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Issue: # 41
May  2014
In This Issue
From the Top
Gary McAdams 5K
Fiesta Of Five Flags 10K/5K
Bear Lake Trail Run
Healthy Lives
TriGulf Coast
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The Mission of the Pensacola Runners Association is to promote, support and develop running and racing along the northern Gulf Coast. Our objective is to provide information, education, training, social and sporting events for competitive and non- competitive runners and walkers of all ages, races, genders and abilities.

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From The Top

 

By Lewis Reddoch 

 



 

Welcome to the latest PRA Rundown!

Our 40th Fiesta 10K/5K was a great event. We had terrific weather, well over 1300 runners and walkers were registered and there was some very competitive racing. Thanks to everyone who volunteered and worked so hard to put this race on. We awarded the 2014 Lou Gregory award to Wendy Ellis. Congratulations to Wendy and all the previous winners. I hope you were there!

 

We also just finished the Bear Lake Trail Run with a nice PRA picnic after the race. Race Directors Angelika Cope and Diane Martinez had to improvise on the course after the heavy rains and it all turned out very well.  Elections were held for the 2014-15 officers and directors and we've got an outstanding Board for this coming year. Thanks to everyone who came out to Bear Lake.

 

Remember that all PRA memberships renew on July 1st of each year. To join the PRA or renew your membership go to the PRA Website.   You can join and renew there using PayPal. You can also print the form and mail it to us. We are planning a membership social on July 16th for all current members and guests and you can renew or join there. The social will be held in Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter. Watch for more on this event in the next Rundown and in your email box.

 

I want to thank all of you for allowing me to serve as your President this past year. It has truly been an honor and an awesome experience. I had the pleasure of working with a terrific board of directors and executive committee. I will be passing the baton to Charles Gheen for 2014-15. Charles has a wealth of experience having served on several boards, directed races and triathlons and he is a previous Lou Gregory Award winner. Thank you again and I will still be around supporting the PRA by actively volunteering, encouraging, and running! See you out there!

 

Lewis

 

Gary McAdams 5K
Set For June 21st


The 2014 PRA Gary McAdams Sandshaker 5K Run is June 21st on gorgeous Pensacola Beach. This race benefits the Gary McAdams Scholarship Fund which awards scholarships to outstanding scholar-athletes in area high schools.  The race is know as fast, flat and fun with great scenery on Santa Rosa Island. There will be a great post-race celebration at the Sandshaker.


You can find more information and details about the Gary McAdams 5K at the PRA Website.

    

The 40th Fiesta of Flags
Race Was A Classic

There is a lot of history and tradition associated with the Fiesta of Five Flags 10K/5K race. It's been run mainly on the same course for all these years - bisecting the city from Pensacola State College to Seville Square. It's been run in extremely hot conditions, in rainstorms and its even been cold on race day.  Many famous runners have competed including two members of the United States Olympic team (Jeff Galloway and Keith Brantly) who were among the champions.


This year's race featured over 1300 registered runners and walkers.  Mayor Ashton Hayward kicked off the 10K race which was extremely competitive especially among the women where the top three finishers were within 30 seconds of each other. Great food and refreshments awaited the finishers as well as a live band. 
 
Congratulations to Race Director Griffin Powell and his committee for an outstanding job!!

   
Bear Lake Trail Run
Features New Course


Race Directors Angelika Cope and Diane Martinez had a little extra work to do. Once again, Mother Nature had intervened in the PRA race calendar with torrential rainstorms all over Northwest Florida.  Due to trail problems and construction, a new course was laid out at Bear Lake and a challenging race was enjoyed by all.


After the race the PRA Annual Meeting was held and officers and directors were presented and approved for the 2014-15 Board of Directors. A great cookout followed and lots of PRA swag was enjoyed by the field and guests.


 

My First 70.3

 

by Corey Dell

 

HealthyLives

             As most of you know, I've been training for the Gulf Coast Triathlon in Panama City, which was this past weekend.  For those of you who don't know, this triathlon consisted of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run.   Due to incredibly rough surf, the swim was cancelled.  I was a little disappointed because swimming is my strongest discipline, but thankfully the officials took our safety into consideration.

 The race started with a quick run on the beach and then into transition to the bike.  Riding out was great, it wasn't until our return when I realized how windy it actually was.   I definitely felt I under-trained on my bike, but I made sure I stayed hydrated because this would be crucial for surviving the run.  I finally got to the transition area, relieved to be able to kick my bike shoes off, and trade them in for my Saucony running shoes. 

I was incredibly nervous for the run because two weeks prior to this event I did the Olympic distance triathlon in Mexico Beach and cramped for the entire run.  Much to my surprise, I did something right because not a cramp at all!!  After mile 7, my hip flexors were on fire.  So, I began to do the walk/run method.  Triathletes never seem to amaze me.  Along the run, I met 5 new people and even encouraged someone to finish because he was about to give up with 3.1 miles left.  Either way, my last mile I got a great boost of energy and ran the rest of the way!! 

I heard my mother cheering me on, gave her the thumbs up and the rest is history!!   I'm officially in the 70.3 club or 69.1.  I don't think I'll do one again this year, but would definitely do another one!  I wanted to give a special thanks to a few people.  Thank you Running Wild and All American Swim for always having a super friendly staff!!  A special thanks to Patrick Wilkes at Gulf Coast Cycle and Tri, for tuning up my bike last minute and staying up until midnight trying to get everyone ready for Gulf Coast.  Mere Mortals, without this group I never would have done my first Triathlon and I can't wait to start up again on June 1st!  One thing to be taken from this experience, I'll never be the first one across the finish line.  But, as long as I'm better than I was before and as long as I'm having fun d oing it, that's all that matters.        
Corey Dell From Healthy Lives

 

TriGulfCoast


TGC Mere Mortals Kicks Off

On Pensacola Beach on June 1st

  

That is correct - the famed Mere Mortals training program begins on June 1st on beautiful Pensacola Beach. The sessions will be held every Sunday throughout the summer and will conclude with a full sprint triathlon held on the Santa Rosa Island Triathlon course.

 

Mere Mortals will include training in a group setting for those completely new to multi-sport and also for experienced triathletes.  It begins at 6:30 a.m. sharp at the Casino Beach pavilion.  So, you've been telling yourself you need more cross-training or you've watched the Ironman World Championship on television and wanted to get involved......NOW is your chance.

 

 

 

Do I need a bike? Do I need to know how to swim? Do I need to be a member of TriGulfCoast to participate in the program?  The answers (yes, yes and yes) and more information can be found at the TriGulfcoast Website.

 

 


Promotional Rates

To have an event promoted in The Rundown contact us at rundown@pensacolarunners.com for our rates.  We can add a link to your on-line registration, a link to your race application download, an article or simply a mention in the "Upcoming Races."