Walt Disney Marathon

Like the New York City marathon in 2007, I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to register for the Walt Disney marathon this year. I was attending a conference and just happened to be over the weekend of the run. What an awesome run!

This is one of the premier runs in the United States. This one makes the listing in Runners World - not even the Baltimore Marathon makes it there yet. This was also the first one that began with a huge fireworks display - it was awesome! 

Race opening was COLD! I traveled to Orlando expecting that it'd be overly warm, having come from the mid-Atlantic and it has been cold. However, the weather seemed to wish to acomodate those of us from the north, as gun time temperature was a balmy 27 degrees with a nice 10 mph breeze! Brrrrrrr....

Above is my buddy from Real Green Systems out of Lansing Michigan. Steve ran an awesome marathon under 3:10 and qualified for Boston - "Way to go STEVE!!!" Fortunately for him, I left the car unlocked so he had a relatively warm place to go while waiting for me. 

For me, I fully intended to run this race and take pictures. I snapped a whopping 70 pictures on the course. I won't post them all here, but here are a few to follow. I hope you enjoy and if you get a chance to come and run this race, it is well worth it. The whole Disney Team did an awesome job!!!

Here are some pics:

This was (obviously) just running into The Magic Kingdom! What an awesome park. I had no idea how mystical and majestic this place is. 

A close up pic of the Kingdom! This pic prompted me to tell my family, "We're going to Disneyworld in 2011~"

This guy was playing piano out on the course - just a fun and awesome time!!!!

Two pics here, one above and the one below of Universal Studios Orlando - too cool!!!

Another pic to follow. 

Epcot...what else can you say! :-)

Steve Katz Baby!!!! Cruising to BOSTON!!!!!!! Congratulations Steve!

Whew...glad that is over! LOL

Now, here's the awesome medal:

Sweet! - OUT.......

Running in Bridgeport CT!!

Thought it'd be nice to see some pictures from my run in Long Island Sound at low tide! This run was on Wednesday, December 16 at about 4:00 p.m.

What is "On Tap for 2010!"

Since I really need to Blog more often, this presented a great opportunity to list out what is on tap for 2010 in my running world. Hopefully this coming year will be more injury free than 2009. In the past year, I missed out on several races due to nagging injuries, particularly to my calf (strains).

January 2010

Phunt 50K

What better than to kick the new year off with a race on day 2! January 2nd will showcase the Phunt 50K in Havre 'de Grace Maryland. Here is a description of the race (2009):

The forth running of the PHUNT events including a 50k, Marathon, 20k and 11 k courses was completed on a brisk Jan 3, 2009 day at Fair Hill Natural Management Area near Elkton Maryland. With over 200 registrants the participation in this free semi FAT ASS event has literally mushroomed from its early beginnings in 2002 when 10- 12 showed up on the Sat closest to Jan 1 to run the PHUP precursor 50k loop course in horrid cold rain drenched conditions. Two hardy ladies and 2 experienced guys were the only true finishers of that run.

In sharp contrast as the run has grown, 2007 saw over 100 arrive for a balmy days run and in 2008 a similar number attempted the event with similar crisp conditions to 2009.

The 50k course which is the main event is tweaked some every year by co–director Phil Nissen and has evolved to be slightly less circuitous but still in keeping with offering an amazing variety of single track trail, cart paths and open field and a very minor less then 5% road component. The other distance options utilize the 50k full loop course offering cut –offs for lesser distance.

The event is free and relies on participants for some food and liquid supplies to have at aid stations which vary in number and provisioning each year based on the donations and available volunteers to handle setting up a station. 2009 was also the first year of a Food Panty Challenge. It was amazingly successful with canned goods and non- perishables over filling a large SUV to be distributed at area shelters and food pantries.

Volunteer $ donations this year were also sufficient to cover a lot parking fee, the run directors costs and still present park management with a $100 check.

The event has also drawn entrants from a broad geographic area, with 2009 being no exception with a sizable contingent from New York City ( including 50k 1^st place female, Stephanie Case ), as well as several from Illinois, Michigan and Florida.

Walt Disney Marathon

This race "fell" into my lap, so to speak. Already planning to be in Orlando Florida the weekend of January 9, I was informed that the Walt Disney Marathon, one I've wanted to run for a good long time, was taking place on Sunday January 10 - a 5:50 a.m. start! I ran a "tune up" run this past week (December 3) and it was W-A-R-M! Coming from northern temps in the 30's, it should prove to be a challenge with:

a.) a 50K run being completed eight days prior and;

b.) a temperature that will most likely be 40 to 50 degrees warmer!

Description of the course:

Walt Disney World® Marathon

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The final race of the weekend, you will complete the most magical 26.2 miles on Earth. The course takes you through all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks starting at Epcot®, continuing on to the Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ and then back to Epcot®. for an exhilarating finish.

February 2010

Some much needed rest after the WDM, with about six or seven weeks between that run and the Hashawha Hills Trail Run in Westminster MD. This is a small doozy of a well run event, and from speaking with others who've run this, it is quite captivating. I'll experience this and report back! :-)

Course Description:

The start/finish is at a covered pavilion just a two minute walk from the Nature Center The course has about two miles of asphalt, three miles of gravel road and 26 miles of trail. The course is mostly single track trails along with some old woods roads and open fields. The entire course is runnable. There are no mountains, no rocks, and no roots, but there are a few stream crossings (you WILL get your feet wet) and never ending small hills to wear you down with a few bigger hills thrown in just for fun. The scenery changes from mostly woods to meadows and open fields with beautiful views of rolling farmland. The course will be well marked for the entire distance; however runners will have to pay attention to remain on course.

March 2010

A few weeks after the Hashawha Trail run is the Hat Run. I've not run this event before, but have been encouraged to do so for a few years now by my good running buddy Stephen Dobson. This run will replace the Washington National Marathon, which I've run the past three years. As you probably can tell, I'm trying to get off the road and onto the trails!

The Hat Run is a 50K race that takes place in beautiful Susquehannna State Park (PA). This should prove to be a bit challenging, but fun and a nice switch from the roads.

Course Description:

The course is mostly single track trail with a mix of open fields, dirt road and some paved road. The course features nearly 9,800 feet of climbing. There is a starting loop of 3.6 miles followed by two identical loops of 13.7 miles. There are 4 stream crossings that can be challenging depending on the water level - there is alway the chance of getting wet feet.

URL: http://www.hatrun.com/course.htm

Another view from space:

Baltimore Marathon 2009

Results of Baltimore

JOHN STEINER #3370

THURMONT, MD

Age: 43 Gender: M

Distance	MAR
Clock Time	3:45:00
Chip Time	3:43:19
Overall Place	465 / 3152
Gender Place	366 / 2033
Division Place	68 / 294
Age Grade	58.8%
5 7M	48:34
10M
12 7M	1:46:45
Half
19M
20M
Ctz	USA
Pace	8:32

Injuries....injuries....injuries.....

This must be the year for me and injuries.....no matter what. I get close to a run...injured. First, it was my calf muscle...then it was my ankle...now it's my groin. Go figure.

Well, I did learn that my torn calf muscle was most likely due to three out of four workouts in five days on the track. I just read on "Runners World" that running on a track stretches the outer calf muscle (my right leg) and that it puts undue strain on the calf. Who'd have known that!





Then, most recently I went on a 40 mile bike rid (last Sunday). Go figure that one. Went from 22 miles to 40....did the 40 miler after 9 days off....no wonder. Thus, I missed my Super Hike! Ugh!

So....now I am back to running...and biked a nice 35 miler today....22 last Thursday and will bike again on this coming Thursday morning. Trying to stay healthy.

Saturday's run is the "Run for the Bathroom!"
Wooot-woot!

Catoctin 50K Follow Up & Results!

Well, finally the results are up on the C-50K! Props to the guys and gals from Frederick Steeplechasers who did SO WELL!!!!!!!!!!

Still recovering - three weeks later. Here's the results!

Catoctin 50K Results

2009 Catoctin 50k Trail Run Results
(162 Starters - 139 Finishers) (108 Men, 31 women) (85.8 % finish rate)
Official Temperatures: Start: 72; Finish: 86

Pos Time First Last City State Sex Age
1 4:50:45 Bradley Mongold Martinsburg WV . 31
2 5:13:30 Karsten Brown Front Royal VA . 35
3 5:16:16 Travis Warren Woodstock MD . 35
4 5:27:53 Serge Arbona Baltimore MD . 44
5 5:29:32 Matt McDonald Green Castle PA . 39
6 5:49:25 Stephan Dobson Thurmont MD . 48
7 5:52:44 Tim Smith Glenelg MD . 38
8 5:54:15 Andrew Holland New York NY . 30
9 5:58:53 Steven Winters Frostburg MD . 38
10 6:03:35 Brennen Wysong New York NY . 39
11 6:09:27 Matthew Warner Richmond VA . 33
12 6:12:16 James Mastrianni Hellertown PA . 46
13 6:14:00 Leo Lutz Lancaster PA . 39
14 6:15:12 Herman Richards Stockton NJ . 56
15 6:18:36 Michael Schuster Asuburn VA . 36
16 6:18:50 Michael Huff Fairfax VA . 42
17 6:20:27 Marlin Yoder Harrisonburg VA . 56
18 6:22:37 John Cassilly Glen Allen VA . 42
19 6:24:43 Michele Harmon Gaitersburg MD F 43
20 6:25:27 Ron Green Bel Air MD . 42
6:25:27 Gary Reilly Bel Air MD . 53
22 6:27:34 Rande Brown Bedford PA . 39
23 6:27:53 Alberto Vazquez Timonium MD . 40
24 6:30:45 Kristin Biris Knoxvillw MD F 39
25 6:31:32 Heath Coats Jefferson MD . 41
26 6:32:36 Victor Lin Burke VA . 29
27 6:33:02 Kari Brown Bedford PA F 35
28 6:37:09 Eugene Gignac New Cumberland PA . 53
29 6:37:42 Niqui Johnson Frederick MD F 43
30 6:38:38 Becky Orndorf Hagerstown MD F 39
31 6:39:36 Sheri Fiolek Harpers Ferry WV F 31
32 6:45:50 Michael Campbell Manassas VA . 59
Untitled Document http://www.ultrunr.com/Catoctin/cat2009results.html
1 of 4 8/23/2009 8:39 AM
33 6:49:28 Benjamin Bonifare Middletown MD . 34
34 6:49:38 Jose Suarez Fairfield CT . 47
35 6:51:22 David Garman Jefferson MD . 47
36 6:52:19 Jon Norris Reston VA . 37
37 6:53:00 Rita Hall Rehrersburg PA F 47
38 6:53:46 Dave Grimm Hagerstown MD . 49
39 6:55:56 Marsha Latimer Pottstown PA F 47
40 6:56:00 Lori Johnson Red Hill PA F 49
41 6:56:07 Garry Rarer Stowe PA . 36
42 6:57:33 David Starnes Washington DC . 38
43 6:58:55 Matthew Smythe Richmond VA . 28
44 6:59:03 Ling Dao Fairfax VA . 32
45 6:59:20 Ruth Ann Helfrick Elysburg PA F 42
46 6:59:21 Beth Weisenborn Gettysburg PA F 34
47 7:00:03 Sean Coggins Mt Airy MD . 37
48 7:02:42 Bill Horne Leesburg VA . 49
49 7:03:31 Pat Gilbert Baltimore MD . 45
50 7:03:34 Tom Corris Lake Ridge VA . 56
51 7:03:47 Patrick Brown Towson MD . 42
52 7:03:52 Rick Corcoran Baltimore MD . 36
53 7:03:57 Martha Wright Richmond VA F 48
54 7:08:03 Kristin Shaw Frederick MD F 26
55 7:09:04 Ray Baldwin Gaitersburg MD . 46
56 7:09:19 Quatro Hubbard Richmond VA . 49
57 7:10:24 Robert Hagen Stafford VA . 41
58 7:10:54 James Maxson Shinglehouse PA . 37
59 7:12:51 Patrick Wysong Baltimore MD . 42
60 7:14:23 John Kinnaman Gaitersburg MD . 50
61 7:14:39 Gavin Watson Ellicott City MD . 48
62 7:15:22 Rhonda Stricklett Westminster MD F 34
63 7:15:35 Raymond Michaels Boonsboro MD . 65
64 7:15:57 Claude Courbois Gaitersburg MD . 43
65 7:17:30 Jerry Mason Green Castle PA . 52
66 7:18:58 Laurie Reinhart Coopersburg PA F 37
67 7:18:59 Travis Dill Glen Burnie MD . 32
68 7:22:13 David Monticello Arlington VA . 37
69 7:22:16 Gary Lukacs Spring Grove PA . 52
70 7:22:17 Edwin Markham Darien CT . 49
71 7:22:59 Dan Stasny Clear Spring MD . 40
Untitled Document http://www.ultrunr.com/Catoctin/cat2009results.html
2 of 4 8/23/2009 8:39 AM
72 7:23:52 Kenneth Battagalia Swansboro NC . 42
73 7:24:06 Sean Kerr McLean VA . 42
74 7:25:22 Michael O'Grady Frederick MD . 56
75 7:25:38 Joe Kilcoyne Germantown MD . 35
76 7:35:19 Andrew Anderson Manassas VA . 28
77 7:36:02 Jeff Radan Rockville MD . 49
78 7:36:02 Mark Radan Rockville MD . 33
79 7:38:14 Vicki Kendall Arlington VA F 56
80 7:38:57 Paul Headland Frederick MD . 40
81 7:43:26 Kerry Owens Washington DC F 46
82 7:43:42 Paul Crickard Columbia MD . 55
83 7:46:42 Karl Roy Edgewater MD . 38
84 7:48:25 Paul Sherlock Arlington VA . 53
85 7:49:35 Steve Pilarcik Middletown MD . 47
86 7:50:58 Blake Sweeney Frederick MD . 24
87 7:51:15 Bill Breidenstine Hersey PA . 44
88 7:51:51 Ed Cacciapaglia Reston VA . 55
7:51:51 Stephanie Wilson Oakhill VA F 44
90 7:52:08 Rick Moyer Reading PA . 48
91 7:52:43 Mark Zimmerman Silver Spring MD . 56
92 7:53:22 Susan Fahey Hagerstown MD F 43
93 7:56:23 Alan Gowan Keymar MD . 59
94 7:56:26 Robert Dolan Ashburn VA . 43
95 7:58:11 James LeClare Severna Park MD . 47
7:58:11 John Steiner Thurmont MD . 43
97 8:00:47 Stephen Cooper Salisbury MD . 55
98 8:00:47 Dave Hendrick Chester VA . 37
99 8:01:10 Tom Green Columbia MD . 58
100 8:03:58 Christian Taylor New Holland PA . 35
101 8:05:56 Alan Lagon Baltimore MD . 39
102 8:05:58 Gilbert Gray Greenbelt MD . 47
103 8:08:00 Challen Edwards Arlington VA . 43
104 8:13:48 Steve Boutilier Bel Air MD . 49
105 8:16:32 Dean Johnson Red Hill PA . 49
106 8:16:47 Carole Smith Frederick MD F 54
107 8:17:23 Denise Coll Alexandria VA F 48
108 8:18:11 Glenn Gravatt Harpers Ferry WV . 52
109 8:19:19 Art Perraud Columbia MD . 51
110 8:20:59 Ray Jackson Hagerstown MD . 37
Untitled Document http://www.ultrunr.com/Catoctin/cat2009results.html
3 of 4 8/23/2009 8:39 AM
111 8:26:30 Stanley Spence Burke VA . 53
112 8:29:15 Larry Key Frederick MD . 62
113 8:29:19 Warren Warcholik Myserville MD . 48
114 8:29:46 David Flemming Springfield VA . 33
115 8:29:47 Peter Norris Ft. Belvoir VA . 30
116 8:30:12 Mark Lawrence Frederick MD . 50
117 8:32:15 Juliana Brown State College PA F 23
118 8:32:20 Lisa Johnston Burkitsville MD F 44
119 8:32:52 Nancy Aguilar Baltimore MD F 30
120 8:32:55 Bart Rein Forrest Hill MD . 44
121 8:33:00 John Marsh Hampstead MD . 34
122 8:34:38 Sara Davidson Arlington VA F 26
123 8:35:40 Michael George Richmond VA . 56
124 8:38:39 John Costigan Burke VA . 55
125 8:39:52 Farouk Elkassed Fairfax VA . 59
126 8:39:57 Chris McKenna Frederick MD . 42
127 8:40:18 John SonderMann Stafford VA . 55
128 8:40:19 Faye Krause Fredericksburg VA F 43
129 8:40:20 Gary Knipling Mason Neck VA . 65
130 8:40:41 Johanna Lockner Dumfries VA F 38
131 8:42:28 Bob Anderson Woodbridge VA . 62
132 8:50:20 Robert Gaylord Burke VA . 61
133 8:53:29 Ben Tesdahl Mt Airy MD . 57
134 9:00:40 Pam Gowan Keymar MD F 49
135 9:08:30 Brent Nelson Green Castle PA . 28
136 9:08:36 Kathleen Harrison Hagerstown MD F ?
137 9:08:59 Michael Holland Hagerstown MD . 54
138 9:09:42 Margie Schlundt Millersville MD F 56
139 9:11:37 Judith Weber-Colon Ellicott City MD F 49

Next run - July 31, 2010!!!!

Catoctin 50K - It's a wrap!!

Well, this was my "comback" run from the injury to my calf. With much trepadition, I decided that I'd go ahead and run. I must have had phantom pain in my lower calf muscle as for several days there was no pain, and then on Friday, I had pain.

I went to If the Shoe Fits and bought a new running outfit for this race, and got everything together for the Saturday run. Soon after, the alarm clock went off!

I set the alarm for 4:30 a.m. and when it went off, I looked at the time, and thought, "I really should not do this. So, I turned off the alarm and went back to sleep, completely convinced I wouldn't be running this today. But, I awoke at 5:38 and thought, "I really should go and run this." Out and on my way to the race I went.

Kevin Sayers is the race director, and has been for the past ten years. I have to say up front that this race, for such a small fee to pay, is well-organized and the volunteer help is awesome!

The race begins at the tea room at High Knob, which is in Gambrill State Park. You first go around the park area and quickly your on to the AT trail. If you have never run on the AT trail, then you should know that using the word "trail" is not the best description. I'd describe it as "rock!" I have never seen so much rock.

It had rained the evening before, so the rocks were very slippery and several unfortunate runners took some nasty spills at the beginning. Soon though, everyone was on their way to the Blue Blaze trail and off to make it to the cutoff points.

The first cutoff was six miles in and we had 1:45 to get there. I made it in 1:10 and felt good about "banking" some time. The aid stations throughout were great. Plenty of food and drink, and the most helpful and friendly group of people at any race I have run. They were taking our water bottles and filling them up for us! I've never experienced that level of service.

The first six miles were not too difficult. Actually, the first half of the run wasn't too bad. Of course, I'd learn why later. The first half, much if the run is downhill. And, as all of us runners know, that means the second half is mostly uphill. And, that is what it was.

On the run back, at mile 17 I started to cramp up and my run became a slow jog. The slow jog turned into a fast walk. I met up with another runner, Jim, who was painfully aware that we had many uphills to go. We met up at about mile 21 and ran the balance of the run together, encouraging each other on.

The final two miles of the run was at a 9% uphill grade (ouch!). We came to the top at the tea room, and made our way across the finish. RD Kevin was there to greet us with a huge smile, "congratulations!", and the famous "CAT CARD!"

We had done it! Official Time: 7:58.11!

Postscript

I'll post a pic once it becomes available on the website.

As for the calf, I'd have to label it as "recovered." I had no problem with the run. The longest run since June 17 (the injury) had been 8 miles. I did four plus times that. Today (the day after), I have the normal soreness and no pain at all where the original injury was.

So, off to the next race - the Susquehannah 25 Mile Hike & Run!

See you on the roads!