It has been a difficult stretch those of us who thrive on group runs and socialization, but hopefully you have been staying safe. Whether you have been keeping up with your routine and itching to run with live people again or your fitness has suffered and you’re looking to get back on track, the nicer weather and easing of social restrictions serves as an excellent remedy. Remember that our club welcomes runners of all backgrounds regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual preference and of all levels of ability from beginner joggers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners. PCVRC currently has over 130 families and individual members. We are a social club and very supportive of all our member’s running goals. Most importantly, we have a great time running.

Loss of Club Member

Our dear friend and club member, Lenora Wagner, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2020 after a courageous battle with brain cancer at the age of 65. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25 from 9:00-10:30am at Krienen Funeral Home, 101 West 6th St, New Castle, DE 19720. The club is donating $100 to the National Brain Tumor Society in Lenora’s name. Please click HERE to view her obituary and make a donation in lieu of flowers.

C25K program to resume soon

With some of the restrictions lifted, the couch to 5K program will be back soon for anyone wanting to start or re-start running in a fun, low stress and supportive environment. The program will have weekly training sessions over a 2-3 month period on the 0.64 mile loop at the Paper Mill Park at the corner of Paper Mill and Polly Drummond Roads. Target 5K would be in the October timeframe.
CLICK HERE for details.

Group Runs are back every Sunday & Thursday and track workouts every Tuesday

Socially distanced runs have resumed at their usual places and times so relearn how to interact with people face to face while shaking off that quarantine rust.
Sundays 8:00am – meet in front of Panera on Main St., Newark (free parking); run in White Creek Park
and back up to 14 miles or more round trip.
Thursdays 6:00 pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area; Run 1 or more laps of the 1.75 mile loop
Click here for details

Tuesday evening track workouts with a Delaware Hall of Fame running coach, Jim Fischer, at St. Mark’s High School are back for you up to speed! Please read the following message from Coach Fischer:

We are going to go with a two-hour block of time for your workout starting at 5:30pm and ending at 7:30pm. We will not have our usual meeting at the beginning of the workout. I have attached the workout page, so you have an idea what the possibilities are. We will not do the two-person five-mile, but you can simulate it if you’d like. People will show up and get on with their workout. Masks are not required while working out. We will try to social distance as much as possible.
Click Here for details

Social Activities

Unfortunately, our social calendar has been a wasteland of missed events, but PCVRC is assessing the feasibility of an outdoor social event in late summer/early fall for our club members to interact and have fun.

Check the website for updates on other events as well as planned virtual seminars on training, fitness and health – PCVRC Events Calendar

For Your Information

It can be difficult to stay motivated when the date of your next race is unknown. Some tips HERE and HERE

With the hot summer months upon us, a good article on heat training and acclimation HERE

USATF Race Series Update

Currently there are no definitive plans for the remainder of the 2020 season.

Please check out the website for updates HERE

The full 2020 road race calendar is available HERE

The full 2020 off-road (trail) race calendar is available HERE
 

Delaware Distance Classic (October 11, 2020)

Given the current restrictions in holding a sanctioned USATF event the size of DDC, the official 15K race has been cancelled. However, the club will hold another event on that date. Your board is working hard to plan a safe and fun event that allows you to run and see some of your fellow club members. Please check the website in the coming weeks for updates at https://ddc15k.org/

Your PCVRC Board is here from you!

Contact Us!
President: Wes Stafford
Vice President: Adam Shilling
Secretary: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Christina Xia
Events coordinator: Keith Crispin
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
Sponsorship coordinator: Dirk Sweigart
Webmaster: Ray Christensen
C25K coordinator: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Dan Suher
Social Media: Mike Leva
Communications/marketing: Open

Check out our awesome sponsors:

Wilmington Trust – http://www.wilmingtontrust.com/
6AM RUN – https://6amrun.com/
Harvest Market – http://www.harvestmarketnaturalfoods.com
Cheskin Chiropractic – http://www.cheskinchiropractic.com
Liquid Alchemy Beverages – http://www.liquidalchemybeverages.com/
Essential Balance Massage – http://newarkmassagetherapy.com/
Performance Physical Therapy and Fitness – https://pptandfitness.com
Hockessin Athletic Club – http://www.hachealthclub.com
Omega Project – https://www.omegaprojectpt.com
M&T Bank – http://www.mtb.com/

Spring Social and Awards Banquet – Postponed

Unfortunately, due to the evolving situation around the coronavirus, the March 19 social will be postponed to a later date. Please check the PCVRC Website for updates when available.

Spring race season is underway

We’re always looking for runners to participate on our USATF certified team that competes in the race series throughout the year. Doesn’t matter your ability or speed, all are encouraged to race for the team throughout the year with the best part (for most) being the after-race socialization, by way of tailgate, local diner or wherever! The 2020 Grand Prix (Road) schedule is HERE and the off-road (trail) schedule is HERE.

There are also many nearby races from 5K to marathons that you don’t have to travel far to get to. Here are just a couple upcoming local races that club members routinely participate in:

• Caesar Rodney Half marathon and 5K are CANCELLED. The half-marathon starts and finishes at Tubman Garrett Park and runs through the city and Rockford Park and back.
• Kelly Logan House 5K. Starts and finishes at the Trolley Square pub. Click HERE for details
• Delaware Marathon/half marathon is Sunday April 26, 2020. It starts and finishes at Tubman Garrett Park and runs through the city and Riverfront. The second half of the marathon continues on the scenic out and back Jack Markell trail. Look for a discount code in the near future for club members. Also, with enough participants, PCVRC will have their own tent in Celebration Village near the start/finish. Click HERE for race details.

Don’t forget to #PCVRC when posting race or training pictures on your timelines!

Injury Prevention Seminar this Saturday March 14

Club Sponsor Performance Physical Therapy + Fitness is hosting a FREE Injury Prevention Seminar for
Runners at their Hockessin location. It will be a fairly interactive seminar so bring a yoga mat if you have one.

• Learn the 3 things you should be doing to stay healthy this racing season!
• The worst exercises runners do
• Get tips from a professional running coach
• Everyone attending will be entered into a raffle for a FREE 10 minute stretching session by one of
  our Certified Personal Trainers

CLICK HERE for details and to register (free)

For Your Information

Just because you get quarantined for the coronavirus, it’s no excuse to stop your long runs. Check out the story of a dedicated runner HERE

On a more serious note, a reminder of some common sense tips to stay healthy HERE

C25K program starts Wednesday March 25

A new session of the couch to 5K program is starting up again on March 25. For anyone wanting to start or re-start running in a fun, low stress and supportive environment, this is the program for you.

The program will have 10 training sessions weekly on Wednesdays from 6-7 PM at the Paper Mill Park at the corner of Paper Mill and Polly Drummond Roads. Target 5K is the Nemours AI DuPont Healthy U 5K on June 6. CLICK HERE for details.

Reminder: Group Runs every Sunday & Thursday and track workouts every Tuesday

Whether you’re running a mile or 20, making training fun and social and come out for our weekly group runs on Sundays and Thursdays
Sundays 8:00am – meet in front of Panera on Main St., Newark (free parking)
Thursdays 6:00pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area
Click here for details

For those looking to get faster or just enjoy running on a track with guidance and training plans from a Delaware Hall of Fame running coach, Jim Fischer, Tuesday evening track workouts at McKean High School are for you! Warmup at 5:45pm and workout starts at 6:00pm.
Click Here for details

Social Activities (it’s why we run!)

PCVRC has several exciting activities in the coming months. Look out for more information on these and other events
Spring Social and Awards Banquet – Postponed; date TBD
Picnic – Summer
Pub Crawl – early fall
Holiday Party – December
For a schedule of all club activities, see PCVRC Events Calendar

Still Time for Discounted Delaware State Park Passes

All Park Passes for the first wave have now been mailed out, but we will be doing another order at the banquet on March 19. The cost is $30 a pass (savings of $5 for DE residents and $40 for out of state residents).
Click here for details

USATF Race Series Update

The Mid Atlantic USATF 2020 race season is in full swing with the completion of the first events in both the Grand Prix and Off-Road race series.

Grand Prix (road) race series
On February 22nd the Grand Prix season began at the Ambler Frostbite 5 mile run where 20 PCVRC members joined over 1200 others for cool morning run on the rolling course. This was our largest attendance at this race and many of our runners had outstanding performances. Katlyn Kramer was the 3rd overall female finisher, and age group award winners Liz Swierzbinksi, Sarah Rusk, Zach Chupa, Pete Lobianco, Dave Wiechecki, Chuck Crabb, Greg Cauller, Carol Feole Driscoll. In the USATF club
competition we finished 3rd out of 13 competing clubs from the Mid-Atlantic region.

After conclusion of the race, we gathered at the Frostbite Grill to celebrate accomplishments from the 2019 season where the club finished 3rd overall and numerous members received USATF clothing for their individual age group performances. The 2019 awardees are listed HERE

The next road race is the famously fast Haddonfield NJ Adrenaline 5k on Saturday March 21st. This race is sold out. The full 2020 road race calendar is available HERE

Off-road (trail) series
The Off-Road season got off to a chilly and muddy start on March 7th at the Looney Leprechaun 20k. PCVRC had 5 competitors compete on the soggy 2 loop course at this new event in Buck’s County PA. This race marked the return of PCVRC to the off-road series after sitting out last year. We were rewarded with a 3rd place finish in the team competition! Individual age group awards went to Laura Berger, Sarah Kim, Keith Crispin and Epi Comacho. After the race runners commented on the new event
– Just to clarify…it was blazing cold, insanely muddy and a little hilly, but lots of fun! We had a great morning.

The off-road series returns to the Tyler Arboretum in Media PA on Saturday April 4th. One of the best events in the series with wide runnable trails and a few hills. Race details are HERE. Please contact Rich Szymanski () if you can join the team. The full 2020 off-road (trail) race calendar is available HERE

Important note to support our USATF candidate!
On Sunday March 22nd there is a USATF Membership meeting at 11AM at Widener University Schwartz Athletic building, room 206. The meeting will elect a new membership coordinator. We need members to attend to vote for our candidate Robin Jeffries. This is a critical vote to support the Long Distance running program and requires 2020 USATF membership as of 1/31/20. Please contact Tom Steenkamer () to confirm your attendance.

Reminder: Delaware Distance Classic 15K + DEEC 5K is Oct 11

It’s never too early to plan for full races and the DDC 15k is perfect for those looking to challenge themselves with a longer distance, take stock in your fall training or enjoy a run along the recently completed Markell trail.

The race starts at the Wilmington Riverfront at the Dupont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington. This is the club’s seminal event and helps support club activities throughout the year and donations to our charity partners.

Please come out to race or volunteer!

Register now and see details, course map, photos and course video at https://ddc15k.org/

Your PCVRC Board is here from you!

Contact Us!
President: Wes Stafford
Vice President: Adam Shilling
Secretary: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Christina Xia
Events coordinator: Keith Crispin
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
Sponsorship coordinator: Dirk Sweigart
Webmaster: Ray Christensen
C25K coordinator: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Dan Suher
Social Media: Mike Leva
Communications/marketing: Open

Check out our awesome sponsors:

Wilmington Trust – http://www.wilmingtontrust.com/
6AM RUN – https://6amrun.com/
Harvest Market – http://www.harvestmarketnaturalfoods.com
Cheskin Chiropractic – http://www.cheskinchiropractic.com
Liquid Alchemy Beverages – http://www.liquidalchemybeverages.com/
Essential Balance Massage – http://newarkmassagetherapy.com/
Performance Physical Therapy and Fitness – https://pptandfitness.com
Hockessin Athletic Club – http://www.hachealthclub.com
Omega Project – https://www.omegaprojectpt.com
M&T Bank – http://www.mtb.com/

Awesome Day for PCVRC at the 2019 USATF National Club Cross-Country Championships

It was a historic day with the largest participation on record for this event coupled with classic cross-country conditions that made a memorable day for everyone. Special thanks to Tom Steenkamer, Lynn Knothe and Rich Szymanski for coordinating the teams’ activities. We sent 56 club members to the line across the 5 races which eclipsed the club’s 2014 Club Nationals participation.

There were several high performing achievements competing against some of the top runners and teams from across the country.
Official USATF results here.

• PCVRC Women 60 Team A 3rd place
• PCVRC Women 40 Team A 6th place
• PCVRC Men 60 Team A 8th place
• Laura Latchford – 9th overall women’s 40 race, 1st place 50-54 AG
• Mike Digennaro – 13th overall men’s 40 race

Click here for all the details and pictures

MidAltantic USATF road race series
In 2019 PCVRC finished 3rd in annual club challenge competition for the MidAltantic USATF road race series. several individuals were recognized for top performance in the 10 yr. age groups and season long age graded competition. Congratulations to Greg Cauller, Mike DiGennaro, Carol Feole Driscoll, Gerald Herman, Brenda Hodge, Betty Olmstead, Sarah Rusk, Dave Wiechecki. Awards will be presented after the 1st race of the season, the Ambler Frostbite 5 miler, at the Fireside Grill.

Boston marathon is 2 months away and racing season is even closer

Congratulations to those who are running Boston Marathon on April 20, 2020. Keep pushing through those cold days (ok, hasn’t been too bad so far) as you ramp up miles.

For the rest (most) of us, running season is upon us once again (does it really ever end?). On any given Saturday or Sunday throughout the year, you’ll find Pike Creek Valley Running Club members at local races throughout the Delaware Valley or competing in events from 5Ks to longer distances such as the Broad Street 10 miler, Philly 8K, half- and full-marathons and of course, our club’s signature race the Delaware Distance Classic 15K.

We also have a team that competes in the MidAtlantic USATF race series throughout the year, competing against other clubs in the greater Philadelphia region on the roads and trails. It doesn’t matter your ability or speed, all are encouraged to race for the team throughout the year with the best part (for most) being the after-race socialization, by way of tailgate, local diner or wherever!

For Your Information

Interesting non-scientific article for those the use caffeine as a running tool:
https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19545968/caffeine-before-running/

Run with music? Here’s a good article with links to studies on the topic:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2013/mar/13/running-with-music-foragainst

Group Runs every Sunday & Thursday and track workouts every Tuesday

Whether you’re running a mile or 20, making training fun and social and come out for our weekly group
runs on Sundays and Thursdays
Sundays 8:00am – meet in front of Panera on Main St., Newark (free parking)
Thursdays 6:00pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area
Click here for details

For those looking to get faster or just enjoy running on a track with guidance and training plans from a Delaware Hall of Fame running coach, Jim Fischer, Tuesday evening track workouts at St. Marks High School are for you!
Warmup at 5:45pm and workout starts at 6:00pm. Track is lighted so anytime of year is a good time to join us.
Click Here for details or email Jim directly, .

C25K program starts in March through June

A new session of the couch to 5K program is starting up again in the March, culminating in a 5K in late spring. For anyone wanting to start or re-start running in a fun, low stress and supportive environment, this is the program for you. Led by Lee Dresser, MD, the 10-week program will get you to the finish line. Click Here for details.

Upcoming Running Seminar

Performance Physical Therapy is hosting a running seminar at their Hockessin location on Saturday March 14 at 1 PM. More details to follow soon. Check out their website

Spring Social and Annual Meeting March 19

This year’s spring party and annual meeting will be at Tyler Fitzgeralds in Pike Creek from 6:00-9:00pm. Join your friends for food, fun and awards! Click Here for details and directions

Social Activities

Most of us run to socialize and that’s why PCVRC has planned several exciting activities in the coming months. Look out for more information on these and other events
– Annual banquet – March 19
– Picnic – Summer
– Pub Crawl – early fall
– Holiday Party – December
For a schedule of all club activities, see PCVRC Events Calendar

Discounted Delaware State Park Passes Available

PCVRC is offering its members discounted annual passes to the Delaware State Parks for a limited time only. The cost is $30 a pass (savings of $5 for DE residents and $40 for out of state residents).
Click here for details

USATF Race Series Update

PCVRC is among 14 clubs that fields a race team in the Mid-Atlantic USATF club competition in the road series running road races in the spring and fall in Greater Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware over distances from 5k up to full marathon. We’d love to hear from anyone who enjoys running or just being part of a team. We also participate in the Off-Road series of races. These are mostly 10k events in the Greater Philadelphia region. For more information and to join the team Click here

The full 2020 road race calendar is available HERE. The off-road race calendar is here.

Delaware Distance Classic 15K + DNS 5K is Oct 11

It’s never too early to plan for full races and the DDC 15k is perfect for those looking to challenge themselves with a longer distance, take stock in your fall training or enjoy a run along the recently completed Markell trail. This is the club’s seminal event and helps support club activities throughout the year and donations to our charity partners. Please come out to race or volunteer!
The race starts at the Wilmington Riverfront at the Dupont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington.

Registration opens soon. See details, course map, photos at https://ddc15k.org/ – where there is also a video tour of the course.

Your PCVRC Board is here from you!

Contact Us!
President: Wes Stafford
Vice President: Adam Shilling
Secretary: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Christina Xia
Events coordinator: Keith Crispen
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe, Tom Steenkamer
Sponsorship coordinator: Dirk Sweigart
Webmaster: Ray Christensen
C25K coordinator: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Dan Suher
Social Media: Mike Leva
Communications/marketing: Open

Check out our wonderful sponsors:

Wilmington Trust – http://www.wilmingtontrust.com/
6AM RUN – https://6amrun.com/
Harvest Market – http://www.harvestmarketnaturalfoods.com
Cheskin Chiropractic – http://www.cheskinchiropractic.com
Liquid Alchemy Beverages – http://www.liquidalchemybeverages.com/
Essential Balance Massage – http://newarkmassagetherapy.com/
Performance Physical Therapy and Fitness – https://pptandfitness.com
Hockessin Athletic Club – http://www.hachealthclub.com
Omega Project – https://www.omegaprojectpt.com
M&T Bank – http://www.mtb.com/

Crabowitz Party is Thursday 6/13

POSTPONED – TBD
From Rich and Tricia Szymanski:

What: Crabowitz Party
Date: Thursday, June 13 th
Time: any time after 4:30 p.m.
Where: Szymanski House, 709 Haddon Road (North point), Wilmington DE 19808

As of 8am 6/13, Crabowitz is postponed due to weather. New date TBD.

RSVP to before Thursday

Run: Starts at 5:30pm (optional)

Please mark your calendars to join us for the 11th annual Crabowitz!!! We will be supplying crabs, pizza, water, soda and wine and our own Brewmaster Tony, will once again be making the “Electrolyte Ale” ! We will also have an assortment of beers (not sure what) If you have something you prefer to drink, feel free to bring your beverage of choice.

This is a family event, so please bring your significant other, children, neighbor, or whomever you wish to bring.

We will continue the tradition of asking for your donations… This year we have selected Special Olympics.

Group Runs each Sunday & Thursday

All are welcome to our weekly group runs. See details
Sundays 8:00am – meet in front of Panera on Main St., Newark (free parking)
Thursdays 6:00pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area

Summer Concerts at Bellevue State Park

Post to our FB Group if you expect to attend one of the following dates, to meet up with other club members: Meet at Bellevue at 5:15 pm on the dates listed below. 6:00 concert starts. It’s a BYOB. I know it could be hot but.. there is shade.
NOTE: Due to construction on I-95, the NB and SB ramps to Marsh Rd are closed all summer – tentative reopening is 8/31.

• Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 6:30 PM 287th Army Band Patriotic Music and Marches
• Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 6:30 PM The Louden Backyard Band Classical to Pop with Jazz in the Middle
• Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 6:00 PM Jimmy & the Parrots Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band
• Sunday, July 7, 2019 at 6:30 PM Spokey Speaky Roots Reggae
• Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Chobot Challenge 15K Trail Run
• Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 6:30 PM Seven Rings Irish Pub Songs, Tunes & Ballads
• Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 6:30 PM Boy in Black Reliving the Johnny Cash
• Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 6:30 PM Malarkey Brothers Celtic Folk/Rock Band
• Sunday, July 28, 2019 at 6:30 PM Kategory 5 Classic Rock
• Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 6:30 PM The Big Jangle Songs of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
• Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 6:30 PM The Core Eric Clapton Tribute Band
• Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 6:30 PM John Flynn Singer/Songwriter, Family Concert
• Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 6:30 PM The Big House Band Premier Party Band
• Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 6:00 PM The Newspaper Taxis Beatle Tribute Band

Fall PCVRC Events

• October 20 – Evansburg Challenge (10 Mile) — Evansburg State Park, Collegeville, PA
• November 30 – Delaware Open XC 5K Brandywine Creek State Pk. (DE 92) Wilmington, DE
  — immediately following the race we are socializing at bbc tavern
• September 8 – Main Line Run 5k
• Saturday, October 5th – Lehigh (9am Open Race)- Maybe – good warmup for club nationals.
• October 13, 2019 – Delaware Distance Classic – 15K
• November 3 – Norcross-Cooper Run the Bridge Event 10K
• November 23 – Philadelphia 8K OR Half Marathon
• November 24 – Philadelphia Marathon
• Dec 14 – Lehigh University for Club Nationals.

See PCVRC Events Calendar

Liquid Alchemy Beverages – event coming soon!

Plans are underway for a PCVRC group run and social event at our sponsor Liquid Alchemy Beverages in Wilmington near Banning Park.
See Delaware Business Times article about “LAB”. Jeff Cheskin and Terri Sorantino are long-time sponsors of our club.

USATF Race Series Update

Did you know that PCVRC supports a race team in the USATF Mid Atlantic region? Our club has long history of participation in the MidAtlantic USATF road and off-road (trail) race series. PCVRC is among 14 clubs that fields a race team in the club competition in the road series running road races in the spring and fall in Greater Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware over distances from 5k up to full marathon. We’ve lost a lot of participants due to injury and other activities and as result our participation in the off-road series has been greatly reduced this year. We’d love to hear from anyone who enjoys getting off the pavement and running the trails as well as anyone interested in joining us at the road races.

The spring race season concluded last weekend with the Moorestown NJ, 8k. Club member Chanon Tuntivate was the overall race winner with his spouse Maeve finishing 7th among all female finishers. The club fielded a small but complete team at this event and continues compete well against the larger clubs in the region.

The club is currently in 2nd place in the club challenge competition. We are looking forward to the fall when racing resumes in September with the Main Line 5k in Wayne PA. The full road race calendar is available here – http://mausatf.com/grandprix-events/

Delaware Distance Classic 15K + DNS 5K is Oct 13

DDC 15k returns to the Riverfront at the Dupont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington in conjunction with the Delaware Nature Society 5K! The Environmental Center is celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary, so the races will kick off a day-long celebration with music, vendors, and tours of the facility.

Register now and see details, course map, photos at https://ddc15k.org/ – where there is also a video tour of the course.

Let us know if you’d like to volunteer!

Social

Mark your calendars!  Boston sendoff location is locked in – April 10th – Kid Sheleen’s –  6:00pm -9:00pm.  Heavy hors de ‘oeuvres will be provided.  This event is free to PCVRC members, suggested $10 for guests.  All Boston runners and friends are welcome!