RUNNING TIMES
June 2014
Island Road Runners
Grosse Ile, Michigan
2014 Memorial Day Race
By Erika Hidalgo
This year, our spirit and patriotism shined brightly. Just prior to the start of
our 5 and 8k races, veterans were invited to proudly gather in front of the start
line. Thanks to Ray Joaquin, the American and POW flags were raised as the
national anthem played. It is always so breathtaking to see their smiles in response to the loud applause from a thankful crowd for serving our country.
The weather was beautiful for running or walking, and everyone had a great
time. We even had some furry friends participate. We are incredibly grateful
to the volunteers who worked so hard and took the time on a holiday to help
out with the event. The successful completion of each and every task, from the
planning and preparation beforehand to the hard work put forth on the day of
our race is something we can all be proud of and thankful for.
Our Brooks tech shirts were very well received. There were many compliments from runners regarding the goodie table, telling us that we have one of
the best spreads. This year we had medals for the 5K and glasses for the 8k and
all enjoyed raffle prizes. One of our participants, Elizabeth Homan, liked our
event so much she gave us her highest award—A 5 Star on her Facebook page
that reaches over 600+ runners. Elizabeth’s review is located later in this
newsletter.
Inside this issue:
2014 Memorial
Day Race
Race Review
1
2-3
Fountain Update
3
Early Riser Thank
You!
3
To Be a
Marathoner
4
MDR Race
Photos
5
Fountain//Brick
Program Form
5
IRR Event
6
Calendar
We had about 725 registered participants this year. Our numbers remain consistently good as we have put on a great race for many years. To make it even
better in the future, we are sharing some received suggestions to think about
regarding what could be changed or improved:
Water bottles at the finish line placed in a kiddy ice pool.
Signs placed by water coolers to re-use their cup if they would like
more water.
Limit races to 1 mile & 5K
Hold a tailgate after-party the following Saturday
Medals for all participants, Awards for Overall & Master-Male and
Female
Remember, we are always open to new ideas, and would love to hear
what you think. This is your club, and your race. Let’s make them
both as great as they can be! Again, thank you all so much!
The Macon Family
2014 Memorial
Day Race
Page 2
Race Review: Island Road Runners 5k/8k Memorial Day
By Elizabeth Holman
Some Background:
One of the things I love most about this sport: how supportive the running community can be. That’s what this weekend’s race was all about. My husband, friend Sarah, and I piled into the car and drove over to Grosse Ile, a little town on
an island about an hour from Ann Arbor, and were met with a wonderful race.
This was Sarah’s first race ever — something she’s been working up to for a while now. I remember my first 5k well. It
was at the end of a really difficult summer (for personal reasons) in 2011. It was brutally hot (it was August!). I was exhilarated at the end of it. All I wanted to do was sign up for more races. Sarah started running a while ago, picking up
Couch to 5k amongst other fitness options: classes, gym memberships. We found and signed up for this race back when
snow was still falling, and she committed herself to making it 3.1 miles — no. matter. what. And she ran every step
of that race! So proud of her and happy for her — there are few better feelings than amazing yourself by doing something
you never thought you could.
Dr. Pavement, my other half, has been working on his speed. He wanted to break 20 minutes at this race, so he started
up at the front of the pack. It was a good day for a PR — and he got one, even if he didn’t make it across the finish line
before the 20-minute mark (he was so close with a 20:17 5k!). He was a little disappointed that he didn’t make it in under
20, but winning his age group helped take the edge off!
My Review:
I don’t give out 5 stars lightly, but this race gets 5 stars for a number of reasons.
First of all, it’s an excellent race for families. It was so fun to watch all the kids running with their parents. Sarah and I
watched the kids’ fun run before the 5k start, which was both adorable and heartening — so many parents inspiring and
encouraging their kiddos! We also ran most of the race with a mom and her teenage girl; mom was encouraging her the
whole way. It was really sweet! The race is stroller-friendly and dog-friendly (we met one woman who ran the 5k with her
German shepherd puppy), which could be annoying, except that it’s a small race and they close down the whole road, so
there is plenty of room for everyone, strollers and dogs included!
Also, the t-shirts. Yeah, ok, we don’t race for t-shirts… but these shirts are really great. It’s rare that I get a good tech
shirt for a 5k, especially in a smaller race! Nice job with the shirts, Island Road Runners.
The scenery was beautiful, too. The race started with a run along the Detroit River, after which we weaved through
some beautiful neighborhoods. The worst part was right at the end, with a long stretch along a not-too-scenic road with
the sun staring us in the face, but after the beautiful stretch along the water, no complaints here.
(Continued on next page)
Page 3
And what’s a race without the food at the finish? The spread after the race was SO impressive! Let’s see how much I
can remember: watermelon, bananas, peanut butter (crunchy — score), bagels & cream cheese, pastries… there was
more. And there was a lot of it. And it was delicious.
Finally, the hosts were very helpful and friendly. I had a number of questions the day before the race (a Sunday) about
packet pickup and location, and I received prompt and helpful replies from the race organizers. Everyone at the race was
similarly friendly and helpful. It was just a happy day, with happy people, all around.
Congrats to Sarah!
First in his age group,
Happy People!
Sixth overall!
Fountain Update
The drinking fountain arrived just days before the Island Fest (the last weekend in May). The
fountain is a copper color and funds are being raised for the remaining costs of installation.
The Grosse Ile Bike Path Commission is working on a design for the layout, along with a timeline that includes the installation and a dedication date. Included is determining the appropriate plaque size, that the IRR will provide, to have placed on the fountain. If interested in buying a brick with your name engraved on it, please use the attached form. Hey, it might be nice
to see your name or a friends name when you stop for a drink.
Early Riser Thank You!
We definitely enjoy having fellow runners train and run with us on Saturdays. With warmer temperatures, many of us start out with the early risers. We sometimes catch a glimpse of them
passing by alongside one another down Ferry Road as they return. We don’t always know when
someone new will show up unexpectedly or what their pace will be, but when we do, the notice
goes out to the early risers. We’ve had some newer people show up Saturday at our official 8:30
am start and it is great to see the early risers back before we leave the parking lot to greet and
welcome these people – Thank you!
Page 4
To Be a Marathoner
The Penlands certainly live an active life doing triathlons and marathons. In fact, the whole family ran with Poranee as she did her FIRST marathon. Training last year tested her limitations,
and so she adjusted her workouts and incorporated cross-training. Her strength and endurance
gave her the ability to complete the marathon challenge at Bayshore this year.
Seasoned marathoner Jackie Olsen recently completed the Calgary marathon on June 1st with a time of
4:19 and took 3rd in her age group.
Son Chris ran a 30 miler that day with a time of 5:17.
His race commemorated the 30th year for the event.
Daughter-in-law Miranda ran the half in 2:52.
Jackie also ran a spring marathon at Glass City with
a time of 4:13 and was first in her age group.
Congratulations Jackie!
Note “Heavy Hardware”
(belt buckle) on ribbon
To those soon to be marathon runners, Gina Carroll, Brenda Tally, Sharon Roberts and Jill Perez, the club will encourage and support you during your training efforts. As one of our club
members mentioned, anyone who can do a triathlon or marathon is awesome. So show us
YOUR awesomeness!
2014 MDR Race Photos
Photos by Jim O’Callaghan
Page 6
IRR Event Calendar
*
June 23
Summer Solstice Picnic—Elizabeth Park
July 16
Wyandotte Boat Club Run
July 19
Tailgate Treats—Shirlee and Bob
9:30 am
Aug 16
Tailgate Treats—Tom and Sarah
9:30 am
Sept 1
Labor Day Run—Elizabeth Park
8:30 am
Sept 20
Tailgate Treats—Poranee and Erika H
9:30 am
Oct 11
Tailgate Treats—Josie and Paul
9:30 am
Oct 27
Last Monday Night Run at Elizabeth Park
5:30 pm
Nov 27
Thanksgiving Run—GI Airport
8:30 am
Nov 29
IRR Prediction Run
8:30 am
*
6:30 pm
5:30 pm
IRR Annual Banquet
Dec 24
Christmas Eve Run—Elizabeth Park
8:30 am
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve Run—Elizabeth Park
8:30 am
Dec 24
Christmas Eve Run—Elizabeth Park
8:30 am
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve Run—Elizabeth Park
8:30 am
The Finish Line
with
Lauren Macon and
Kathy Shields
* The club will provide the main
course and beverages at these two
events. Please feel
free to bring a dish
to pass.