Marathon Maniacs News Letter – September / October 2005

September Highlights

· 10 new members for the month of September (183 total members)

· Double the pleasure…Jennifer Yogi wins the Pocatello and the Chelan Shore to Shore Marathons.

· Bill Mandler…first ever sub 3 hour marathon (Pocatello)

· Wendy Scott comes from behind to triumph at the Skagit Flats Marathon.

Skagit Flats Marathon

*****IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*****

If you find a discrepancy or are missing any information that should be in the scorecard (number of marathons/ultras, total count and states/countries/provinces run, please contact Main Maniac. He will be more than happy to make the corrections. Or if you find that Main Maniac (with cat on head) has omitted your name from a milestone (50, 100 marathon mark, placing in races, etc..) please, please let him know…he wants to give credit where credit is due.

Also, if it's your Maniac anniversary date, please help Main Maniac out by renewing your membership. Dues collected help pay for website fees and maintenance, purchasing of more singlets and other wear and…future surprises!

Upcoming Marathon News

· Mount Desert Island Marathon (10/16/05): Race Director and Maniac Gary Allen is extending a special invitation for members of Marathon Maniacs to attend the 2005 Mount Desert Island Marathon www.mdimarathon.org. We'll knock $25 off our entry fees (1/2 price!) for all current Marathon Maniacs members. Important Instructions:
1) you MUST apply by mail by printing our offline application
http://www.mdimarathon.com/offline_reg_02.html
2) Fill out the application and include only $25 per entry (plus any optional pasta dinner fees)
3) Mention you are a member in good standing of the "Insane Asylum"
4) Mail the completed application back to us...Note: the offer is good right up to race day!

· Cape Cod Marathon (10/30/05): Would you like to run the Cod for free? If yes, then Maniac #81 Marie Bartoletti has an offer for you. They are looking for pacers and the race director has asked Marie to coordinate that effort. Your race registration fee will be comped, so contact Marie mariebartoletti@hotmail.com if you're interested.

· Bank of America (Gasparilla Distance Classic) Marathon (2/25-26/06): Make your plans to come down to Tampa, Florida for the Marathon Maniacs first ever "reunion" marathon.

Please check out the feature on the website "Meet the Members". Newest "interviews" include Maniacs Steve Supkoff, Chris Warren and Steven Yee. Our goal is to have each and every one of you profiled. The monthly question…Star Wars or Star Trek? Darth Vader or Captain Kirk?

The Marathon Maniacs…at the Races

September 3

Pocatello Marathon: Sue Fauerbach, Eric Jensen, Larry Macon, Bill Mandler, Tom Neuman, Steven Yee, Guy Yogi, Jennifer Yogi and new Maniac Ronald Bucy.

In the women's race, Jennifer Yogi set a new course record winning in 3:12:24 and perpetuating a two-year tradition of Marathon Maniacs winning this race. For Yogi, this also represents her fifth top five finish this year. Denise Sandahl of Idaho Falls who was second in 2004 repeated her second-place standing, finishing in 3:18:37. Lenna Kirby of Dayton OH was third in 3:27:01.

September 4

Monster Trail Marathon: Laura Bleakley, Cathy Troisi

Moray Marathon: Fiona Wright, Wayne Wright

Run on the Sly 50m/50km: Andy Kumeda

New Mexico Marathon:Ruben Contreras, Philip DeYoung, Craig Holcomb, Larry Macon, Diana "Slug" Robinson, Terry Sentinella, Phil Walchli, Chris Warren, Cathy West

Tupelo Marathon: Paula Boone, Steve Boone, Andrew Edwards, Brenton Floyd, Cheryl Murdock, Keith Panzer, Sam Thompson. Steve Supkoff offers this short review of the Tupelo course.

This is a great race if you're looking for a break from the larger marathons. This has a small-town feel from beginning to end. It starts at 5:00 am (in the dark) so as to beat the heat and humidity. While the weather was still a bit warm for this Seattle guy, it was fortunately not even close to the usual heat and humidity that they have seen on some race mornings. The course was a nice, enjoyable run along Mississippi country roads and neighborhoods. Running with the beautiful sunrise along these quiet country roads was very cool.

September 5

American Discovery Trail Marathon: Philip DeYoung, Sue Fauerbach, Robert "srlopez" Lopez, Larry Macon, Dennis Spurlock, Chris Warren, Amy Yanni, Steven Yee

Tania Pacev, of Littleton CO, took first place among the women with a final time of 3:22:19. Pacev is the current title holder at the Casper Wyoming, Wyoming, Olathe and Bataan Memorial Death March Marathons. Amy Yanni, of Rapid City SD - winner of the Brookings Marathon earlier this year - came in second in 3:38:16, and Emily Borrego, of Pueblo CO, took third in 3:45:20.

Heart of America Marathon: Tom Detore, Bruce Katter, Charles Sayles race report

On Labor Day I finished the Heart of American in and south of Columbia, Missouri. It reminded me a lot of both the Hogeye Marathon in Fayetteville, AR and the Hatfield-McCoy Marathon between Goody, KY and
Williams, WV; it was hot, it was humid, and there were hills. The course starts at the southern edge of the University of Missouri, proceeds south a couple of miles through suburban commercial areas and into rural
Missouri. It then goes down (and up and down again) to the Missouri River before returning to the start by a different route with more ups and down to beyond the start, where the course goes another mile and half uphill through both the campuses of the U of Missouri, and Stephens College, the alma mater of a Ten30Pace group member.

This was the 46th running of the Heart of American (HOA) Marathon. Heard from one of the locals that it is the 4th longest continually held marathon. This is a low cost marathon. On line registration was only $25.50. To keep
costs low there are no road closures requiring police control; the aid stations have only water and Gatorade; the medal is small (about the same size as the Anchorage Midnight Sun Marathon) has no date on meaning that can use it from year to year. They use the same t-shirt for both volunteers and runners. This year's t-shirt was white, printed only on the front with a 48-state map of the USA. (Sorry HI and AK). My sense is that they run the
marathon the same way each year.

I could tell that in its earliest days it was run on rural two-lane roads. But with the expansion of the University of Missouri and of Columbia, now 8 miles of the course run along side 4-lane city highways. I am glad I had the opportunity to drive the course the day before and knew just how steep the hills were. At packet pickup we were given a map that showed six significant hills. Having driven the course, I identified seven significant hills.
Having driven the course and seen the hills, and knowing that the forecast high in Columbia for Labor Day was 88F, I developed a marathon running plan. I knew there was a six-hour cut off, and I have been known to take more than 6 hours to finish especially with it either hot, humid, or a lot of hills. My plan was to walk all of the uphills, to run all of the down hills and on the generally flat section run a goal pace that was 30 seconds per mile
faster than my goal pace for running the Leanhorse 50-K last month. If I followed this plan I would finish in about 5:30, which give me a cushion for the extra heat (and humidity) at the end. The plan worked as I finished in
5:42, which was faster than either my Hogeye Marathon and Hatfield-McCoy Marathon times.

The more interesting parts of the course were through the rural areas south of Columbia and the run along the Missouri River. A mile from the Missouri River there was what the day before I thought was an abandoned feed mill. When I ran by it, I heard motors operating on the inside. On the radio I heard there are 4.5 million cattle and calves in Missouri - second only to Texas. From the aroma on parts of the course I would have to agree. The Heart of America was not my first choice for a Missouri marathon, but it was an open date without conflicts with marathons in states with even fewer marathons. I now have run 49 marathons (or 50-k ultras) in 43 states.

September 10

Bismark Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Craig Holcomb, Larry Macon

Uncle Joe's 50 km: Nathan Greene, Sean Meissner, Lisa Stranc Bliss, Gunhild Swanson, Jack Swanson

Wasatch 100 mile: Olga Varlamova

September 11

Erie Marathon at Presque Isle: Lois Berkowitz, Paula Boone, Steve Boone, Bruce Katter, Ruth Morrow, Cathy Troisi

Stowe Marathon: Craig Holcomb, Larry Macon, Charles Sayles, Cathy West

Skagit Flats Marathon: Ruth Balf, Shelleena Bunker, Janet Burgess, Ruben Contreras, Tony Covarrubias, Carol Dellinger, Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Michael Dutton, Christel Elliot, Sue Fauerbach, Earl Fenstermacher, Cheri Gillis, Richard Haase, Kurt Lauer, Mark Looi, Robert "srlopez" Lopez, Doug MacLean, Jeff Perry, Mel Preedy, Diana "Slug" Robinson, Wendy Scott, Michael Shiach, Michael Wakabayashi, Gregg Walchli, Steven Yee and new Maniacs Ron Bucy, Sara Heskett, Arthur Martineau and Stan Nakashima. From marthonguide.com…Forty-nine year old Pete Hansen won the 2005 Skagit Flats Marathon with a time of 2:55:45. Gregg Walchi, 43 - winner of the Gateway To The Pacific Marathon in July - took second place in 2:57:32, and Bryan Robertson, 30, placed third in 2:59:46. The Women were led by Wendy Scott, 33 - current title holder at the San Juan Island Marathon - who crossed the finish line in 3:19:26. Forty-one year old Kristen Mossman placed second in 3:24:39, while Cathleen Knutson, 23, placed third in 3:42:56.

September 17

Air Force Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Lois Berkowitz, Don Kienz, Rick Korecki, John Richeson

North Country Trail Marathon: Larry Macon

Rochester Marathon: Laura Bleakley, Ruth Morrow

Shore to Shore Marathon: Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Sue Fauerbach, Al Harman, Lesa Overfield, Diana "Slug" Robinson, Gregg Walchli, Steven Yee, Guy Yogi, Jennifer Yogi

The Women were led by Jennifer Yogi, winner of the 2005 Pocatello and Wenatchee Marathons, who crossed the finish line in 3:11:45. Jennifer Hadfield took second place in 3:32:39, and Stacey Hanson came in third in 3:34:00. Gregg Walchli took third place in the men's race.

Prez, Sue, Gregg, Al, Bob & Lenore, Guy and Jen, sLuG and Lesa

Bob & Lenore Dolphin

Top of Utah Marathon: Janet Burgess, Bill Mandler, Cathy West

Pumpkin Butt 50 mile: Brenton Floyd

Bohemian Alps 50 mile: Tom Detore

Cle Elum Trail 50km: Christel Elliot, Cheri Gillis, Richard Haase, Kurt Lauer, Sean Meissner, Van Phan, Glenn Tachiyama

Angeles Crest 100 mile: Andy Kumeda

September 18

Des Moines Marathon: Paula Boone, Steve Boone, Tom Detore, Todd King, Jack Thornton

Dutchess County Classic Marathon: Laura Bleakley

Jimmy Fund: Cathy Troisi

Lewis and Clark Marathon: Larry Macon

Maui Marathon: David Hipps, Robert "srlopez" Lopez, Keith Panzer, Peggy Nelson-Panzer, Gunhild Swanson, Jack Swanson

Montana Marathon: Kevin Brosi, Craig Holcomb, Ron Knecht, Dennis Spurlock, Amy Yanni

Kay Evans, of Chocowinity NC, won the Women's division with a time of 3:20:18. Jen Reiter, of Billings MY, took second place in 3:28:32, while Amy Yanni, of Rapid City SD - winner of the Brookings Marathon earlier this year - placed third in 3:29:29.

Two Bear Marathon: Sue Fauerbach, Chris Marr, Cheryl Murdock, Jeff Perry, Tony Phillippi, Chris Warren, Steven Yee. Below is an enthusiastic Barb Bumann recalling her great adventure in Whitefish.

Two thumbs up for the brand-new Two Bear Marathon!

Condensed version: 4:00:15, fourth woman overall, 1st AG.

This marathon was so much fun and so well organized it's hard to believe it was a first time event. CM and I took the train to Whitefish, MT early Friday morning and picked up the packets for ourselves and several of the
Maniacs, who were driving over after the Chelan Marathon on Saturday. Dinner Saturday night was a pasta feed at a nice restaurant on the outskirts of town. We saw many examples of the small-town friendliness of Whitefish,
including the volunteer organizer who gave a couple of car-less out-of-towners a ride to dinner.

Race morning we took the shuttle to the trailhead where we started at 7 a.m. It was sufficiently chilly that we held on to our sweats until the last possible moment! We took off to a shouted "Go!" Most of the trail part of the run was on wide, friendly Forest Service roads. At the first aid station we saw Tony Phillippi, out in front and snapping pictures! At that time I thought Tony might be a contender to win the race. Later on, there were sections of somewhat technical singletrack but all of it was extremely well-marked so there was no confusion. Also, by the time we arrived at the narrow trails the group had thinned out enough that it was no problem running single file. I did move over to allow a couple of young fellows to fly by me on the trail, though later ended up finishing ahead of at least one of them :-).

At the end of the trail part of the marathon, we had to cross some railroad tracks. Race organizers assured the runners that we would be stopped if a train came by but the time we waited would be deducted from our finishing
time. No train was in sight when CM and I launched ourselves on to the road. The second half of the race on the roads was almost harder than the trail part! Rolling hill followed rolling hill as we traced the perimeter of Whitefish Lake. At about 16 miles, Chris Warren caught us and ran with us for awhile, but he was feeling the effects of a recent bout of pneumonia and was actually questionable to even start. Soon the pounding of the hills
got to him and he dropped back. CM began to fade shortly after that, though he said later he kept me in sight until mile 22. I felt great and attribute that to the cool weather.

As CM remarked later, I am very affected by weather and today's temps were perfect for me. About mile 22 one of the spectators mentioned that I was the fourth woman. A couple of miles later, I saw a woman in front of me and made a determined effort to catch her between miles 24 and 25. That was a kick! As it turned out, the spectator had counted wrong and I'd only moved from fifth to fourth. Also -- I was just sure I'd made it under four hours so was sad when my time turned out to be just a hair over. I kept thinking, surely there was somewhere I could have run a few seconds faster! Following the race there was a barbecue with bratwurst, potato salad, corn
on the cob, cookies, beer and lemonade. Usually there are long lines for post-race amenities, but not with only 120 runners! Most of the Maniacs stayed and took advantage of the free massages, food, and good company. By
day's end we had become acquainted with many of the race organizers, volunteers, and our fellow runners. After the awards ceremony, from which almost all of us took away beautiful slate plaques (including a second AG
for CM), we went out for an early pizza feast with Maniacs Steve Y., Sue F., Tony P., Chris W. and Jeff Perry. This race was so much fun, I can't recommend it highly enough. I think by next year the organizers will be capping registration because word will get out. All in all, it was a great day and great event.

September 24

Kansas City Marathon: Why would a Maniac do a marathon that's hot, hilly and humid? One reason was the $25 coupon given to all participants to be used at one of three restaurants located near the finish line of the Kansas City Marathon. Just ask Sue Fauerbach, Kurt Lauer, Steve Supkoff and Steven Yee, whom all enjoyed a gourmet pre-race pasta meal at Lydia's. If that wasn't enough, the same three restaurants offered each runner a post-race spread. Brenton Floyd and Larry Macon also completed the marathon.

September 25

Adirondack Marathon: Thirty-seven year old Virginie Rebeuh-Poritzky, of Greenfield Center NY, led the Women's division with a time of 3:13:46. She was followed by Katherine Damon, 44, of Selden NY, who took second place in 3:18:15, and current Napa Valley Trail Marathon champ Laura Bleakley, 35, of Rochester NY, who came in third in 3:18:33.

Clarence DeMar Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Larry Macon, Keith Panzer

Fox Cities Marathon: Fiona Wright, Wayne Wright

Lewis and Clark Marathon: J Ellis, Alex Juchems, John Kokes, Mike Wakabayashi, Cathy West, Rob Willis

Toronto Waterfront Marathon: Don Kienz, Cathy Troisi

Omaha Marathon: Sue Fauerbach, Brenton Floyd, Kurt Lauer, Steve Supkoff and Steven Yee completed the tough double of the Kansas City and the Omaha Marathons. The pasta party crowd were entertained by Maniac Dick Beardsley (who ran the 10K). Congratulations to Amy Yanni and Tom Detore for placing in their respective age groups, as well as Craig Holcomb, who's one state closer of completing his goal of running a marathon in each state in 2005.

Quad Cities Marathon: Ron Bucy, Steve Monk. Cheri Gillis gives her assessment on Quad Cities.

When I found that I had business with Motorola Chicago, I quickly went to the marathon maniac’s web page to find a race. I found the Quad Cities Marathon in Moline Il. Just a 3 hour drive from my hotel. Thunder showers and 80 degrees were predicted for the race and we weren’t disappointed. The showers started while I was still in the port-a-potty line and my clothes never got dry. As the day went on, the rain stopped and the pavement started steaming. Since I had run the Cle Elum Ridge 50K the week before and breathing wasn’t fun with the steaming pavement, I decided to go easy. I connected with the one other maniac there, Steve Monk from WI and we sort of chatted for 17 miles. Steve had done the race every year since its inception and he was full of information about the people, the past of Arsenal Island and the confederate cemetery. The course ran along the Illinois side of the Mississippi river then across to the Iowa side then back to Illinois. It was funny because I had just run the Quebec City marathon which ran up one side of the St. Lawrence River and down the other. Both are called QC. Déjà vu.

I felt as good in the last 6 miles as I did in the first and managed to get a lovely wood plaque for first in my division with a time of 4:11:?? . The real first in my division was one of the top 3 masters. She got a nice trophy and prize money and thankfully got out of the division awards. There were several bands and entertainers on the course. The aid stations were frequent and well stocked. I would definitely recommend this race!

More Race Reports

Cascade Crest Classic 100 mile 8/27/05

Western States would have been good timing for me to run a 100 miler. Glenn is my mentor/running partner/pacer/BEST FRIEND and I respect his opinion implicitly when it comes to running...... By Tony Covarrubias

Skagit Flats 9/11/05

This year the date for the 28th Skagit Flats Marathon fell on Sunday, September 11, 2005. Because this was the fourth anniversary of 9/11 when the United States was attacked by terrorists, it was an important date to be recognized..... By Bob Dlophin

Shore to Shore 9/17/05

This was the fifth annual trip to Lake Chelan for the Shore to Shore Marathon for Lenore and me. In the past we visited our friends and gracious hosts...... By Bob Dolphin

The Maniac sage…Words to make you smile…

What's the best way to prevent fish from smelling? ...Plug their noses!

Noteworthy Accomplishments / Promotions / Omissions / Maniac Stuff:

Ø Gold Maniac: Rick Korecki, for completing 8 marathons in 6 months.

Ø Silver Maniacs: Wayne and Fiona Wright just completed 5 marathons in 6 months,

Ø 50 marathon mark: Kurt Lauer (Omaha)

Ø Olga Varlamova joins Sean Meissner on the 2006 Montrail Team

Ø Thanks again to John Elliot for his valuable time and effort for linking marathonmaniacs.com with marathonguide.com, and establishing the race spreadsheet and bulletin board options.

From a race held last month, here is a race report from Van Phan, regarding the ultra tough Grey Rock 50km:

After White River 50 mile, I looked into my calendar for future races, but there was nothing until Cle-Elum in mid-September! What was I going to do? I needed to get my fix. With my husband’s studio show in the last week-end of August, my pacing distance for my friend Marty at the Cascade Crest 100 mile shrunk from 53 miles to 20 miles. I was thoroughly disappointed and set out to find something to keep my running juices flowing.

First, I found a nice new trail marathon in Bend, OR, the Haulin Aspen Trail Marathon. I’m always on the lookout for new marathons or ultras to create a streak if the race survives. But Bend was at least a 6 hour drive away, and I couldn’t leave earlier on Friday. Everyone else seemed to be running Crater Lake on Saturday then run Haulin on Sunday, oh how I was envious of those people. So I drove down on Saturday. I had to make a 2 hour stop at the Redmond Les Schwab, as my brakes went out. This was becoming a very expensive trip! The trail marathon run was very nice, a great success for an inaugural run. I think I’ll be back, despite the long drive.

While I was searching for runs in August, I happen upon another new race here in Washington. I found it listed in the Fort Steilacoom Running Club newsletter. The Marathon Maniacs did not have it listed yet. Probably because the race was only officially advertised one month before, I found out later. Apparently, it was a year in the making, but the Yakima Hardcore Runners Club had just put it up on their website. I signed up immediately, content that I had Haulin Aspen Trail Marathon and Grey Rock 50K on back to back week-ends.

Instead of spending the night in Yakima or camping at the start, I decided to wake up at 3:45AM and drive there race morning. I actually got to Yakima with an hour left before the start and thought I would have plenty of time to get my gear together, use the bathroom, etc. But the drive after you get off the freeway to the Tree Phones campground took a lot longer, and I got turned around at the final intersections. There was another car coming down a road I was going up. They were also looking for the start. We finally flagged someone down who directed us up that same road for another five miles. Okay, I thought, we’ll just get a late start. But, when we arrived, the race had not started yet. One lady had already taken the early start at 6AM. There were two other guys there waiting to get started. I was pre-registered along with Brandon Sybrowsky, but he never showed due to a flat tire. Jen Yogi and Matt arrived about 5 minutes after me.

Finally, we were off about 20 minutes after the 7AM start, all six of us. The gradual climb from the start kept us all pretty much together, but two guys, James Klarich and Arthur Martineau decided to run instead of walk some of it. That left me, Jen, Matt and Eric Anderson. The trail was dry and dusty. And it felt like you were running on the beach in sand that left your ankles feeling tired. The stabilizing needed was getting old fast. This was interrupted at times with rocky sections that required you to pay more attention. After about 3-4 miles and what I thought was 1800 feet of gain (it really was 2000’), we topped out on a ridge where there were great views of both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams. We ran along the ridge for a while before descending the same. The running again became fun but still technical with rocks and numerous trees to run over or around. At this point, I left my group and caught up with Arthur and James at the first aid station at 12K. I was feeling pretty good until realizing that we were starting another climb, this time 2300 feet.

The next aid station was at 24K. I didn’t notice it on the first climb, but my breathing was pretty erratic. It was short and shallow. My weakness at altitude was showing itself. I later found out that the run starts at 4200’, climbed to 6200’ descended back to 4200’ and then climbed back up to 6500’. We were on our way up to 6500’. Breathing in the dust of the person in front of me combined with my asthma and the heat made that section seem very long. I heard the temps in Yakima were in the 90’s on this day. It may have been a little cooler higher up, but it seemed awful hot. James and I finally reached the second aid station. I had heard at the briefing that there was a one mile out and back section from that aid station. I was thinking it would be rolling or even uphill, but I was disappointed to find that it was downhill and dreaded the fact that I had to run back up this thing at the turn around. Running downhill was harder than I expected. The jarring motion of going downhill knocked the wind out of me and made my stomach hurt. Later, it would present itself as back pain.

I finally reached the turn around. Arthur was not far behind me. Then came James. Then it was Jen and Matt, cruising along happily and chatting away. Earlier, I noticed that Arthur was wearing a Seafair Marathon shirt. I commented about it and learned that he just ran it after a 20 year hiatus from running. This was his first ultra. It was also Matt’s first ultra. I kept thinking as I was running along that this was a pretty tough first ultra to tackle. Arthur asked me in the beginning how long I thought it was going to take me. I said probably 5 ½ hours. But after reaching the halfway point at 3:18, I would be lucky to break 7 hours.

The 2300 feet downhill and rolling section again was not as easy as I thought it would be. I thought I would be able to pick up some time, but the trail was rocky, and I was still feeling winded. I had a hard time even running the rolling stuff. I ran into Eric on his way to the second aid station (24k) before the turn-around. He had rolled his ankle around mile 6 and was going to call it quits at the aid station. I felt bad for him, but after seeing his ankle at the end of the race, I knew he made the right decision. It was pretty fat. On the way down, James passed me, but he never got too far ahead. We finally reached the 36K aid station, which was the same aid station at 12K, and we were now facing the final 2000 feet climb back up to the first ridge. I don’t think I ran any of this section. If I did, it was only for about 10 feet. My breathing was very choppy, but I think everyone had the same problem, as I would get James into my site on several occasions and the other runners did not gain any time on me. Twice on this run, I disturbed a pair of elks. They scared the living daylights out of me when they heard me and would start charging down the forest. I was grateful to get a look at them and confirm that it was not a bear. Matt told me later that he spotted a bear cub but never encountered mama bear. Jen did not see it. I know there are a lot of people out there who find it cool to see a bear. Me, I never want to see one in person.

Because I had to walk even when I reached the ridge, I was able to notice that many of the trees were scorched. It felt like a tree cemetery. Earlier on in the week, I guess there was a forest fire nearby. It did not affect the trail we were running on, but would have affected access. Finally, I reached the clearing where I saw the two mountains before and knew that the last 3 miles of downhill were near. I was very tired. I had been out on the trail for 6 ½ hours. That, combined with the fact that I got up at 3:45AM, was getting to me. I was hot and thirsty, but drinking was not on my mind at that time. Finishing was. Again, I kept getting James in site, but every time I neared him, he would pick up the pace. I just said forget about passing him. The last two races I had done, I had to sprint the last part to stay in front of the next girl (White River 22 sec margin, Haulin Aspen 13 sec margin). I was done with sprinting.

Oh at last, I could hear the cheering voices of the people at the end for James. He came in under 7 hours at 6:58:36. I was a close 29 seconds behind at 6:59:05. It was finally over. Sun-drenched, covered with dirt, and parched, I had finally finished. I told the race director that I have done a lot of 50Ks, and this one is up there as far as difficulty. But I still enjoyed the run. I always do. Overcoming these challenges is what ultrarunning is all about. Matt and Arthur successfully completed their first ultra. Way to go!

After cleaning myself off in the shallow creek, I sat down to a feast. There were three types of pasta, salad, garlic bread, vegetables with dip, all kinds of fruit, BBQ sirloin tip steak, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. There were more volunteers than runners. I thanked everyone for their support before getting in my car for a 3 hour drive home in 90 degree weather. At least it was a clear road home, unlike the trip home from Bend where I hit 5 different traffic back ups. This is a very popular location for horseback riding and ATVs, but neither of these were encountered on the trail. I had heard that the ATVs were not allowed on the trails today, but I saw a lot of horse trailers at the campground. They must have used different trails.

So would I recommend this race to my fellow runners next year? Sure I would! The race was challenging but rewarding. The volunteers were great. And the post race feast was one of the best that I have had. Plus, the proceeds benefit the Ahtanum Valley Museum. So look for it next year when you are filling in your race calendar.

Maniacs…Off to the Races in 2005

Ø Larry Macon - 55 races…Steven Yee - 40 races…Craig Holcomb - 37 races…Brenton Floyd - 29 races…Tony Phillippi…26 races…Kurt Lauer…22 races…Steve Boone …21 races

Ø Sue Fauerbach - 39 races…Annie Theissen - 26 races…Diana "Slug" Robinson…22 races… Van Phan - 21 races…Marie Bartoletti - 20 races…Paula Boone...19 races

New Members for the Month of September

9/03 - Belinda Contreras #174 (Sacramento, California): Belinda's claim to fame is that she has run in 12 Los Angeles Marathons. Entering as a bronze member, Belinda has completed 21 marathons in 4 states.

9/13 - Sara Heskett #175 (Portland, Oregon): The Main Maniacs met Sara at the Sauvie Island Marathon and it looks like she has caught the marathon "bug". Three in three months for bronze level initiation.

9/14 - Stan Nakashima #176 (Mt. Vernon, Washington): Stan has been running marathons and ultras for as long as I can remember. And he doesn't seem to care whether its 26.2 or a 100 miler. Stan's lifetime totals are impressive…128 marathons, 115 ultras and once ran 22 in one year. You're an Iridium Maniac, Stan!

9/14 - Arthur Martineau #177 (Bellevue, Washington): Arthur is another runner who didn't waste any time in becoming a Maniac, as his 2 marathons and 1 ultra were run in the past 3 months. But most important of all, Arthur continues the great Maniac tradition of owning a cat (Rufus)!

9/15 - Keith Whited #178 (Alexandria, Virginia): Adding Virginia to the list of Maniac members, Keith has run been running marathons and ultras since 1995. His totals include running in 28 states, completed 2-100 milers and has run the Marine Corps Marathon each year since 1995. His 10 states in one year qualifies him for Iridium status…What a Maniac!

9/17 - Ron Bucy #179 (Bridgeport, West Virginia): We first met Ron at the Skagit Flats Marathon and at that time said that he was going to join the Maniac clan. True to his word, please welcome our first Maniac from West Virginia. A true global runner, Ron has run a total of 129 marathons/ultras, on all 7 continents, in 10 countries and is 10 states away from completing his second round of the 50-state circuit. Those frequent flier miles do come in handy!

9/25 - Les Omura #180 (Honolulu, Hawaii): Les was spotted at the Frank Maier Marathon, and is our first Maniac from the islands. He has completed 44 marathons/ultras in 5 states, though you can't blame him for not wanting to leave the lush climate of the islands. Interesting trivia…Les and Guy Yogi (#28) went to high school together.

9/26 - Amanda Preble #181 (Honolulu, Hawaii): By coincidence, we have back-to back Hawaiian Maniacs join. Amanda has run in 54 marathons and 20 ultras, including the tough 36 mile Run to the Sun. Having done 2 in 2 days, Amanda is a 4 star Maniac.

9/27 - Jacqueline Bardol #182 (Alexandria, Virginia): It sure is nice to have running friends, especially when one (Keith Whited #178) surprises his friend with a membership into the Maniac circle! Jacqueline has run in 30 marathons, and her streak of 3 in 3 months qualifies her for bronze status.

9/30 - Clay Hathorn #183 (Portland, Oregon): We've known Clay for a few years, as a member of the Northwest Dead Runner's Society. Clay has run 9 total marathons and recently completed 3 marathons in 3 months, enabling him to qualify for bronze Maniac induction. You finally made it Clay, so welcome to the club!

UPCOMING MANIACS at the RACES

October 1

Auburn Marathon: Andy Kumeda

Big Sur Trail Marathon: Al Harman

Leavenworth Marathon: Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Sue Fauerbach, Eric Jensen, Chris Marr, Mel Preedy, Michael Shiach, Steve Supkoff, Gunhild Swanson, Jack Swanson, Gregg Walchli, Steven Yee, Guy Yogi, Jennifer Yogi

New Hampshire Marathon: Craig Holcomb, Larry Macon, Charles Sayles

St. George Marathon: Andre Boulais, Earl Fenstermacher, Bill Mandler

Baker Lake 50km: Ruth Balf, Christel Elliot, Cheri Gillis, Richard Haase, Tony Johns, Tim Lofton, Arthur Martineau, Diana "Slug" Robinson, Terry Sentinella, Wendy Scott, Glenn Tachiyama

October 2

Budapest Marathon: Roger Biggs

Lakefront Marathon: Michael Brisbois

Maine Coast Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Craig Holcomb, Larry Macon, Cheryl Murdock, Keith Panzer, Charles Sayles

Sacramento Marathon: Al Harman

Twin Cities Marathon: Paula Boone, Steve Boone, Marc Frommer, Robert "srlopez" Lopez

Blue Marsh Lake 50km: Jack Heely

October 6 - 8

Tahoe Triple: Eric Barnes, Laura Bleakley, Andrew Edwards, Al Harman, Milos Kostic, Andy Kumeda, Kurt Lauer, Sean Meissner, Tony Phillippi, Annie Thiessen, Sam Thompson,

October 8

Lake Tahoe Marathon: Dana Mosell

Hartford Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Larry Macon, Ruth Morrow, Keith Panzer

Ramapo Mountain Madness 50km: Craig Holcomb

Stump Jump 50km: Brenton Floyd

Telegraph Trail 50km: Steve Boone, Ron Knecht

October 9

Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon: Eric Barnes, Laura Bleakley, Al Harman, Andy Kumeda, Kurt Lauer, Mark Looi, Dana Mosell, Tony Phillippi, Annie Thiessen, Sam Thompson, Amy Yanni

Chicago Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Michael Brisbois, Alicia Britt, Ruben Contreras, Gary Geuss, Andrew Moore, Tom Neuman, Dennis Spurlock, Fiona Wright, Wayne Wright

Durango Marathon: Paula Boone, Steve Boone, Ron Knecht

Just Around the Bend Marathon: Sue Fauerbach, Richard Haase, Eric Jensen, Jeff Perry, Maura Schwartz, Steven Yee

Melbourne Marathon: Roger Biggs

Portland Marathon: Jason Gordon, Nathan Greene, Richard Haase, Robert Hester, Cyndie Merten, Lesa Overfield, Van Phan, Wendy Scott, Michael Wakabayashi, Jennifer Yogi

Royal Victoria Marathon: Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Robert "srlopez" Lopez, Wendy Marshall, Jim Morton, Terry Sentinella, Michael Shiach, Gunhild Swanson, Jack Swanson

Steamtown Marathon: Janet Burgess, Jack Heely, Don Kienz, Bill Zager

Westchester Marathon: Craig Holcomb

October 15

Baltimore Marathon: Janet Burgess, Craig Holcomb, Don Kienz, Keith Panzer

Green Mountain Marathon: Paula Bone, Steve Boone

Indianapolis Marathon: Sue Fauerbach, Steven Yee

Siouxland Lewis and Clark Marathon: Tom Detore, J. Ellis

WhistleStop Marathon: Cathy Troisi

Javelina 100: Lisa Stranc Bliss

October 16

Beijing International Marathon: Roger Biggs

Columbus Marathon: Rick Korecki

Forest Trail Marathon: Brenton Floyd

Long Beach Marathon: Andre Boulais, Diva Burns, David Dassey, Deo Jaravata

Louisville Marathon: Sue Fauerbach, Steven Yee

Mount Desert Island Marathon: Jack Heely, Robert "srlopez" Lopez, Andrew Moore

Spokane Marathon:Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Diana "Slug" Robinson, Gunhild Swanson, Jack Swanson, Chris Warren

Toronto Marathon: Dana Mosell

Wichita Marathon: Tom Detore

October 22

Breakers Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Steve Boone, Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Sue Fauerbach, Craig Holcomb, Cyndie Merten, Steven Yee

Halloween Marathon: Kurt Lauer, Tony Phillippi, Chris Warren

Old Mulkey Marathon: Ruth Morrow, Cathy Troisi

October 23

Casino Niagra Marathon: Laura Bleakley, Philip DeYoung

Detroit Free Press Marathon: Michael Brisbois, Ron Bucy, J. Ellis, Don Kienz

Duke City Marathon: Ron Knecht, Keith Panzer

Larry Mattonen Trail Marathon: Tom Detore, Amy Yanni

Mystic Places Marathon: Paula Boone, Steve Boone, Sue Fauerbach, Craig Holcomb, Cyndie Merten, Cheryl Murdock, Steven Yee

On the Road for Education Marathon: Alex Juchems

Rottnest Marathon: Roger Biggs

San Diego Endurance Run: Andy Kumeda, Olga Varlamova

Sisters Poker Run: Richard Haase, Sean Meissner, Glenn Tachiyama

October 29

Beachy Head Marathon: Roger Biggs

Pine Mountain 50 mile Trail Run: Brenton Floyd

October 30

Cape Cod Marathon: Marie Bartoletti, Carol Dellinger, Robert "srlopez" Lopez

Grand Rapids Marathon: Keith Panzer

Marine Corps Marathon: Steve Barrick, Jim Bitgood, Ken Blauvelt, Laura Bleakley, Bob and Lenore Dolphin, Andrew Edwards, Sue Fauerbach, Cheri Gillis, Jason Gordon, Steve Hamling, Don Kienz, Rick Korecki, Larry Macon, Amanda Preble, Greg Roth, Terry Sentinella, Chris Warren, Steven Yee

Silicon Valley Marathon: Dana Mosell, Lesa Overfield

Sphinx Run Fest: Brenton Floyd

Tri-Cities Marathon: Michael Dutton, Richard Haase, Eric Jensen, Kurt Lauer, Diana "Slug" Robinson, Michael Shiach, Gunhild Swanson, Jack Swanson, Mike Wakabayashi, Guy Yogi, Jennifer Yogi

October 31

Dublin Marathon: Ron Bucy, Van Phan, Dick Vile

In an attempt to make the Marathon Maniacs one of the best and unique running clubs out there, we want to hear how we’re doing. You as members know what you want and what you don’t want, so don’t hesitate to let us know. We can’t guarantee that we can accommodate every request, but we’ll do the best we can.

If you have a desire to share your race experience with the rest of the Maniacs, feel free to write up a race report, submit it to us and we’ll post it in the monthly newsletter. This is a good way to get the info you want into the letter and not just what we might write.

Maniac Discounts · $5 off marathons put on by Bob Green (his next one is the Halloween Marathon). · 10% off any running shoes, apparel at the Bellevue, Wa Foot Zone store (ask for Jenny) · discount on BITE sandals (contact Tony at tony@marathonmaniacs.com for details) More to come in the October / November 2005 Newsletter and to the web site soon. The President has written…