmanymemorablemental snaspshots re-main.Amongtheseare:churchesbuiltbytheByzantines inthe4thCenturyandchurchesbuiltbytheCrusadershundredsofyearslateratornearmostallHolySites.WetraveledtoNazareth,Bethlehem,andJericho.WeplacedourhandsonthetraditionalsiteofthebirthofJesus,kneltandprayedinthetraditionalsiteofhistomb.WetouchedtherockatGolgotha,andthestonewhereHisbodywaspreparedforburial.WetraveledtheViadelaRosaandperformed the Way of the Cross. We talkedwithPalestiniansandheardtheirviewpointandmetwithIsraelisandheardtheirsideandyes,theChristiansintheregiontoldustheirside.
Iwalked,sat,prayed,andmeditatedinthe
Garden of Gethsemane and to me this wasthe most spiritual and beautiful part of mytrip. It is simplyagroveofolive trees,but I(andweallaredifferent)couldfeeltheSpiritandreverenceinthatsimplegarden.
The runningwas interestingas italwaysis,butnotasspectacularasotherplacesI’verun. The sun rises were truly breathtaking!Itwasn’t thekindof trip tome that ‘chang-es’ you or that you have a holy experience;thoughwesawsomeBrazilianshavingsomekind of experience. Its just so different fromwhatwe’reusedto,notbetterorworse, justdifferent. Okay, a little worse. For example,our last night there we went to a local res-taurantthathadapizzabuffetandaDJ.Yep,you haven’t lived until you’ve had fried eggchickenpizza.
We got to combine our passion (running)withhistory, religion,andcultureandasal-ways we got to explore Jerusalem and sur-rounding areas in a way no one else in ourgroupdid.
Ihaven’tscratchedthesurfaceofourtrip.Other memories include the many churcheswetraveledto,havingaserviceofHolyEu-charist as the sun rose over Mt. Sinai, Jeri-cho,Hezekiah’sTunnel,Bethsaida,Banias,StCatherine’sMonastery(andtheCodexSinait-icus–goahead,Googleit),Herod’sTemple,The Western Wall, Emmaus, the Mount ofTransfiguration, Roman roads, Palestinianmerchants, The Damascus Gate, afternooncocktails overlooking the city, hummus forbreakfast, The Armenian Quarter, TaybehBeer,RenewalofourBaptismintheRiverJor-dan,historicalsitesdatingbackthousandsofyearsallstillfreshinmymind’seyeandmuchofitinmyheartandsoul.
Tome,thetripwas likemanyof therunsthatIdo;it’snotalwaystherunasmuchasitiswhatIgetfromtherun.It’snotaprettycountry(thoughpartswerebeautiful),it’shot,rocky,desolate,andsandy;butwhatIbroughthomefromIsraelwillbewithmeforeverandchangedmeinwayslargeandsmallthatIamstilldiscovering;notunlikemanyofmylongruns.MyexperienceremindsmetobeliketheSeaofGalilee;togivewhatI receivesothatImaygrowandprosperinlifeandlove.ThatwayIwon’tendupliketheDeadSeathatonlytakesandnevergivesandisforever,dead.•
4Micki and Danny on the Sea of Galilee
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
Micki, after her Red Sea run.
5
Op-Ed – Danny Haralson, BTC Past-President
It seemseverysooften theBTCgoesthroughatimewhenwehavetobegforvolunteerstoworkourracesandacoupleofyearsagowewentthroughjustsuchatime.Thegreatnewsisthatnowthoughwecouldalwaysusemorevolunteers,alarge number of our club have steppedupandonmorethanoneoccasionwe’veactually had a surplus of volunteers. IfyourantheMercedesHalfthenyougotasnapshotasyourturnedonto20thStreet. Ifyoucamebyourboothat theExpo,yougotanother snapshot. Itwasgreat,new friends being made and a spirit ofcooperation.
Unfortunately you always have mem-bers who just don’t have that sense ofduty, they see things differently, andthat’sjustthewaytheworldturns.
Every 5 years or so we also have an-otherissuethatraisesitsheadandmanybecome victims of misinformation or(worse)anextremelymyopicviewpoint.
TheBTCisacluband‘club’isdefinedas “a group of people combined for acommonpurpose”andourpurposeis,ofcourse, running.Wehavemeetingsandpromoteraces,groupruns,andeducatenewrunners–well,mostofusdo.
WetraveltoracesinothercitiesandtheonesthatalwaysseemthemostpopulararethePensacolaandNewOrleansracesbecauseoftheflatcoursesandthepostraceparties. Icansaythatwithout fearofcontradictionbecauseIalwaysseetheotherBTC’ersatthepostraceparty.
SotheBTCadopts(steals?)theideaof
makingourracesandrunsmore funbyincludingpubruns,musicandoccasion-allytreatingtheparticipantstoanadultbeverage, soda (okay – coke),or water.It’sagreatwaytosocializeaftertherun,talkaboutfutureruns,races,andeventswecanparticipatein.Theclubisforthemembersandthemembersthroughpar-ticipationinTownHallsandgrouprunshave enjoyed the social aspect. You dohavetherighttochoosetoparticipateornot.
However when the ‘talk’ (rumor, mis-information,outrightlie)isthattheBTCdoesnothingfor‘running’choosingtofo-cusonthe‘social’Ihavetosaythat’sjustplainwrong.
Let’s not even discuss the ‘Couch to10K’thathasintroducedalargenumberofpeopletorunning,theBTCandeachotherinthewayoffriendshipsandrun-ning buddies – but each year we havealso offered Speed Work for Beginners,and Intro to Speed Work. We also hadLars Porter and Mark Everett from Bir-minghamSouthernconductasessionofspeedworkanddrills for running;ScottStrandandChristyOparawerebroughtin for a ‘Runner’s Boot Camp’. We hadfewer than 20 participants at each ofthose, itwasofferedbutwhydidn’tyoucome?Areyoualreadytoofast,soyoual-readyknowallthereistoknow,or… The BTC also offers opportunities fortrailrunsatOakMountainandwillwel-come (please!) anyone’s offer to host atrailrunatanothertrailaroundtown–infact we do it each Spring several times
andAlDiMiccoalwaysdoesa ‘TrialbyTrail’trialrunoneor2weeksbeforetheTrialbyTrail.Theopportunitiesarethere
We now offer group runs every Mon-day and Tuesday instead of the once aweek only Red Eye Run, the pub runsofferanotheropportunity forgrouprunsindifferentareasoftown.Youdon’thaveto ‘drink’ toparticipate; everyplacewerunfromofferscokesandwaterandtheopportunitytogogrababitewithsomefriends. Some people don’t drinkcoffee,butIstillrunwiththem.
Mysuggestionislet’sbefair,youdon’tliketodrink,that’sgreat,don’tdrink,butdon’t criticize others. I’ve seen many ofthosecriticizingtheBTCforhaving‘par-ties’atpostracepartiesfromPensacolatoNewOrleans.
Most importantly, get your factsstraight–webeganhaving ‘TownHall’Sessions4yearsagoandeverymemberhas the opportunity to have his or hervoice heard. Got an idea for a runningprogram?Bringit!Theonlythingweaskisthatifyouhave‘criticism’youwanttovoice,haveapositivesolution!It’snota‘complaint’ session - Helen Waite han-dles the complaints – got a complaint?Go to Helen Waite. Got a criticism andpositivesolution?Presentitandlet’sgotoworkon it!Wewon’tallagree,neverhave,neverwill,butallopinionswithpo-tentialsolutionsarevalued.
Wedoofferalargenumberofprogramsfor ‘runningpurposesonly’andjustlikepub runs, it’s youroption toparticipate–buttheBTCdoesoffertheseopportuni-tiesandjustlikeanyopportunityforrun-ningorsocializing,you’reallinvited.•
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
february 4th (town hall format)Monday,OutTakesDeli,6:30p.m.
March 2ndSunday,Cosmo’sPizza,2:30p.m.
April 6thSunday,Jackson’sBistro(upperfloor),2:30p.m.
May 12th (town hall format*)Monday,OutTakesDeli,6:30p.m.
June 1stSunday,Cosmo’sPizza,2:30p.m.
July 13thSunday,Jackson’sBistro(upperfloor),2:30p.m.
August 4th (town hall format*)Monday,OutTakesDeli,6:30p.m.
September 7thSunday,Cosmo’sPizza,2:30p.m.
October 5thSunday,Jackson’sBistro(upperfloor),2:30p.m.
November 3rd (town hall format*)Monday,OutTakesDeli,6:30p.m.
december 7thSunday,Cosmo’sPizza,2:30p.m.
All dates/times/locations are tentative and thoseplanning on attending should check future issues of
‘The Vulcan Runner’, watch their email or checkthe BTC website calendar for possible updates:
www.birminghamtrackclub.com/[email protected]
2008 BtC Executive MeetingsBtC Executive meetings are open to the member-ship and we encourage attendance. ‘Town Hall’ formatted meetings will give time to members to make their voices heard and bring up discussion topics, with food & drinks provided by the BTC.
*BtC Merchandise will also be available at ‘town hall’ formatted meetings, includingthe featured item ofthe month.
6
Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D.Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Board Certified
William D. Krauss, D.O.Fellowship Trained in the Foot & Ankle
William P. Bryant, M.D. († 2006) C.J. Talbert, M.D. Michael F. Blum, M.D. Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D.
Inverness CenterOne Inverness Pkwy. Suite 204
Birmingham, AL 35242(205) 503-5544
Brookwood Medical Plaza513 Brookwood Blvd. Suite 402
Birmingham, AL 35209(205) 503-4060
MedPlex Medical Building4517 Southlake Pkwy. Suite 202
Birmingham, AL 35244(205) 985-4111
08/08
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
April 4thCity federal Building (20th floor)
21stSt.North&2ndAve.NorthTime:4:30-7:30p.m.
Free soda/beer and appetizers
May 2nd - Zydeco(FivePts.South)
June 6th - Salsarita’s(Homewood)
August 1st - Billy’s(EnglishVillage)
September 5th - Jackson’s(Homewood)
October 3rd - RareMartini(Lakeview)
November 7th - Fox&Hound(U.S.280)
december 5th - Icon(TutwilerHotel)
*Alldatesaretentative.Pleasereadthemonthly‘TheVulcanRunner’,watchyourBTCemailandalsocheckwww.birminghamtrackclub.com/calclosertothescheduledeventdateforconfirmedtimes/locations.
BTC First FridaysComeminglewithyourfellowBTCmembersonthe1stFridayofeachmonthfrom4:30to7:30p.m.Stopbyafterworkoronyourwayoutfortheevening.No run.Locations×aretentative*
BtC thirsty third thursday runs
JoinusforPub/JavaRuns,heldonthe3rdThursdayofeachmonthat6p.m.Bring cash & I.d. for op-tional Pub/Java stops. Locations/timesTBA*
Newfor2008!
April 17ththe J. Clyde
6:00p.m.meetup(1312CobbLane,B’ham35205)Bringdryclothesforafterrun.www.jclyde.com
May 5th (Monday) - Cinco de Mayo runatZonaRosainLibertyPark
May 15th - GoldenRule(Lakeview)June 19th - Jackson’s(Homewood)
July 17th - Cosmo’sPizza(FivePts.South)August 21st - B’hamBaron’sB.B.GameSept. 18th - Dave’sPub(FivePts.South)
October 3rd - BANovember 7th - TBA
december - Annual X-Mas lights run
7
Celebrating 12 yearsof personalized quality service for customers of all speeds of life.
The Trak Shak specializesin �tting everyone in the correct shoes.
Whether you run, walk, jog or just need some good shoes tokick around in, we �t you right!
The correct shoe or insole can helpalleviate some of these common aches & pains:
HOMEWOOD2839 18th Street South
870-JOGGINVERNESS
4740 Hwy 280
408-5723TRUSSVILLE
183 Main Street
Coming Soon
Your buying locally allows us to support Birmingham’s avidrunning community.
Thank You!
183 Main Street Next to CAHABA CYCLE
Morning Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Shin SplintsBlack Toenails Runner’s Knee Weak Ankles Blisters
Lower Back Pain Achilles Tendonitis ITB Syndrome
•• • •
• •
• Trussville280Running Shops - Homewood •
• Trussville280Running Shops - Homewood •
Celebrating 12 yearsof personalized quality service for customers of all speeds of life.
The Trak Shak specializesin �tting everyone in the correct shoes.
Whether you run, walk, jog or just need some good shoes tokick around in, we �t you right!
The correct shoe or insole can helpalleviate some of these common aches & pains:
HOMEWOOD2839 18th Street South
870-JOGGINVERNESS
4740 Hwy 280
408-5723TRUSSVILLE
183 Main Street
Coming Soon
Your buying locally allows us to support Birmingham’s avidrunning community.
Thank You!
183 Main Street Next to CAHABA CYCLE
Morning Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Shin SplintsBlack Toenails Runner’s Knee Weak Ankles Blisters
Lower Back Pain Achilles Tendonitis ITB Syndrome
•• • •
• •
• Trussville280Running Shops - Homewood •
• Trussville280Running Shops - Homewood •
NOW OPEN IN DOWNTOWN TRUSSVILLE
870-JOGG 655-2553408-5723
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
Hopefully thereare2kindsofpeople reading thiscolumn, thefirstbeingthosethatsuccessfullycompletedwhateverportionofMercedestheychoseandthesecond,thosesaying,“nextyearI’mdoingit!” Bothgroups‘thisyear’and‘nextyear’haveabasicunderstandingofakeyingredienttorunningsuccess,goalsetting.Theyhadtosetagoalofrunningthe‘half’ortheyjustsetagoalofdoingthehalfmarathon. I’mfrequentlyapproachedbysomeonetellingmetheywanttorunfaster.IaskthemwhattheymeanandtheylookatmelikeIhavetwoheadsand they say, “Youknow, faster.”Yeah, I know fasterbut fasterwhat?5K?Marathon?YouwanttooutpaceGrannynextyearattheVul-canRun? I’msearching fora tangiblegoal. If someonehasa specifictargetitismucheasiertomeasureprogresswhichallowsandencour-agesthemtostayontrack.Ifsomeonestartsrunning‘forfitness’thenthechancesthey’llquitarehigherthan ‘DaBears’overShadesValleyHighSchool.Whereasthepersonwhostartsrunningwithaspecificandrealisticraceasatargethasanimmediacyofactionthatallowsthemtogetexcited(orpanicked)astheeventdrawsnear,dependingontheirconsistencyoftraining. Ifyouwanttorunfastertimesthenuseyourmostrecentraceasyourstartingpoint,pickaraceoflikedistanceintheforeseeablefutureandtrainforthattarget.Nowyouhaveagoalandatimetable.Next,breakitdownintoweeksanddays,numberofrunseachweek,typeofruns,speedwork/intervaltraininggoalsthengotowork.Keeparunninglog
andmeasureyourprogressdaytodayandweektoweek. Goalskeepyouinvolvedandachievingthesmallgoalsincreasesthelevelofexcitementaswellasselfconfidence.Theyalsohelpyoumea-sureyourprogressandthattookeepstheexcitementlevelhigh. Itdoesn’thavetobeaboutspeed;ifyou’retrainingforahalforfullmarathon,thenyouknowhowtheincreasesinmileagegoweektoweek.Youshouldknowthateachweek’s ‘runs’havetheirowngoals. It’snodifferentfora5Kor10K,thedistancecanseemdaunting,butyouseeeachweekasastairstep;thenyoulookback,wow!Yourgoaliswithinreach. Runningisbestviewedwitharearviewmirror;whetherit’samara-thon(26.2miles)or5K(3.1miles)thedistancecanbeintimidatinglook-ingtowardsit.Butafterseveralweeksofrunningyoucanlookbackatwhereyoubeganandseemeasurableprogress. InmyFall‘Couch’groupstheystartoutwalkingandrunning1miletotal,yetmanygoontoruntheMercedesHalfMarathonsome20weekslater.AsktheminSeptemberhowthefeelaboutrunning13.1milesandaftertheystoplaughingthey’lltellyoustraightupthatyou’recrazy.AskoneinDecember,andtheanswerisdeliveredwithconvictionandexcite-ment,“I’llbethere!” Goals,shorttermandlongterm,makethemrealistic,measureable,andflexible.ByflexibleImeanifyoudon’tmeetagoaloneweekyoushouldn’thavetogiveitup,modifyandseekoutthegoalagain–thisalsofallsunder‘realistic’.Keepitreal,makeitdoable.Ifyoufarexceedyourgoalthenyoucanhaveamoreambitiousgoalnexttime. Short term goals are stair steps to the long term ‘main’ goal. Logthem, follow them,believe in them (andyourself)and rewardyourselfasyouachievethosegoals.Onceyouseeallthesmallgoalsbeingmet,you’llhavethelargegoalwithinyourreach.“Whatthemindofmancanconceiveandbelieve,itcanachieve.”•
Danny is an RRCA Certified Coach and can be reached at:[email protected]
8
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
danny’s Coaches Corner
february/March
Coach’s Corner– By Danny Haralson
ANYONE CAN PLAY MUSIC...OUR DJS ENTERTAIN!
Weddings, Private & Corporate Parties, Schools...Professional, Experienced DJsPremium Digital Sound Systems
Traditional Announcements & FormalitiesInteractive Crowd ParticipationExciting Light Shows • Karaoke
Extensive Music Library (covering all ages)
www.jamm.net1-800-264-5266205-942-8522
Provided
music and
sound for
2006 & 2007
Annual
Parties
PleasesupportourBTC SPONSORS
www.trakshak.com
www.ebscocreativeconcepts.com
www.jrag.com
birminghammenus.com/cosmoswww.outtakesdeli.com
www.bobs-bikes.com
– By Michele Parr What hurts this week? Ifyou’vebeen running long, inei-ther distance or years, chancesaresomethingdoes. I’ve got a lengthy list of run-ning-related injuries and ail-ments. I’ve battled sciatica andplantar fasciitis. I’ve sprainedboth ankles, fortunately not atthesametime.I’vestrainedacalfmuscle. I’ve fallen three times,bruising my ego, breaking mynose,skinningkneesandhands,and doing assorted other dam-age.I’vebecomesoinjuryproneespecially at this time of yearthat a pair of my running bud-diesdecided,whiledoingalongrun without me because I wasinjured,thatIwasnotallowedtotrain for Mercedes ever again. Icouldrunit.Icouldtrainforotherraces.Ijustcouldn’ttrainforMer-cedes. This would have been my
fourthconsecutiveMercedeshalf.(Asyoumayrecall,I’mstillhold-ing out for NYC for my first fullmarathon.)I’monaquesttorunitwell,butthis isn’tgoingtobetheyear.I’dsetthreegoalsforthe2008race.Goalnumberonewas“gettherehealthy.”AfterlimpingthroughitlastyearbecauseIwastoohardheadedtobagit,IknewIdidn’twanttodothatagain.AbadboutofplantarfasciitisinDe-cemberforcedmetothesidelinesforacoupleofweeksandmademeetinggoalnumberoneimpos-sible. I chose to work toward adifferentrace. Friends have applauded mygood judgment. Well, it’s takenme four years to develop some.I often quote Danny Haralson’swordsofwisdom:Goodjudgmentcomes from experience; experi-encecomesfrombadjudgment.IguessI’vefinallyhadenoughbadjudgmenttogetsomesense. Somebadtimingwiththein-jury means I get the chance toseeMercedesfromatotallynewperspective,asarunnerwhoisn’trunning the race. One potential
positive comes immediately tomind.IcanhangoutattheBTCboothat theexpo foras longasIwantonSaturdayandmakeasmanyvisitstothebeertentasIwant without having to worryabout my performance on Sun-day. It doesn’t matter that thefloors are concrete and I’ll bestandingforhours.ForonceIgettoenjoytheexpoallIwant. I’malsogoingtospendsometimehelpingoutat theBTCaidstation. After years at mile 5,we’removingtomile25.Itmakessense. Who would you ratherhave to help you keep going atthatpointintherace?Thisyearthere will be veteran runners atthe aid station as well as man-ningthehashercoolers. It’sgoingtobeanexerciseinsportsmanshipformeaswell.Itwashardlastyearwhenmytwotrainingpartnersbothranabet-terracethanIeverhavewhileIstruggledtocompletethecourseatallthankstoafallinJanuary.Though I was truly happy fortheir achievements, I couldn’thelpbutbesadformyloss.Thisyear, after three years of beingpart of the crowd in a corral attheback,I’llbeonthesidelines.I’mprettysureIlikethebackofthepackbetter.•
The View from theBACK Of THE PACK
9
side
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
Southplace Tire & Auto Center2100 3rd Ave. South (205-322-7477) – Near UAB Medical Center
Open Monday thru Friday (7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) – Downtown Valet Service
ServicesAlignment
BrakesShocks/Struts
C.V. AxlesA/C Service
StartersAlternators
Electric Doors/WindowsGeneral Repairs
STANDARD OIL CHANGE$28.50
Up to 5 quartsOil & filter
Birmingham Track Club Members: 10% Discount on Services, 5% on Tires
PREMIUM OIL CHANGEStarting at
$59.50Using MOBIL 1 - Full Synthetic
Plus - Oil change service for Diesels(Prices are for most light cars and trucks)
TiresBridgestone
FirestoneMichelinGoodyear
MastercraftFalken
07/08
10
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
Items discussed:•Themeetingwascalledtoorderat6:35p.m.byMarkBaggett,President.
•Johnacaprovidedamerchandisereport.–Thereare3newlongsleevetechshirtoptions(including2newstyles)availablefor$10throughtheendofFebruary.Newtoboggansareavailable.–SlimfitvestsandsockswillbeavailableatMercedesexpoandpossiblynewBTCPoloshirts.–Therearestillsportbagsavailableforthecurrentmembershipdrive(newmembersandrenewals)
•MicheleprovidedtheTreasurer’sreport.
•WeincurredcostsforboththeannualpartyandourRRCAmembershiprenewalwhichareannualcosts.Thismonthusuallyhasexpensesexceedingincome.
•AmyHixwasintroducedasthenewSecretary.
•JudyLooprovidedamembershipreport:–Thereare699activemembers.–Judyislookingforactivemembershipwhohavenotrenewed.TamieandJudywillbeginanemaildriveformembershiptocontacttheseindividualsandsolicitrenewal.–Judyrequestedhelpforthemembershipcommitteetoattendboardmeetingsandhelprecruitmembers.
•MarkcirculatedavolunteersigninsheetforupcomingeventsandareaswheretheBTCneedshelp.
•FrankNewland,racedirectorforAdam’sHeartRunremindedeveryonethatthe30thrunningwillbeheldatOakMountain2/23.Thereare5K,10Kand10mileoutandbackdistancesthatmaybechosendayoftherace.The10KwillbethegoalraceforDanny’scouchers.ThisisaBTCrace.6volunteersareneeded(1@10Kturnaround2@5Kturnaround,2@finishlineand1@cleanup)Gotowww.btcclassicformoreinfo.
•MeredithFarrellstatedthatthereisapastafundraisertobeheld2/9atFirstPresbyterianchurchdowntown.Ticketsare$12andavailableinadvance.Setnumberof200available.MarkaskedforamotiontomakethiseventaBTCeventsoitwouldbecoveredbyBTCinsurance.Themotionpassed.
•SteveDemedicisandJohnnyMontgomerystatedthatSamfordUniversityistalkingtotheCityofHomewoodaboutbuildinganewtrackonSamfordownedlandnexttoHomewoodHighoffLakeshore.ThisnewtrackcouldbebeneficialtotheBTCasaneasilyaccessibletrackforourmini-meet.LakeshoreFoundationwouldalsobeabeneficiary.The400metertrackwouldcostabout$15million.SteveandJohnnyaskedthatBTCmemberssolicittheCityofHomewoodMayorandCounciltodonate$2-3millionforthebuildingofthistrackandtoensureitisopentothepublicafterschool.Apetitionwascirculated.
•FrankNewlandstatedthedatefortheBTCClassicisnotyetconfirmed.TheBTCClassicisamastertrack&fieldeventthatFrankdirects.ItisUSATFsanctioned.Watchwww.birminghamtrackclub.comand‘TheVulcanRunner’foraconfirmeddate.
•Dannystatedthe“BuildABetterClub”programhasfallenbythewayside.ThisprogramisdesignedtoencourageparticipationandvolunteerisminBTCevents.Inthepastyouwouldgetpointsfordifferenttasksandthosepointscouldbe“cashedin”forrewards.Theopenquestionsare“isitworthreviving?”and“canwedothiswhereitsfuforsomeonetokeepupwiththepoints?”Thepreviousheadhasresigned.
•Dannyissolicitingvolunteersforthefollowing:–WorkingattheBTCinformationboothattheMercedesExpo.Thereare3hourshiftsavailablefrom1-7onFridaand9-6onSaturday.–VolunteeringattheBTCwaterstopatmile12&25withtheBellCenter.7AMsetupuntilthelastrunnerfinishes.ContactDannytosignupforeither.
•MarkstatedthatarequesthasbeenapprovedtopurchaseanewcamerafortheBTCtobeusedbyBTCphotographer,AnnMitchell.
•DannyupdatedtheBTConthefollowingupcomingevents:–BTChasa10%discountforopeningnightofBroadwayAcrossAmerica’sSpamalot,April1.SpecialthankstoaBTCmemberforthisarrangement.SeeDannyformoreinfo.Website:www.eventusher.comPassword:bhamrunner–BeginnersspeedworkissettobeginagainafterMercedes.Date/timeandlocationtobeconfirmed.–TrailrunsatOakmountainwillbescheduledstartinginthelateSpring.
•KatieHanniganisBTC’snewsocialchair.Sheupdateduson:–FirstFridays–thefirstonewasheldFriday2/1atBottletreewitharound20memberspresent.Thisisasocialwithnorun–justcomeoutandmeetotherBTCmembers.Katieisworkingonthelocationforthenextsocial.Katiesolicitedideasfromthemembership.–ThirstyThirdThursdaysarebeingscheduledbeginning2/21.Thesearepubrunsfollowedbysocialtime.Checkyouremail/websiteor“TheVulcanRunner”forlocationstobeannounced.
•RickMelanson,RoadRacechair,requestedvolunteersforupcomingraces.Hestatedthereare16weekendsinarowwherevolunteersareneeded.
•JohnacaKelleyrequestedhelponthemerchandisecommittee–namelysomeonetohelpwithtransportingmerchandisebins.
•ThemeetingconcludedandwasfollowedbytheTownHallforum.
feb. 4, 2008Executive Member’s Attending:–MarkBaggett,President –JohnacaKelley,V-President–MicheleParr,Treasurer –AmyHix,Secretary–DannyHaralson,PastPresident –MeredithFarrell,NewRunnersSociety–KatieHannigan,Social –PhilMin,Parliamentarian–JudyLoo,Membership
BTC Executive Meeting Minutes– Submitted by Amy Hix, Secretary
Advertise in THE VULCAN RUNNERdo you own a business you’d like to advertise in the Vulcan runner?DoyouhavearaceorbusinessyouwanttherestoftheBTCcommunitytoknowabout?Ifso,belowareourmonthlyrates*forplacingads,alongwithapprox.sizesavailable:
1/5 page(1.5in.x10in.) – $15 1/2 page(7.5in.x5in.) – $50 full page(7.5in.x10in.) – $1001/4 page(3.7in.x5in.) – $25 1/2 page(3.7in.x10in.) – $50*Advertiserswhopayforanentireyearinadvancewillget12monthsforthepriceof10months(ex.aFullpagefor12monthswouldcost$1,000,insteadof$1,200).deadlines are the 1st of each month for the following month.
to place an Ad or for more info:[email protected]
11
– By Phil Min LastSundayIwasabletorunintheFirstLightMarathoninMobile.Thismarathonisthesecond jewel in the “Alabama Triple Crown”,which is all 3 of the full marathons in thisstate. The temperature was very nice at thestart,about46degreeswithvery lightwinds.IhadthepleasureofrunningwithSaraHackerandwewereabletokeepagoodsteadypacethroughout the race. I saw many other BTCfolks, including Geoff Gottlieb, Christy Eller,Johnny Goode, Andrew Edwards, Josh andTonya Beck, and several others. There werealsomanyMarathonManiacs,includingBoon-SonHartman,whowasrunningher168thlife-timemarathon! Ofthethreemarathonsinthestate,IthinkMobilehastheprettiestcourse.Eventhe fewratty neighborhoods they take you throughhave a certain sense of style that is lackingin Birmingham’s ratty neighborhoods. Thefirst10milesorsoofthecourseareVERYflatand shadedwithbeautiful liveoak treesoverthe roads.Onceyoucrossover I-65 intowestMobile, the terrain changes pretty dramati-callywith3semimajorhillandmanysmaller“rollers”overthenext10miles.Thispartofthecoursetakesyoubythreegolfcourses,throughtheUniversityofSouthAlabamaandSpringHillCollegecampuses,andbytheMobileMuseumofArtandLaugaunPark.Webreezedthroughthe half way in about 2:07 and began to feelthe increasedeffort requiredby thehills.Thecoursewasverywellmannedwith17officialaidstationslocatedaboutevery1.5milesandseveral unofficial aid stations at other points.It also seemed that there were more peopleoutintheyardscheeringontherunnersthan
there had been in Huntsville last month. Thepolicedidagreatjobofcontrollingtraffic,andIamembarrassedtosaythethemotoriststherewere much more cordial than what we haveforMarathonDayinBirmingham!Anyway,thebiggesthillcamearoundmile18inthecourseand although it felt like we were moving thesame,wehad let thepaceslowdowna littleby that time. Both Sara and I slowly got themomentumgoingagainandbymile20werea minute ahead of a 4:20 pace. After a rapiddownhilldescentontoSpringHillAvenueandthereturntodownhillMobile,thelingeringfa-tigue inmy legs from the50KonNewYear’sEvestartedtogetthebestofme.Itwasalsobe-ginningtowarmup,andalthoughthelast10K
of this course is pretty flat, it was starting tofeellikeamarathon!Miles21-24aretheleastscenicareaoftheroute,althoughtheyarestillprettier than Green Springs. Most memorabletomeisthatyoupassat least3placesfixingvery greasy fried chicken for the after-churchcrowd.Accordingtotheconditionofyourstom-achatthispointintherace,thearomawillei-ther be tempting or nauseating. Anyway, wemadesteadyprogresstowardthefinish,pass-ing handsome churches, well-kept hospitals,andtheAlabamaSchoolofMathandScience.Wemade thefinal turn toward thefinish linein Bienville Square and Sara cut loose. Sarafinished in 4:23:01 (good for 8th place in herage group!) and I crossed in 4:23:57. The fin-ishisveryspecialinthatthisraceraisesfundsforTheL’ArcheFoundation,acharitythatpro-videsalongtermhomeformentallychallengedadults.Theresidentsmakethemedalsforthefinishersandthenhangthemonyourneckatthefinishline.Therearenotthefanciestmed-als,buttheyareamongthemostmeaningfulinmycollection.Thepostracepartyisveryfes-tivewithplentyofgoodfood,beverageandliveentertainment.Ithinktheraceisagoodvaluesinceyoualsogetafreepreracepastadinnerandaniceshirt,allfor$50.00.Ithinktheyhavenot gone to a tech shirt yet since they try toreproduce theofficialpainting for the raceontheshirtsandithassomanycolorsthatitwillnotprintwellonatechshirt.Regardlessofthatfact, you get a good value for your money, agreattimeinthePortCity,andafinetrainingrunforMercedes!Ihopeyouwillconsiderthisonefornextyear.•
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
Mobile’s fIRST LIGHT MARATHON
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHIL MIN(L to R) Phil Min, Sara Hacker, Tonya Beck, and Josh Beck before the start of the First Light Marathon in Mobile.
Andrew Edwards (with the crazy multi-colored hat) and Phil Min proudly display their finisher’s medals.
12
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
Submita story
or photosfor future issues of
‘THE VULCAN RUNNER’
[email protected] Hotz • J. Harris Real Estate
jharrisrealestate.com • 205-266-4623
115 21st Ave NBirmingham, AL 35203
Christy
Hotz!Christy
Hotz!wen pronunciation
one name1 call
e
There’s only one way to say Realtor®[email protected]
04/08
– Submitted by Natalie Lockhart No need to finish the cliché. It’s probablyheardmorethanit’spracticed–atleastinmyworld. We’ve all made mistakes on the road, likerunning along a main thoroughfare at rushhour; going out alone; wearing all black atnight; taking off without telling anyone; andignoringbasicsafetyprecautions. I know I have returned home one or twonights during my adventures and wonderedhow I avoid ending up on the evening news–likethatnightIwentforarunwhilethetor-nadosirensweregoingofftotakeadvantageofcoolertemperaturesafterweeksofstiflinghotweather.Somehow,wemanagetoescapeourindiscretionsunscathed. OnmywaytoaruninlateJanuary,Iwasonthe phone with a friend. “you’re running thisafternoon?” Yes. “Alone?” Sort-of. “Where’syourmace?” Uh… Ilaughedathim.“It’sinmybackpacksome-where, I think.Youknow Idon’t carry thingswhenIrun.Itslowsmedown.” “Maybeyoushouldgivemeacallwhenyougetdone.” “Are you serious? I’m meeting someonehere,I’llbefine.” Ihungup thephoneandsetoutonLake-shore Trail at dusk knowing my companionwould arrive a few minutes behind me andcatchup,eventually. Ihadjustenoughdaylighttosqueezeinfourmiles.Iwasgoingforfive. AboutamileandahalfintomyrunIcameacrossamanwearingahuntingcapwithlong
greasy matted hair peeking out the bottom.Normally, I wouldn’t stare at anyone, but heobviouslydidn’tbelong.Hehad thickglasseswithsmallframes,abrownshort-sleevet-shirt,abluevestandcut-offdenimshorts-shorterthanmyrunningshorts. Hestartedtotalktome.Ididn’tpayatten-tionand Ididn’t stop.Hekept talking. Ikeptrunning,butnotbeforeIgottoseewhyhewasreallyoutthere. He was a flasher, proudly displaying hismost prized possession in the 40-degree chillto anyone who unknowingly granted him anaudience. I ranpastandattachedmyself to thenextrunner Isawtogetcompanybacktomycar.I toldhimthestoryandgavehimagoodde-scriptionoftheguy.Hesaidhewouldcallthepolicewhenhegotbacktohiscar. WhenIsawmycompanion,Itoldhimwhathappenedandwesetouttofinishtherun.Hewas curious and wanted to see the guy. Wehuntedhimdownashewalkedtowardhiscaron the Greensprings end of the trail. We ranpast,gottotheparkinglotandeasilyidentifiedhisbeat-up,unkemptvehicleamongthefamilyvansandsedans.Wegotthetagnumberontheoffchanceweguessedrightonthecar. Two hours later, at 6:30, I finished the fivemiles that Istartedat4:30.During that time,theflasherhademergedfromthetrail justasthefirstofficerpulledup.Thesecond,thirdandfourthofficerspulledupinsuccessionjustmin-utesafteroneanother. Isawfrisking,handcuffs,areadingofrights,andfinallygentleassistanceintothebackseatofthecopcar.Theyaskedmeafewquestions.They asked the flasher a few questions andtheninspectedhiscar. Notonlywasheaflasher,buthewasalsoondrugsandhadanextensiverecord,accordingtooneoftheofficers.
Itwasawake-upcall. Theytoldmethatalthoughthisdidn’thap-penallofthetime,itiscommonforhis“type”totargetthetrail.Partsofitaresecludedfromthe main road by thick trees. These peopleknow it’sagreatplace tofindyoungwomenalone.Theygetsexualgratificationfromwhattheydoandthereactionstheyreceive. Icertainlywasn’tphysicallyharmed.Iprob-ably wasn’t even at risk for being physicallyharmed.Afterafewhoursofdisgust,Idecidedtheemotionalrepercussionswereminimaltoo.Icouldn’thelpbutlaugh. I got home, e-mailed a quick warning tosomefellow-runnersandcalledmyworrisomefriend.Hepickedupthephone.“Hey,I’mbackhome–allsafe.” “Wellgood,thanksforlettingmeknow.” Butyou’renevergoingtobelievewhathap-penedtome!
Natalie’s Safety Suggestions: •UseRoadID(www.RoadID.com) •Ipod’sareabadidea.Youbecomeoblivious towhatisgoingonaroundyou. •CarryaCellPhoneand/orPepperSpray. •Ifyou’renotrunningwithsomeone,make suresomeoneknowsyou’rerunning. •Avoidunlitareas. •Don’treacttoflashers,peoplewholiketo harass,orcarsthatintimidate. •Runfacingtraffic,oronoutsideoftightturn. •Beawareofwhoisaroundyou. •Nevermakeapatternofrunningthesame route. •Wearreflectiveclothing. •Runwheretherearesidewalks–especially atbusycommutertimes. •Don’tassumeyouhavetherightofwayasa pedestrian. •Takeyourkeywithyou,don’ttuckitawayon atireorinthegastank.•
I always hear that it’s better to BE SAFE…
13
december
Race Notes – Submitted by Rick Melanson
VILLAGE TO VILLAGE 8K winner Scott Strand.
RICK MELANSON PHOTOS
TheMEAdOWBrOOK 5K ruNwasheldinMeadowbrookonDecember15thwithsomereallyfastrunners!ScottStrandwas1stin15:27,TimLunchinskewas2ndin15:55andPhillipJohnsonwas3rdin15:57.The1stFemalewasLoriGoldweberin19:58,2ndwasAmiStewartin20:20and3rdwasKellyHarringtonin20:30.The1stMasterwasDavidGussin17:31and1stMasterFemalewasLoriGoldweber.IwasnotattheracebutIunderstandthatthenormalHUGEsupplyoffoodanddrinkswerethereforall.378finishedtherun.•
The VIllAgE tO VIllAgE 8K ruNwasheldonDecember7thstartingandendingatEnglishVillage like the last2years.Theraceserieswasoriginallysetup to runstartingandending inoneof3 different locations. The 1st year’s runstarted and ended in Crestline Villageand the 2nd and 3rd years run startedand ended in English Village. The Mt.Brook version of the race has not beenrun yet because the organizers like theEnglishVillageversionbetter.Thisyearsracehad254finishersonanicedaywithlittle wind and not too hot. The winnerwasScottStrandin31:53,2ndwasOwenBradley in28:50and3rdwasAaronAi-nsworth in 30:26. The 1st Female wasJohanna Siemon in 31:53 followed byAnna-Katherine Bowman in 36:20 andTriciaHolbrook in37:27. the1stMasterwas Matt Curtner Smith finishing 4thoverallin30:34andthe1stFemaleMas-ter was Tricia Holbrook. There was 254finishersinall. Owen Bradley, 2nd male in VILLAGE TO VILLAGE 8K.
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
BTC NEWEST MEMBERSThosewho’vejoinedussinceJanuary 2008:
Cecile franklinJim hill
Brian doddMercedes tarasovic-Clark
Amy EllisJeff lancaster
John SauerBrandon hood
david Blackdom Sutton
robert hansonEvelyn lu
Jason MurrayEarl Virgin
robert rosenberglori & Adam goldweber
ronnie yanceygina Burton
Joe Ann AskewSherri Burgess david Cochran gina Osbourn
Vicki SainAdam guthrieBrian Weisser
george Williamslia Bunch
Sandra Klabundehamid Mashayekh
greg ButlerBrett ElmoreEdgar finn
Brooke Chamblee
Michael goswichNeil Polen
Julie BullockAudrey Mcclinton
Catherine thompsonVicki Barclay
Brian CalhounKathy revislydia futch
Michael thurstonBeth Severson
Stacy Cahillgeoff gottliebterry rayburn
Brantley Padgette Sid MillerMatt horn
Charles McCalley gregg grahamAdam guthrie
robert & lain littletonBritney McKim
tracy PooleVicki Sain
george & Kathy Williamsdavid CochranKimberly Kuhn Alan hargrave
Keith rutherfordrex Sorrow
Becky greenwaylori Snodgrass
Carmen hadgraft
Prince WhatleyChristy Mcdonald
Kelsey grizzleKathryn Kostopulas
Jennifer hearnKate Weaver
Jennifer hornorVicki & Scott holden
Joey lemasterCarroll Andrewsdeborah rudden
Sophia lal Amanda BonnerKelly renshawBelinda BryantEric Clements
Eric rogersroger Wehnerlauren hortonthomas Aust
Ann Constantinehannah raymond
Scott Jonestom Moseley
Chris & Scott StoneAshley WilksEdwin Kezar
Elizabeth terrellKathy Adams
Jean faberChristopher South
Kathryn MyrickMichael Schulte
Patrick leonardIra Jones
Benjamin WagesAnne dodd
traci & daniel WalterMitzi duerSarah Price
Jennifer haleKristin & Brandon haushalter
tim thompsonStacy & Wayne gwaltney
Carl Edwardsdeanna robbins
Noah & Elizabeth fitzpatrick Malissa & dan Bowman
teron tidwellVander thursby
Evan harlessAmy Englezosdiane WatkinsSuzann WalkerMitch hughesAndi Marquezhaller Smith
John Michael finneyMaureen Mcgovern
Jenny SmithJennifer Kuklinski
Catharine McBrayerCharles yeager
14
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
Age as of 4/12/08
11
5K Run: $13.00 (pre race day) $20.00 (day of race) Registration is not required for the free 1 Mile Fun Run. Race t-shirts will be available for $10 each.
Family max (must reside at same address) $30.00 (pre race day) $50.00 (day of race)
Male Female Age as of 4/14/07 ______ D.O.B. _____ / _____ / _____ BTC member yes __ no__
Do you plan to attend the FREE PASTA DINNER for you and your family on Friday, April 13 at 6:00 PM?
If yes, how many will attend _____
Do you plan to attend the FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST after the run? If yes, how many will attend _____
Last Name ______________________________________________ First Name _________________________ M.I. ________
Address ______________________________________________ City _____________________ State ______ Zip __________
Phone: Work ________________________ Home _________________________
Circle T-Shirt size (All sizes are adult sizes) Small Medium Large X-Large XX-Large
In consideration of the acceptance of this registration entry, I, the undersigned, assume full responsibility for any injury or accident which may occur during my participation in this race or while I am on the premises of this event, and I hereby release and hold harmless Shades Crest Baptist Church, the city of Hoover, the Birmingham Track Club or any other sponsors, promoters, persons, or entities associated with this event from any and all injury or damage, whether it be caused by negligence of the sponsors or promoters or other persons or entities associated with the event or their agents, employees or otherwise. Further, I hereby grant full permission to any and all of the foregoing to use any photograph, video tape, motion pictures, recordings, or any other records of this event for any legitimate purpose. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Entrant’s Signature Date
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature if entrant is under 18 Date
Make checks payable to Shades Crest Baptist Church. Mail to: High Country 5K, 452 Park Avenue, Hoover, AL 35226. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked no later than April 6, 2007.
To Enter High Country 5K Run, please fill in the information below and mail as indicated.. Pleaseuse a separate form for each entrant.
CourseMap
New!!! RegisterOnline
At Active.com
Shades Crest Baptist
Seventh AnnualHigh Country
5KSaturday,
April 12, 20088:00 a.m.
Shades CrestBaptist Church452 Park AveHoover, AL(822-1750)
www.shadescrest.org
Register Onlineat active.com
15
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
STATUE TO STATUE 15KElliSPOrch
BIRMINGHAM TRACK CLUB RACE
BIRMINGHAM TRACK CLUB RACE
– Compiled by Rick MelansonNote:Race information is taken from several different sources and is subject to change and or writer’s mistakes. Call Race Director or contact person, especially if you are traveling out of town. ( = BTC race/run/event )
MArCh 22Run To The Cross 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run–Birmingham,AL,8:00a.m.ChristChurchUnitedMethodistChurchonCaldwellMillRd.Info:SusanMiller(991-5065)Email:[email protected] Hollow Madness HalfMarathon Trail Run–Brownsboro,AL,7:00a.m.Info:TomPossert,237RodgersDr.,Brownsboro,AL35741 MArCh 29Azalea Trail Run 10K & 2K–Mobile,AL,8:00a.m.Info:MargaretOlive(251-473-7223) APrIl 5Casey’s Cause 5K–Trussville,AL,8:00AMTrussvilleChamberofCommercenexttoTrussvilleMiddleSchool.USATFCERTIFIEDCOURSE(MAPLELEAFRUNcourse).Registeronlineatactive.com.Info:KariSelf(966-6635)Email:[email protected] 5K Run & Fun Run–Brookside,AL,8:00AMBrooksideGreenwayFestival.Info:DennisLove(631-7392or427-3366)orFrancescaGross(264-8464)Scholarship 8K Race & Fun Run–Huntsville,AL,9:00AM.Info:TabBarnett(256-883-5124)5-A-Day 5K Trail Run–Dothan,AL,8:00AMWestgatePark.Info: BethBattle(334-794-5000x-7393)Sunset 5K Run–PanamaCity,FL,5:00PMOaksbytheBayPark,St.Andrews.Info:(850-522-6666)
APrIl 6BTC Executive Meeting–Jackson’sBistro,Homewood,2:30p.m.Allmembersarewelcomedtoattend.Jackson’sislocatedinSOHOSquare.Info:[email protected]
APrIl 12
High Country 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run–Birmingham,AL,8:00AMShadesCrestBaptistChurchat452ParkAve.USATFCERTIFIEDCOURSE.FreepastadinnerforrunnersandtheirfamilyonFridaynightat6:00PM.Freepancakebreakfastaftertheawardsceremony.Info:JackKarn(870-4504)orFamilyLifeCenter(822-1750)
Run/Walk by Faith 5K–Birmingham,AL,8:30AM.Info: JoelSimmons(601-0954)Email:[email protected]
4th Annual Run for Ronald 5K Run/Walk–Florence,AL,8:15AMUniversityofNorthAlabama’sFlowersHallonPineStreet.USATFCERTIFIEDCOURSE.Info: AlphaDeltaPi,UNABox5354,FlorenceAL35632Minuteman 5K Trail Run–Dothan,AL,9:00AMEmail: [email protected]
APrIl 13BTC Mini Track Meet–Birmingham,AL,4:00p.m.SamfordUniversityTrack.Allages,childrenandadults.Awardsforthechildren.Info:[email protected]:birminghamtrackclub.com/btc-track-meets APrIl 19
Ellis Porch Statue To Statue 15K Run–Birmingham,AL,8:00AMStartingon18thSt.(MontgomeryHwy)justbe-lowVulcanStatueandendingat“RiverVillage”offOvertonRd.justbelow“MissLiberty.”Parkatfinishandridebustostart(ormakeyourownarrangements).1stbusleaves@6:30andlastbusleaves@7:30.USTAFCERTIFIEDCOURSE.Info: JudyLoo(612-4335)
Re-Creation 5K Run–Huntsville,AL,8:00AM.Info:KimFoss(256-232-5659) APrIl 25Dollars for Scholars 5K/10K, 1 Mile Fun Run–Birmingham,AL,6:00PMStartsandendsat“PepperPlace”on2ndAve.S.and28thSt.USATFCERTIFIEDCOURSES.Info:AliLouis(934-3555)Web:www.alumni.uab.edu APrIl 26The Mayor’s Cup Race–Tuscaloosa,AL,8:00AMCityHallInfo: SedellBullard(205-248-5230)Web:http://tuscaloosa.comPhysicians Who Care 5K Run/Walk–Gadsden,AL,9:00AMInfo:CarrollCrane(256-547-3124) MAy 3FBC 5K–Hueytown,AL,8:00AMChandlerFamilyLifeCenteratthe1stBaptistChurchinPleasantGrove.Info:StaciOwen(744-0100)We Love Homewood 5K Run–Birmingham,AL(Info.tofollow)
MAy 10Birmingham Zoo 5K Run–Birmingham,AL(Info.tofollow)
MAy 11BTC Mini Track Meet–Birmingham,AL,4:00p.m.SamfordUniversityTrack.Allages,childrenandadults.Awardsforthechildren.Info:[email protected]:birminghamtrackclub.com/btc-track-meets
MAy 12BTC Town Hall Meeting–OutTakesDeli,Homewood,6:30p.m.Allmembersarewelcomedtosharetheiropin-ionsandseewhattheBTCisupto.Food&bev-eragesprovided,290118thSt.So.inHomewood.BTCMerchandisewillalsobeavailable.Info:[email protected]
MAy 17E2 5K Run and Fun Run–Trussville,AL,8:00AMNorthParkBaptistChurchinTrussville.USATFCERTIFIEDCOURSE.Info:RhonaClark(332-9243)Email:[email protected] Annual Vision Run 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run–Alabaster,AL8:30AMThompsonIntermediateSchoolonHwy119go-ingtowardMontevallo,1.5milesfromHwy.31.USATFCERTIFIEDCOURSE.Info:SteveCrainich(915-6237) MAy 23Spring Scramble 5K–Birmingham,AL(Info.tofollow)
MAy 26Mercedes Benz Cotton Row Run 10K–Huntsville,AL10Kat7:00AM,5Kat9:00AM,&1MileFun/Walkat10:00AM.Info:Dink&SuzanneTaylor,2722CarlT.JonesDr.,Suite2B,Huntsville,AL35802(256-650-7063).Email:[email protected]
MAy 31Vestavia Fireman’s 5K for MDA–Birmingham,AL8:00AMLibertyParkatVestaviaHillsElementaryLibertyPark,17051LibertyPkwy.(LIBERTYPARKRUNcourse).Info:ScottPhillips(529-5240)Email:[email protected]
tuESdAyS (weekly)BTC Sunrise or Hill Group Run–Birmingham,AL,5:30a.m.MountainBrookYMCA,meetinlobbyarea.Freeshowersandlockersavailable.
WEdNESdAyS (weekly)Trak Shak Group Runs–Homewood,AL,5:30p.m.TrakShakstoreindowntownHomewood.Web:www.trakshak.com
SAturdAyS (weekly)Red-Eye-Run – 6.2 miles–Birmingham,AL–7:00a.m.MountainBrookVillageinfrontofWesternSuperMarket.Variedpacetosuitanyone. FUTURE 2008 EVENTS (local only)06-07–BtC track & field Classic06-07–Big Brothers’ Big Sister’s 5K06-21–Stampede 5K run07-04–Peavine falls run – 8.3 mi09-06–fat danny’s trial by trail 5 mi09-13–run for Sobriety 5K09-20–ErA Oxford realty 8K09-27–Are uABle 5K10-04–hueytown 5K/10K11-01–Vulcan run 10K11-08–North Jefferson Charity run 8K11-22–Iron Bowl run 5K
16
Race Calendar late March thru May 2008
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
17
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
(L to R) Front row: Phil Min, Deana Goodwine, Meredith Farrell, Carrie Cotney; Middle row: Pamela Miller, Beth Severson, Sidney Shackelford, Bentley Sloan, Amy Hix, Rachel Walker, Tonya Beck; Back row: Sara Hacker, Stephanie Wilhite, Brantley Padgett, Dave Johnson, Keith Rutherford, Shannon Eliuk, and Allen Goodwine.
– By Brantley Padgett
January19th,thedayoftheAuburn half Marathon, started with sleet. IthoughtIwasgoingtowakeuptosnowon the ground here in Birmingham, butluckilyno,itseemedniceout,thoughverycold. As I met up with Dave and KeithtomakethetripdownSaturdaymorningitstartedraining.Toobadtheraindidn’tlast.Itturnedtosleetwithinminutes.Thewholeridedownwassleetwithrainwithmoresleetmixedin,butwewereallhap-pyaswemetinthefitnesscenter,lookingaroundtakinginventoryofwhowasbrave(spelleds-t-u-p-i-d).Therewasnoguntogooff, I think itwas frozen, so they justyelledGO!Anditwentdownfromthere.Therewasalotofjokingabouthowcrazywewere;thatitwascoldandsleetingandthiswasn’tgoingtobeafunrun.
I settled into a nice pace with Shan-non, Josh(s) and Beth, and some peopleupfromDothanandtogetherwestartedcounting off miles. Somewhere aroundmile8IrealizedIhadn’tputonmychip,“Beth,thismaybealittlelatetowonder,butweretherechipsforthis?”
Mile12wastheworstformethough,haditnotbeenforZooBethkeepingmyspiritsup,ortherandomguyintheyellowrain coat behind me, I would have got-tenintoMeredith’scarasshedrovebytocheeruson. Ifmy facehadn’tbeen toofrozentotalkImighthaveyelledforhertocomebackandgetme.
Finally.Wecouldalmostsee themile13markerinthedistance,oh,andalovelydownhilltofollow!!Thatwaswhatfinallysavedme,thatdownhillgivingmeafewseconds to recover some energy. Thank
theheavenstoo,asthestupidhilluptothe finish line just sat there laughing atusinthesleet(andnowmixedsnow). Imean reallynow, was thatuphill neces-sary??
Tosumitup.MISERABLEbarelydoesit justice. Cold,wet,miserablewas justhowIwas feelingphysically. Icanonlyassume itwas the cold that spurred meontomyfastesttimeyet.Doesyoursec-ondhalfmarathonqualifyforaPR?Eitherway, with Beth and Mr. Rain Coat manspurringmon,Imanagedtoshaveabout8minutesoffmyfirsthalfinDecember.
Wewerejokingonthewaydownhowthiswasgoing to shapeup tobeoneofthosethingsyoulaughaboutafterwards.I’mstillnotlaughing,butitdoesmakeforaprettyfunnystory.•
Auburn half Marathon report
“to sum it up, miserablebarely does it justice”
18
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
BTC’sownJanis PoseydressedasDorothy(fromtheWizardofOz)wasrecentlyspottedin“Runner’sWorld.”Thephotowastakenatthestartoftheharpeth hills flying Monkey MarathonlastNovemberandwasseenintheracereportsection.
Somewhere, over the...finish line!
RUNNER’S WORLD PHOTO
Offer good till 4/30/08
Feb-April Merchandiseitem Of The Month
$15 each*(Regularly $25) Offer good till 4/30/08
More BTC Merchandise available at:www.birminghamtrackclub.com/merchandise
Name (ship to)
Address (Street or P.O.)
State Zip Code
Phone Email Address (print clearly)
City
Item details:•Women’scutavailable inS,M,L,XL•Men’scutavailable inS,M,L,XL•EmbroideredBTC logoonfront•100%cotton•RoyalBlue(color)
Send orders/payments, made payable to Birmingham Track Club, to:JohnacaE.Kelley,BTCVicePresidentc/oEBSCOCreativeConcepts8255thAvenueSouthBirmingham,AL35233
Quantity Item Description
*Please add $6 per polo for UPS ground shipping [email protected]
Available at May 12th Town Hall Meeting
SHORT-SLEEVEPOLO SHIRT
Size
FREE BTCwindow
decal withorder!
19
We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to be a member of the Birmingham Track Club or to renew your existing membership. The Club sponsors or sanctions many local races and keeps members informed of upcoming races, training runs, results, socials, etc. through our monthly newsletter ‘THE VULCAN RUNNER’. Additionally, BTC Members receive merchandise discounts at local merchants. It’s a great way to meet other runners and stay informed of running events in the area. Again, thanks for your participation and we hope that you will join us as we promote indi-vidual and community fitness through running.
PLEASE check one:
New Member application Renewal Change of Address
Birmingham Track Club
MEMBERSHIPAPPLICATION
Last Name first Name Middle Initial
Address (Street or P.O.)
City State Zip Code
Home Phone
Email Address (print clearly)
Work Phone Birth Date
Sponsored by (BTC member name)
Other family members to be included in membership:
Last Name first Name M.I. Birth Date
Male female
WAIVER: I know that running and volunteering to work in club races are potentially hazardous activities, and as a member I assume all risks involved. Therefore I hereby, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, do waive and release the Birmingham Track Club, Road runners Club of America, USA Track and Field, all sponsors and any others involved from any claims or liabilities arising out of my participation in these activities. I grant permission to all the foregoing to use any photographs, motion pictures, recordings, or any other records of such events for any legitimate purpose.
Signature (Parent’s signature if under 18 years of age) Date
Male female
YEARLY MEMBERSHIP (please circle one): $25 (single) $35 (family)
Send this signed application and check made payable to the BTC to the following address:
www.birminghamtrackclub.comwww.myspace.com/birminghamtrackclub
You can also join online at WWW.ACTIVE.COM
(Event I.D. # 1397208)
Birmingham Track ClubP.O. Box 530363 Birmingham, AL 35253
(205) 879-LEGG [email protected]
20
ThroughitsReadyCampaign,theU.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurityeducatesandempowersAmericanstotakesomesimplestepstoprepareforandrespondtopotentialemergencies,includingnaturaldisastersandterroristattacks.Readyasksindividualstodothreekeythings:1)Getanemergencysupplykit2)Makeafamilyemergencyplan3)Beinformedaboutthedifferenttypesofemergenciesthatcouldoccurandtheirappropriateresponses. AllAmericansshouldhavesomebasicsuppliesonhandinordertosurviveforatleastthreedaysifanemergencyoccurs.Followingisalistingofsomebasicitemsthateveryemergencysupplykitshouldinclude.However,itisimportantthatindividu-alsreviewthislistandconsiderwheretheyliveandtheuniqueneedsoftheirfamilyinordertocreateanemergencysupplykitthatwillmeettheseneeds. Individualsshouldalsoconsiderhavingatleasttwoemergencysupplykits,onefullkitathomeandsmallerportablekitsintheirworkplace,vehicleorotherplacestheyspendtime.
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
PREPARE. PLAN. STAY INFORMED.
www.READY.gov
21
w w w . B i r m i n g h a m T r a c k C l u b . c o m
Birmingham track ClubP.O.Box530363Birmingham,Ala.35253(205)879-LEGG
www.birminghamtrackclub.comwww.myspace.com/birminghamtrackclub
NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPermit # 1012
BIRMINGHAM, AL
ThE ElliS POrch
STATUE TO STATUE 15KAPRIL 19TH, 8 A.M.
Startingon18thSt.(MontgomeryHwy)justbelowVulcanStatueandendingat“RiverVillage”offOvertonRd.justbelow“MissLiberty.”Runnersshouldparkatfinishandridebustostart(ormakeyourownarrange-
ments).USTAFCERTIFIEDCOURSE.1stbusleavesat6:30a.m.andlastbusleaves@7:30a.m.BtC rACE!Info: JudyLoo,RaceDirector(612-4335)
(Race Application available on Page 15)
hiGh cOUNTrY 5KAPRIL 12TH, 8 A.M.
ShadesCrestBaptistChurchat452ParkAve.USATFCERTIFIEDCOURSE.FreepastadinnerforrunnersandtheirfamilyonFridaynightat6:00PM.Freepancakebreakfastaftertheawardsceremony.BtC rACE!
Info:JackKarn,RaceDirector(870-4504)orFamilyLifeCenter(822-1750)
(Race Application available on Page 14)
