UP TO SPEED
The St. Petersburg Road Runners Newsletter          July 2015 - Vol. 6, Issue 7


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In This Issue
Letter from the Editor
President's Message
Membership
Monthly Meeting
July Birthdays
MEMBERSHIP IS DUE
Membership Reminder
SPRR Beach Series
Heard Around the Track
Race Schedule
Sponsors
In Closing

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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The  Board of Directors are listed below:
President - Frank Adornato
Vice President - Donnamarie Hehn
Treasurer - Vicki Linkovich
Secretary - Karen Mathews
Volunteer Coordinator- Don Rasdall
Guest Speaker Coordinator - Board Members
Website Editor - Michelle Schultz
Membership Director - Kelly Shotts
RRCA Coordinator - Vicki Linkovich
Publicity/Community Affairs -
Newsletter Editor - Ginger Herring
Uniforms/Equipment - Open
Race Coordinator - Doug Schiller and Meghan Brunelli
Member-at-large - Brian McManus

Club Ambassador - Ben Fudge 

 

 

The Board welcomes your comments.  Feel free to contact anyone on the Board to offer your thoughts.

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GROUP RUNS

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SPRR extends an open invitation to runners and walkers of all abilities to join us for one of our group runs.

Upham Beach: M-F 6:30 a.m.
Fit for Life: Track/reg run Tu 6pm
Downtown St. Pete: Wed 6:00 p.m.
Fit2Run/ Fri 6:00 p.m. Coffee Pot Park
Fit for Life: Sat 6:30 a.m.
Sunday Runs-varies: Sun 6:00am

Clearwater bridge Runs

varies-check website:  

Please check out our website for more details.  Feel free to join us on one or more of our group runs.  I'm sure you'll find someone to run or walk with that's just your speed.


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SPONSORS
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We appreciate the partnerships with our sponsors.  Please support them.

Beach Brit Fit
Fit For Life/
John Payne,  Physical Therapist, Massage Therapist
Florida Road Races
Meilus Muscular Therapy
Motion Sports Management
Social Media Management -
           It Takes a Geek
Sweet Things
Tri-It-All
USA Tampa Bay Fit


Dear  ,
Letter from the Editor
H 4th-july-banner.jpg

 

Oh the things you see on a run.
    
     Running around Northwest Youth Center one early morning, I was startled by a bird who just fell from the sky.  There were no trees, no wires, no lightning that could have hit the poor thing.  He just fell from out of nowhere right in front of me.
  
     One other early morning, just before daybreak, I was running on a sidewalk when I noticed this shadow running toward me.  It was too small for a cat or raccoon and I thought too big for a rat.  But, it was a rat, a very big rat, with a 2 foot tail.  At least that's how big that tail looked at the time.  We both stopped, frozen with fright.  The rat turned around and ran away from me and I turned around and ran away from him.  Needless to say I cut that run short.
    
     At our water stop on a Sunday run, a beautiful Ibis decided to land on an electrical wire.  His weight was too much and he slumped to the wire beneath and was immediately electrocuted.
Last week I was running around Crescent Lake and watched a duck fly over my head and smack into a tree.  How did he not see that tree?  He fell beside me, dazed.  Apparently he was ok as he wasn't there when I circled around again.
    
Oh the things you see on a run.
  
     Beautiful, gorgeous, once in a lifetime things.  On a run around my neighborhood, I came upon a lovely pond and saw a beautiful, majestic bald eagle.  I stop to admire this incredible bird.  He sensed I was there, however, and with huge outstretched wings, he swiftly and silently glided away.  Such a treat.
    
     I've enjoyed incredible sunrises and spectacular sunsets.  I've watched dolphins, manatees, and sea otters play in the bay.  It's breathtaking to see hawks and osprey swoop into the water for their breakfast.  I once saw a big blue heron swallow a sting ray.
    
      I ran in Alaska a few years ago and was amazed at the beauty of an Alaskan waterfall, of a bald eagle catching salmon in his talons.  I've seen flowers growing beside a trail where no flower should be able to grow.  I've enjoyed meteor showers, saw space shuttles blast off into space painting a brilliant white trail against the dark sky.
    
     I never know what I'll see on a run.  It might be shocking.  It might be nature.  It might be breathtaking.  I do know that what I see on a run will continue to amaze.
    
     Oh the things you could see on a run if only you take the time to look.
Enjoy your journey,
Ginger
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

 

 

I

Destination Races

 

I have been racing as a triathlete and runner for many, many years.  While I enjoy the convenience of local races, it can be a lot of fun to race in another state or county.  My wife Judy and I have been lucky to have traveled extensively for some of my races.  Some destination races have been in very nice locations, while others, not so much.  Judy will always remind me after a race in a "hole-in-the-wall" town where the motel floors have old linoleum that rolls up in the corners, that we owe ourselves a trip to a race in a more luxurious venue.  Can you say St. Croix or Kona?!

 

Sometimes a destination race is planned and other times it can be spontaneous.  A bunch of years ago, Judy and I went to Scottsdale, Arizona for a New Year's vacation trip.  We arrived several days before New Year's Eve and early on we met a few other people staying at the resort.  Conversation quickly got around to running and triathlons.  We learned that there were 5K and 10K races being held in town on New Year's Ever morning.  Since we always have our workout gear with us when we travel, we both decided to race.  Judy raced the 5K and I did the 10K.  It wasn't the fastest race for either of us.  No PR's that day, but we had a blast.  Good fun, good people, good food and a good workout.

 

Other times it can be fun to sign up for a race in a destination you haven't visited or one to which you want to return.  A destination race can give you the best combination of a race with some vacation.  To make the most of this type of trip, I have found it's better to schedule my travel so that I have several days or more after the race to fully enjoy the flora and fauna without the stress of pre-race anxiety.

 

If you're interested in traveling to a special place for a race, St. Pete Road Runners has set up destination races most years.  Sometimes they can be as near as Orlando or we might plan a race in another state.  Bust these destination race trips don't have to start with the club.  Destination races can start with YOU the member.  If you have a special destination race you've always wanted to do, and you're looking for travel and race partners, let us know.  Tell us at a meeting or send us an e-mail.  In all likelihood there are a bunch of SPRR members who would be happy to join you.  And whether you're traveling with a group or alone, don't forget to snap a selfie with your SPRR shirts.  Send it in and we'll post it on Facebook and on the SPRR website.

 

Train smart.  Race Fast.

 

Frank Adornato 

SPRR President 


MEMBERSHIP

 

rrcaThe St. Pete Road Runners is a member of the Road Runners Club of America.  Club membership is open to all walkers, joggers, non-competitive runners, biathletes, triathletes and competitive runners.  Your membership gives you monthly meetings with guest speakers, coaching, group runs, newsletters, Frequent Flyer Program, and the absolutely best social events.
 
HAVE YOU PAID YOUR DUES YET?  Your membership dues becomes payable on June 1.  You can renew your membership online using PayPal!   SPRR depends on your membership dues as it's primary source of income.  I hope you will continue to support SPRR and take advantage of this easy way to join or to renew your membership.

NEW MEMBER SOCIAL, Bayboro Tavern, July 9, 6:30pm
We look forward to seeing you there to welcome to our newest members.   
Welcome to our new members:
Nancy Aylward            Valerie King
David Counsman         Kevin Lopez
Trym Gudmundsen      Nancy Smith
Patrick King           
     
JULY MEETING



The SPRR Meeting this month is our New Member Social, July 9 at the Bayboro Tavern, USF St. Pete Campus, 121 7th Ave So, 6:30pm. 

 

Once every quarter, we gather to welcome our newest members into one of the best running clubs in the south.   If you've been a member for a while, please make sure you come to enjoy a great night of fun, food and friendly welcome to our newest members.

 

If you are a new member, since the first of the year, make sure you come to also enjoy a great night of fun, food, and experience what SPRR is all about.  We are happy you signed up with our club and we want to give you our heartfelt welcome.

 

See everyone on July 9.

 

New Member Social

Bayboro Tavern, USF St. Pete Campus

121 7th Ave So.

6:30 p.m.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

 

We wish all of you with July birthdays the best ever and many more happy miles: 

 

Nancy Aiello           Pam Greene                Maria Palmer                Christopher Verkuilen

Elissa Barfoot         Elizabeth Hancock      Matthew Pedersen        Julie Weekley

Rory Boucher         Michael Hancock         Amanda Pilcher            Diane Weeks

Billy Cooper            Kelly-Ann Jenkins       MaryAnn Renfrow         David Westmark

Karen Dalton          Brynne Johnson          Gary Robinson              Cameron Wheeler

Jane Darby             Patrick King                 Sherry Sacino               Carrie Wilbur

Brian Dobkin           Vicki Linkovich            David Shiner

Dana Dolores         Kathleen Litton            Alice Siepak

Desiree Dolores      Kyah Morgan              Yumi Toomey

Leah Essers            Scott Norman             Herb Townsend

 

 

 

YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS DUE!!!

 

REMINDER:  SPRR has changed the membership renewal process and EVERYBODY needs to renew in the month of June.  Don't hesitate though.  Renew your membership now so you can still take advantage of the great discount for the SPRR Beach 5K Races. 

 

 

 

SPRR BEACH SERIES

 

 

 

We had such fun at the first beach 5K race.  Yes, it was on the beach.  Yes, it was hot.  Yes, it was hard to dodge people, holes, sand castles.  But, yes, it was one of the most fun races I've been to.  Our thank you to Doug Schiller and Meghan Brunelli for making this a great event for SPRR.  Look up your results at www.coolrunning.com.  You can also read my race report on the SPRR Blog at www.sprr.org.

 

If you missed the June race, there's two more to plan for.  I can't wait for the July 24 race.  Don't forget, we are at The Hurricane this year.  They promised a bigger and better post race party and they did not disappoint.  P.S. The DJ was awesome.

   

 

All races start and finish adjacent The Hurricane at Pass-a-grille Beach. Races will be held on Friday evenings. Register on Active.com, or download a registration form from our website.  

Your entry fee includes great raffle prizes and a post-race party in which you can socialize with friends as we toast the night away.  We hope to see you there!
 
 Dates 2015 June 26July 24August 21
 Time  7:00 p.m.
   Location The Hurricane @Pass-a-grille
 
809 Gulf Way, Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach 
 

 
Registration
 
Non-members can join SPRR when you sign up for the Series or by mailing in a Membership Form with your entry to receive the club discount.

 

HEARD AROUND THE TRACK   

 

 

 

 

 

Don Rasdall sporting his SPRR shirt in Grand Turk.

Our SPRR shirt has appeared in South Africa, Italy, Cost Rica

and many other areas around the world and the United States. 

Let us know where you've taken your shirt.

 

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SPRR Beach 5K Series #2 will be enjoyed on July 24.  If you are not already registered, go to Active.com, or our website www.sprr.org to sign up.  Contact Doug Schiller or Meghan Brunelli for further information.

 

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Frank Adornato, our President, has a new book out.  It's his story which tracks planning, training, racing and the overall preparations for his journey to Kona Hawaii.  Ironman Hawaii. My Story is now available on Amazon.com.  If you have plans to race in an Ironman triathlon, or even if you're just a little curious about what it takes to prepare for an Ironman triathlon, this book is a must read for you.

 

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Frank Adornato ran the Dunedin Beach Tri on June 7 and came in 1st in his 65-69 age group.  Congratulations Frank.

 

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Don Rasdall ran the Echo Half Marathon on June 9.  He said it was a  "hot and humid run this morning.  Little slower due to the heat (1:49), but pleased. (Editor's note:  Wish I could run that "slow").

75% of the course was on a canopy of old Florida tree covered paved trail until you came to mile 9.5, then completely open to sun.  Basically ran from Ossteen through Deltona to DeBary (Gemini Springs Park).  Little over 1,000 runners."

 

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How do you like our new website?  We have a new look and we are excited to be moving forward.

 

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Have you liked our Facebook page where we shared with you that there's something great coming?  Check us out and be sure to like, comment and share.       

P.S.  We are also on Twitter and have an Instagram account.                           

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For more pictures and up-to-date news and gossip, check out our Facebook Page.

 

RACE SCHEDULE


         

July 4         Midnight Run 5K/10K                  Dunedin Causeway Plaza      Dunedin

                  Independence Day 5K                 Town Center                           Lutz

July 10      Adventure Race #3                      Picnic Island                            Tampa

                 Madeira Beach 5K #2                   Archibald Park                        Madeira Beach

July 11      FD-3 Triathlon/Duathlon #1          North Beach                            Ft. DeSoto

July 12      Run Thru Hell 5K                          Al Lopez Park                         Tampa

July 17      WFYRC Beach 5K                        Pier 60                                    Clearwater

July 18      Triple Crown Track 2 Mile            Pepin Rood Stadium               Tampa

July 24      SPRR Beach Race 5K #2          Hurricane Restaurant            Pass-a-grille  

July 25       Watermelon Series 5K #3            Lake Hollingsworth                 Lakeland  

                  Top Gun Triathlon                        North Beach                            Ft. DeSoto

July 26       It Starts in Parks 5K                     Pop Stansell Park                   Palm Harbor

      

Good luck runners.  Please don't be shy - let me know your results.    We also welcome your race story.  Runners LOVE to read about other runners' experiences.  Feel free to share yours.  You can email your story to gingerherring16@gmail.com.  Thank you.                           

SPONSORS
  

 RS

  We are happy to announce that Up To Speed is accepting advertising.  Here are the current rates. 

 

ADVERTISING RATES:

 

                                                              Business Card   $  20

                                                              ? Page              $  50                                     

                                                              ? Page              $  75

                                                              Full Page           $100

 

Prices are good for 1 year

  
We also offer a yearly advertising rate with a link to your website along with your ad on our SPRR website for $150.

 

We are especially grateful to the following companies and organizations for their support and contributions they have made to SPRR:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

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FREE OFFER
MEILUS MUSCULAR THERAPY & SPORTS
 
Call Al at 727-547-1233 for a FREE Demonstration.  He will treat one side of your body to illustrate the difference pre and post treatment.  You may not realize your current condition is less than optimal until after treatment -- you will see and feel the benefits.  You will be amazed by the difference!  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take measures to prevent injury and call for your free demonstration.
 
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     FOR YOUR T-SHIRT QUILTS, GIFTS, ALTERATIONS AND MORE
                                                      CONTACT:
   gingerbread man
     
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                     Motion Sports Management   Al Johnson                 www.runmsm.com
               
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                   Florida Road Races    Chris Lauber, Director   www.floridaroadraces.com
                 
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If you are interested in being an SPRR sponsor and advertise in our newsletter, please contact Ginger Herring.  Thank you.
IN CLOSING   

 

 

Teacher:  What are the last words of the "Star Spangled Banner?"

Johnny:  Play Ball?

 

Q:  What do you call an American drawing?

A:  Yankee Doodle 

 

Enjoy your Journey,

Ginger