Saturday, February 19, 2011

Meet the Northeast Running Club's 24 Hour Team!

The Northeast Running Club has put together a team for the North Coast 24 Hour Endurance Run that will be held on September 17 (and 18) down at Edgewater Park. If you would like to be a part of this team as either a runner or volunteer please contact me at colonfamily3@sbcglobal.net. There will be regular training runs leading up to the event, and NERC members will have support crew at the event itself. Please join us and see how far you can go! Enjoy the following bios of the runners and volunteers:


RUNNERS

CHARLIE BOLEK/RUNNER














#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )

The running achievement I'm probably the most proud of was the Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic 50K that I ran in the fall of 2010. After falling at about mile #10, I was dealing with a lot of pain from my knee but made up my mind that I was NOT going to bow out of the race. My finishing time may not have been what I was looking for that day but I did not quit, a part of my personality that I'm proud to have inherited from my my father.

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?

This may sound a little strange but a lot of it's curiosity. After running for over ten years now, I'd really like to know how far I can run in 24 hours. Add in the fact that I'm a night owl anyway (so staying up all night is no big deal - especially in the name of running!), this is really the perfect event for me.

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr? (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain #miles reached by certain time)
My goal is 80 miles but I'd like to press to as close to 100 as I can.


MARK ANSON/RUNNER















#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )
Running for about 10 years, NERC for three. Without really counting, about 20 marathons and 20 ultras. I'm not fast! Best marathon time: 4:04. Best trail 50K: about 6:20. Proudest of: Burning River 100 in 2010, time of 29:17.

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?
I saw the last couple hours of the first NC24 (2009). That visit piqued my interest. Went to the 2010 NC24 after finishing the YUTC 50K that same day. Volunteered most of the night (aid station, road crossing assist, whatever, etc.), slept some in my car, got up and helped out some more. Was fascinated and intrigued by everything I saw.... it captured my imagination! Now mind you, by rights I should HATE the idea of doing this event: tiny, repetitive course on asphalt, surrounded by cityscape, and is subject to what can be nasty weather coming in off the lake. I'm passionate about point-to-point trail ultras in a natural setting. This is the complete opposite! There's a famous artist, M. C. Esher, famous for bizzare sketches that depict impossible scenes. One of them exemplifies the NC24. Copy is attached....

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr? (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain #miles reached by certain time)
First goal is to be moving at the end. Mile goal is around 80. Ultimate goal is to get what I can out of this experience, something I'll not likely try again!


JEANETTE SPADA/RUNNER















#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )
I started running April 2009. While working out at the West End Y, I noticed a banner for the West End 5k. On a whim, I decided to register, which required me to begin training for the race. Never having really run consistently (I would walk-run-walk-run). I gradually built up the distance that I would run without walking. Race day, I came in 4th for my age group. I thought to myself, “Hu, not too bad, I just may have to continue this running thing”.
My greatest running achievement, to date, is completing Bill’s Bad Ass 50k. I have yet to run a marathon, but have completed an Ultra?!?! (and have already registered for my second, Fools 50k in March)
#2. Why are you running the 24 hr? –
Mark Anson and Laurie Colon’s husband talked me into it!!! Hahaha….
That little voice in your head that keeps telling you “what the hell, what do you got to lose…go and give it your best” Once that little bugger starts talking, I can’t get rid of it…I think it’s a blessing and a curse sometimes!! 
Seriously though – I am running this to see what I am capable of putting out, how far can I push myself, how much can I take
#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain # of miles reached by a certain time)
I don’t want to be unrealistic, and never having trained for anything remotely close to this, I’m not 100% sure. Right now, I’m thinking somewhere around 80 miles


RADAMES COLON/RUNNER















#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )
I went from not running at all to running ultras within one year’s time. My first race was last year – the Run With Your Heart Trail Challenege. Since then I’ve completed a marathon, a 50k, and am training for my first 50 miler and 100 miler. Due to a permanent knee related injury from childhood it’s quite an accomplishment for me. I don’t have to be the fastest, don’t have to win – but I do know each time I go out there I am giving it my all.
#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?
I saw my wife run in last year, helped crew for her and became very interested and wanted to see how far I could go.
#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain # of miles reached by a certain time)
With a 50 miler and 100 miler all in the same summer, I’m going to go out there and have fun, no real mileage goals – the only goal I will have is to have a great time!



PAM RICKARD/RUNNER
















#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of!)

I’ve run at some level for about 30 years, but have enjoyed my sweetest, most fulfilling running experiences just since 2006. Some of my favorite moments include:
• The 2007 NYC Marathon, which resulted in my inclusion in Liz Robbin’s book, “A Race Like No Other.”
• The 2008 NYC Marathon , where I was invited, due to the book’s publication, and had the privilege of speaking at the Expo.
• The 2010 NYC Marathon ;), where I was invited by the New York Road Runners.
• I ran Boston in 09 in 3:48, then again in ’10 in 3:28. Very “proud” of that improvement in time on that course, because I ran so well while training and racing with NO watch, (have since 2006) and really enjoying the race and high-fiving every kid I saw.
• Ran my all-time PR, 3:25, at the Rocket City Marathon, 12/09, at 48 years old! Again, proud of that time, but the best part was my husband and I joined 12 of our local runnin’ buds there and it was a blast!
• Have run 19 marathons and countless other running events, but my most recent favorite is Disney. I completed the Disney World Half and Full Marathons this past weekend, officially successfully “doing the Goofy!”
*I have recently run my first ultra, a 24 hour F/A event in which I logged 68.9miles on 1/29 & 30
• I have to add that while the awards and achievements are wonderful, my biggest running gift has been the people I have met and/or become good friends with along the journey!

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?

Because I am nuts and I got crazy excited when I ended up in a facebook “conversation” about Jeannette running it! Plus, it’s wild, it’s in my hometown and I simply love experiencing new running challenges! Oh, AND, because I want to be on the NERC Team!

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr? (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain #miles reached by certain time)

My goal is to last the entire time with minimal downtime and cover a minimum of 75 miles.

STAN HEMBROUGH/RUNNER
















#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )

8 Half Marathons, 4 Marathons and one Ultramarathon

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?
Because Radames Colon is running and I said I'd do it if he did it. Plus I think it will be a great challenge.

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain # of miles reached by a certain time)
To finish. Hopefully complete between 80 and 100 miles.


KATHLEEN DICKSON/RUNNER











#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )
I have run 8 ultras and 8 marathons since 2006. Including finishing BR100 and running in the Loch Ness Marathon in Scotland.

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?

To try a new running ultra event that I haven't conquered yet.. I helped out at the event last year and was so captivated by what a neat event this is. Being right on the lake, by the skyline, and with such crowd and crew support, I couldn't pass it up:)

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr? (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain #miles reached by certain time)

at least 80mi
go the whole 24hrs
and....to beat MARK ANSON.

CASI GILLIAM/RUNNER















#1. What is your running history/your running achievements:
I have been running since high school. Although I was a cheerleader and couldn't compete during the Track season, I learned how to train for track by indoor and parking lot training with the Track team. I would get in great shape and hang out with an amazing track coach who helped our school set many state records (Riverside High). I have been running ever since! Not fast, but many, many miles over the years, with my longest race being marathons, thank you God.

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr? Because I want to represent NERC in a unique race.

#3.... What is your goal for the 24 hr? Since a marathon is my longest number of miles run at once, maybe I'll shoot for 36 miles?



DEREK MURPHY/RUNNER















#1. What is your running history/your running achievements
I Joined NERC on the suggestion of my Brother-In-Law, Charlie Bolek for the primary purpose of being able to utilize the NERC for support during the NC24. Ive been running for about 5 years, having completed 10 marathons (slowlyThe 24 hour loop format seems an ideal entry into ultra running.
#2. Why are you running the 24 hr? ).
After some time off Im getting back into running and want to see how far I can push myself.



VOLUNTEERS


LAURIE COLON/TEAM CAPTAIN AND OFFICIAL BUTT WHOPPER















What is your running history/your running achievements please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of!

I have been running for about 13 years but recently made the move to ultra distances. The race I’m most proud of is my last race, the Beast of Burden 100 miler in Lockport, NY. Valmir Nunes current Badwater record holder ran the race with me and mentioned it was harder than Badwater! That made me feel pretty good about finishing! And something else I'm proud of actually took me awhile to be proud about. I ran the NC 24 hr with high expectations last year, however due to medical issues had a pretty tough time. I was still able to plug out what I considered my "bare minimum" distance, went 102 miles and was able to push through and last the whole race.

Have you volunteered at any races before, if so which ones? I have volunteered at the Lake Health Distance Classic, the Flag Day 5k, the Autumn Leaves Run, Green Jewel 50k, BT50k, and also the Nypaver “I Believe” run. I also try to promote my coach's amazing non profit organization, Impossible2Possible as much as I can.

I’m excited to help my friends out this year at the 24 hour. So many of them came to cheer me on at last year’s 24 hour and I’m completely pumped to return the favor. I will be whopping butts during training runs though. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! On my to buy list is the loudest whistle I can possibly find….





RADAMES COLON/VOLUNTEER















What is your running history/your running achievements please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of!

I ran the Cleveland Rite Aid Half Marathon last year – it was my longest distance at that time. Currently I am training for the Full Marathon which I will run this May. I want to convince my mom to let me run my first 50k in November.

Have you volunteered at any races before, if so which ones? I have volunteered at the Lake Health Distance Classic, the Flag Day 5k, the Autumn Leaves Run, and also the Nypaver “I Believe” run where I also logged 16 run/walk miles. Outside of running I volunteer with the Salvation Army and the Lake Metroparks, and traveled to Australia as a student ambassador with the organization People to People.


EDIE NELSON/VOLUNTEER












I Started running 10-11 years ago.

I Have run 5 marathons and feel good about them all.

I am in awe of all Ultra runners and am excited to volunteer at this event

ANDY RATTRAY/VOLUNTEER











I started running in the early 1980s. I just ran on my own for many years.Some of the roads I ran as a beginner are now some of the Better in Mentor 5 mile race course. First race I ran was the Cleveland Revco 10K in the early 1990s. After that I would run many 5K & 5 Mile races.10 K races were getting fewer.Many older runners were asking where did the 10Ks go.First 1/2 marathon was sometime in the mid 1990s in Huron, Ohio in the late winter or early spring.The weather was very cold and windy as the race took place by the lake.I wasn't really planing on running a full marathon until I was running with fellow N.E.R.C. runners who were training for the 2ed annul Cincinnati (Charlie Bolek) Flying Pig marathon. Then I thought since I was running the same miles they were I should do the race to so I registered to run it.That was the start of around a 15 marathon stretch.My Mom & Dad (just Mom now) live in Myrtle Beach S. Carolina and the M.B. marathon was getting popular so I had a 6 year run going there.Some of the big marathons were Honolulu,Chicago,Marine Corp,Paris and the historic Boston.

As for volunteering marathons most of it was expo help. Cleveland expo in some early years. Honolulu expo 2 times.Most other volunteer duties were N.E.R.C. races through the years. And then 10 years or so ago I became co coordinator of the Ohio Teamsters/Medical Mutual flag day race with Carl.That led to getting the phone call around November 2010 from Carl indicating the he was ready to step back on his participation from the race and now I'M in charge.Much of that is since the Teamsters are main sponsors of the race I am a active Teamster member. Also I have been helping Guy out at the annual Fall Running series at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in October.



NICK ZEMAN/VOLUNTEER














My bio of running is I've been running for 15 years. I started running to lose weight and have run countless races including 3 marathons. I will be volunteering at the North Coast 24 this year

KATTYA ROMERO MORA/VOLUNTEER










Kattya has volunteered at NERC events and will be lending a hand to all her new and old NERC friends during the 24 hour event.

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