John Schultz in Runners’ World Magazine
John Schultz sent in a scan of the upcoming Runner’s World magazine. You really are inspirational John! Always a pleasure to see you running.

(Credit: Runner’s World magazine, Jan./Feb. 2015 issue)

(Photo Credit: Mark DeNio)

The USATF National Club Cross-Country Championships were a challenge, from the cold to the course. There are still scoring errors due to the timing company’s system not being compatible with the USATF registration system. Please e-mail me your times if you want them to be highlighted.

MANY, MANY thanks to the Pike Creek board for sponsoring the bus. It made things so much easier and ensured better participation. Bethlehem was only around 90 minutes away but big convoys of cars would have made a mess. The bus was wonderful and facilitated a party on the way home!

John Culnane and I took pictures at Saturday’s races. Here are John’s pictures. You can see mine at the Pike Creek Facebook page (link below in the Links for Club Members section).

John Schultz is featured in the Jan/Feb 2015 issue of Runner’s World!

I messed up the photo credit in last week’s picture of Mike DiGennaro. The photo was taken by Dan Cook.

PCVRC USATF GRAND PRIX CHAMPION
PCVRC captures 1st place in the Mid Atlantic Grand Prix Club Challenge competition for 2014! The club has participated in the Mid Atlantic Grand Prix competition since its inception in 2002. 2014 marks the FIRST time in our club history that we have come out on top in the road racing series. The club competed in all 11 races this past year starting with the Haddonfield Adrenaline 5k on March 15th and concluding at the Philadelphia marathon weekend on November 23rd.

This is a highly competitive competition among the region’s best running organizations. We finished the season ahead of Bryn Mawr, Greater Philadelphia Track Club, and South Jersey Athletic Club as well as 10 other area running clubs.

Individual Age Grade Awards
In addition to the club championship prize of $1000 there were individual age group and age grade awards. Age Group awards are given based on points awarded for finishing in the top 3 in 5 year age groups at each race and then totaled across all races. Age grade awards are given to the top 10 individuals with the seasons highest age grade point average based on participation in a minimum of 6 events.

Winners will receive an MAUSATF half-zip winter fleece.

Women
Beth Howlett 6th
Sherri Sweigart 10th

Men
Tom Steenkamer 3rd
Dave Wiechecki 4th
Lee Kauffman 9th

Age Group Awards (5 year age groups)
Winners received an MAUSATF winter running hat.

Women
Sarah Rusk
Jen Loren
Carole Feole
Beth Howlett

Men
Andy Weaver
Dan Suher
Mike DiGennaro
Jay Coughenour
Dave Wiechecki
Greg Cauller
Tom Steenkamer
Chuck Crabb
Dan Simmons
Jerry Herman
John Schultz

PCVRC USATF OFF-ROAD 3rd Place
The club finished in 3rd place in the club completion in the Off-Road series. Five clubs participated in the Off-Road series this year. This is the 4th consecutive year the club has finished in 3rd place in the trail race competition. We were awarded $300 for our success.

Highlights for 2014 include another season in which our ladies led the way. PCVRC has a great group of ladies who have committed to running the trail races and outnumbered the men in 50% of the races this past year. At the Chabot Challenge in July there were 8 ladies and only 3 men. Come on boys I think you need to step up next season and get into the trail running scene! Post-race parties at the trail races are the best.

Individual Age Group Awards are based on points allocated to the top 3 finishers in 10 year age groups. Total points accrued across the 8 race series determine the winners. PCVRC Age Group Award winners (prizes TBD):

Individual Age Grade Awards
Women
Lisa Jalot

Men
Paul Randolph

USATF Championships Comment
Doug Ridge sent the following about the races:

I just wanted to thank you and everyone in the club for getting me involved in the USATF club championship and in making the event such a success. The event came at a very busy time for me, but I am glad you got me involved and that I went. XC & Track may be the only sports where Olympians and 70 year old amateurs compete in the same event. It is exciting just to be part of it. I enjoyed meeting my team-mates and sensing the excitement of the field of runners from so many clubs and so many places. I hadn’t run in spikes in 50 years since I was on Harvard’s freshman cross country team. I have seldom run competitively on a course with such a history. It is a great memory to have. I know that it’s a lot of work for you and others with the club. Thanks.

Race Results, Reviews and Accomplishments:
(Lots of people competed in the local races so please e-mail in if you aren’t listed below.)

Michelle Zechman utilized Lori Culnane’s pacing services to take a PR in the Rehoboth Marathon, finishing in 4:07:24! Way to go Michelle and great job Lori!

Tricia Szymanski wrote in to say that Michelle’s PR was by approximately 30 minutes! Michelle doesn’t do things in half-measures. A 16-minute PR at the Turkey Trot 10k and now a 30-minute PR at the Rehoboth Marathon!

Michelle wrote in to compliment Wes Stafford, who came back from a 2-and-a-half year injury to finish the Rehoboth Marathon in 3:18:26!!! Awesome job Wes!

Susan Snavely ran the Rehoboth Marathon in 3:47:15. She got a PR AND qualified for Boston in 2016!

Susan also wrote in to tell us of Heather Kennedy, a new member who joined at the Holiday Party. Heather ran the Rehoboth Marathon in 3:47:38, also a PR and a BQ time! Fantastic running Heather and welcome to PCVRC!

Jennifer Besten wrote in with a great comment. I’ll just let her tell it: “Baby Besten #3 and I completed the Rehoboth 1/2 in 2:02 with only three bathroom stops! The baby at 6 months in utero has now run a full, 1/2, 10k and four 5k’s placing in three. He/she is now retiring until their third birthday.”

Dave, Jake and Kirsten Landon all ran in the Rehoboth Half Marathon. Dave placed 2nd in his age group, finishing in 1:26:25. Jake won his age group and was 9th overall, finishing in 1:24:15! Kirsten finished in a fantastic 2:26:49!

Lorri Fencer did the Rehoboth Half Marathon in 1:58:54! Great job Lorri!

Lorri was also one of the few people smiling as she passed by me on Saturday. Love this photo!

(Photo Credit: Mark DeNio)

Rehoboth Seashore Half Marathon
(December 6th – Rehoboth Beach, DE)

Jake Landon 1:24:15 (1st AG)
Dave Landon 1:26:25 (2nd AG)
Lorri Fencer 1:58:54
Jennifer Besten 2:02:29
Kirsten Landon 2:26:49

Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
(December 6th – Rehoboth Beach, DE)

Wes Stafford 3:18:26
Susan Snavely 3:47:15
Heather Kennedy 3:47:38
Michelle Zechman 4:07:24

USATF XC Championships – Master’s Men 10k
(December 13th – Bethlehem, PA)

John Schultz 1:27:23

USATF
No updates this week but next will have a full report on the club championships.

By all accounts the Holiday Party was a big success! Thanks again Rachel for putting it all together!

The USATF National Club Cross-Country Championships is THIS Saturday. Can’t wait to see all our runners go out and make their mark on a national stage! Tom Steenkamer and Rich Szymanski have worked extremely hard getting this organized. It comes to a sparkling finish this weekend!

Related to the previous item I would like to say welcome to all our new members that joined us in order to represent us this weekend! Enjoy this next year and send me in any races you want to have highlighted!

SO MANY people competed in the Rehoboth Seashore Marathon and Half Marathon. If you want to be included next week e-mail me.

Since this is a running club I thought you all would enjoy this race sign from Rehoboth.

(Photo Credit: Dan Cook)

Race Results, Reviews and Accomplishments:
(Lots of people competed in the local races so please e-mail in if you aren’t listed below.)

Mike DiGennaro won the Rehoboth Seashore Half Marathon, finishing in 1:11:11!!! Dave Frederick wrote about the race in the Cape Gazette, including a nice picture of Mike crossing the finish line. I like the below photo better.

(Photo Credit: Dave Frederick)

Michelle Zechman got a 10k PR at the PNC Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, finishing in 53:35. She took SIXTEEN minutes off her previous best!!! Not content with that she then placed 3rd in her age group for the 5k, finishing in 26:07! Way to go Michelle! (Tom Steenkamer will be in touch about joining the USATF team for next year.)

Jay Coughenour did the Philly Half Marathon and placed 2nd in his age group with a time of 1:18:34! Holy cow! I would just be finishing mile 4 at that time.

John Schultz completed the Philly Marathon in 7:13:00! Awesome job as always!

Dirk and Sheri Sweigart are peas in a pod. They both placed 2nd in their respective age groups at the Rehoboth Seashore Half Marathon! Dirk finished in 1:34:56 and Sheri 1:42:57. Great job you two!

Kelly Horowitz won her age group in Rehoboth, finishing in 1:33:54! Dirk was right on her heels.

Kristen Stump placed 3rd in her age group, finishing in 1:43:34. Kristen continues to show why she deserved the award she won at this year’s banquet!

(Photo Credit: Dirk Sweigart)

Joel and Stacey Schiller both ran the Rehoboth Half Marathon. Stacey finished in 2:12:50. Joel wasn’t far behind in 2:16:33!

Lori Culnane did the full Rehoboth Marathon in 4:07:25!

Dan Feldstein came in 3rd in his age group at the Rock Hall Reindeer Stampede 5k, finishing in 30:09. Dan notes the entire run was in the steady rain. I bet he wasn’t singing “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head” though!

Amy Temple and her husband George both ran Rehoboth on Saturday. George finished in 2:22:52 and Amy in 3:34:44!

Ben and Mary Lynn Mack also ran Rehoboth. Ben finished in 2:05:52 and Mary Lynn matched stride-for-stride with Amy Temple, also finishing in 3:34:44!

Greg Cauller won his age group in the Rehoboth Half Marathon, finishing in 1:29:56!

Lynn Knothe placed 2nd in her age group in Rehoboth, finishing in 1:34:38! (Dirk was really at her heels, only 18 seconds behind!)

36th PNC Turkey Trot 10k
(November 27th – Wilmington, DE)

Michelle Zechman 53:35.3

36th PNC Turkey Trot 5k
(November 27th – Wilmington, DE)

Michelle Zechman 26:07.3 (3rd AG)

Philadelphia Half Marathon
(November 22nd – Philadelphia, PA)

Jay Coughenour 1:18:34

Philadelphia Marathon
(November 22nd – Philadelphia, PA)

John Schultz 7:13:00

Rock Hall Reindeer Stampede 5k
(December 6th – Rock Hall, MD)

Dan Feldstein 30:09

Rehoboth Seashore Half Marathon
(December 6th – Rehoboth Beach, DE)

Mike DiGennaro 1:11:11
Greg Cauller 1:29:56
Kelly Horowitz 1:33:54
Lynn Knothe 1:34:38
Dirk Sweigart 1:34:56
Sheri Sweigart 1:42:57
Kristen Stump 1:43:34
Ben Mack 2:05:52
Stacey Schiller 2:12:50
Joel Schiller 2:16:33
George Temple 2:22:52
Amy Temple 3:34:44
Mary Lynn Mack 3:34:44

Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
(December 6th – Rehoboth Beach, DE)

Lori Culnane 4:07:25

Holiday Party on Monday December 8th
The holidays are fast approaching, so before your calendar gets packed with holiday festivities mark your calendars for the Annual PCVRC Holiday Party on Monday, December 8th from 6:30 -9:00pm at Timothy’s in Newark.

This event, like most club events, is free to club members and non-club members. We ask that if you are a non-club member that you make a small donation toward the food for the event. There will be a buffet and cash bar.

While it’s not necessary to RSVP, if you think you can make it please respond via Facebook or email me at .
Hope to see you all there!

P.S. Don’t forget this is a great time to renew your club membership too!

Coat Drive at Party From Claire:
We are all looking forward to seeing many of you at the PCVRC annual holiday party on Monday December 8th at 6.30pm at Timothy’s in Newark. As we celebrate another wonderful year of running achievements, let’s take a few minutes to think about those less fortunate than ourselves.

There are many, many people in New Castle County, young and old, who cannot even afford a warm winter coat. This year we would like to collect gently used coats and other warm clothing items to donate to the Ministry of Caring, who will then distribute to those in need. We will have some bags set up by the door as you walk into the function room upstairs at Timothy’s.

For more information on the Ministry of Caring clothing needs, please visit http://www.ministryofcaring.org/new-and-lightly-used-clothing.

The USATF National Club Cross-Country Championships are a week from Saturday. We have a club-record 65 athletes representing us in a race-record field of 1750!!! MANY, MANY thanks to Tom Steenkamer and Rich Szymanski for getting the teams together and coordinating all this.

I would like to emphasize that the race results are 95% from member submissions. Occasionally I might see something on Facebook but the results have to come from our members. If a week is light on results it’s because people didn’t send any in. We definitely want to highlight our members’ achievements. If you placed 1st through 3rd overall or in your age group, hit a personal record, did your first race of a given type we want to hear about it! Just think about when you were motivated by someone else’s results. YOU have the chance to be the motivation for someone else! How cool is that?!?!

I also want to give special thanks to Rachel Perkowski for organizing our events so flawlessly! She goes above and beyond every time to make sure everyone can relax, have a good time and enjoy getting to know other members. She and hubby Ryan will soon have their hands full but will still do a great job! THANKS RACHEL!

USATF
Great job Betty Olmstead on competing in both the Rothman 8k on Saturday AND the Philadelphia Half Marathon on Sunday!

Race Results, Reviews and Accomplishments:
(Lots of people competed in the local races so please e-mail in if you aren’t listed below.)

Darlise got her award from the Beach2Battleship race for coming in second in her age group! Well done Darlise!

Sharon Miner did the Philly Half Marathon as her 2nd of 3 races to qualify for the Half Fanatics group. As member #7841 (my only real racing accomplishment this year) I’m waiting to welcome you when you get there, Sharon!

Newark Turkey Trot 10k
(November 21st – Newark, DE)

Andy Jakubowitch 38:01.9 (1st AG)
Jake Landon 38:14.4 (1st AG)
Dave Landon 38:43.8 (1st AG)
Kelly Horowitz 42:25.9 (2nd Overall Female)
Tom Jermyn 42:56.7 (1st AG)
Erin Graves 45:58.1 (1st AG)
Mike Piorkowski 46:03.8 (3rd AG)
Bruce Hubbard 1:02:48.2
John Schultz 1:25:40.9

Newark Turkey Trot 5k
(November 21st – Newark, DE)

Andy Jakubowitch 22:56.9 (3rd AG)
Erin Graves 22:59.4 (1st AG)
Mike Piorkowski 24:51.0
Sue Simmons 33:54.7

Philadelphia Rothman 8k
(November 21st – Philadelphia, PA)

Lynn Knothe 32:11
Betty Olmstead 1:09:01

Philadelphia Half Marathon
(November 22nd – Philadelphia, PA)

David Baca 1:43:08
Claire Neilan 1:47:27
Lori Culnane 1:47:28
Tristan Spates 1:57:36 (PR!!!)
Sharon Miner 2:48:07
Chrissy Hower 2:55:44
Betty Olmstead 3:17:39

Philadelphia Marathon
(November 22nd – Philadelphia, PA)

Noel Dietrich 5:44:38

Hi everyone,
The USATF Club Cross Country Championship race is approaching fast with only 12 days to go. USATF site preparation and our team-building have been going on for months. This event will be the largest USATF Club XC Championship in history with over 1750 registered participants.

PCVRC is setting its own attendance records with 65 members competing across the 4 races! With such a large group we do have some logistics to cover and ask that everyone spends a couple minutes to review the following content. Contact me () or Rich () if there are any questions.

Bus Transportation
The club-sponsored charter bus will be departing the Wilmington Riverfront parking lot @ 7AM. (The parking/meeting area is in the back lot across from Timothy’s. Look for the Krapf’s Charter bus.)

Please arrive promptly between 6:30 and 6:45 to facilitate gear stowing and seating. It is a 2-hour trip to Lehigh and we need to arrive with plenty of time to prepare for the 1st race of the day. Departure from Lehigh will be between 3:30 and 4PM to return to the Riverfront by 6PM. Please bring $5 to contribute to the driver’s tip.

Food
Bring your own food for the day and any non-alcoholic beverages. If you are bringing a cooler to stow on the bus please make sure it has your name on it. Food trucks will be on site but with 1750 people plus guests it may be a long wait for food service.

Alcohol
We have several club benefactors donating beer. If you have a favorite personal beverage I suggest you bring it with you.

Other Items You May Need

A folding chair and or blanket for use in the heated team tent.
A change of clothing appropriate for the anticipated weather conditions.
There are showers available in the building located in the Lehigh football stadium north end zone. Plan accordingly if you wish to take advantage of the shower facilities.

Race Gear
As previously stated all team members must have a matching uniform top as their outermost layer. Only those within the designated team must match. Do not forget your singlet!

Additional layers that you want to add to dress for the weather are at your discretion. For example, hat, gloves, arm warmers, long sleeve shirt, tights are permitted and do not need to match your teammate. See attached spread sheet for team roster details. Please note that some age groups have more than 1 team.

If your team is wearing the new PCVRC grey or black singlet you are strongly encouraged to attend the club Christmas party on 12/8 (6:30 p.m.) at Timothy’s in Newark to pick up your gear. One less item for me/us to manage on race day! (Even if you aren’t wearing the gear please come to the party to be part of the send off and well wishes from the club members!) RSVP to Rachel Perkowski () if you are planning to come to the party.

Shoes
The Lehigh University Paul Short course is all grass with a few short road crossings. Spikes are recommended but not required. If you choose to wear spikes suggested spike length is 3/8”. Road flats may be a better choice for those not accustomed to XC spikes.

Course Info
Please spend a few minutes to read through the course description; review the course maps and elevation details on the following web site: http://www.mausatf.org/2014ClubXC/2014-Club-XC-Championships-coursedescription.htm

For those who are driving themselves to the Lehigh athletic complex: Please ensure that you arrive early and have adequate time for parking, locating the team tent, warmup, etc. Look for the heated PCVRC Team tent – our club banner will be proudly displayed. Tent locations are expected to be in the field near the mile mark. You will have a 5 minute walk from the parking lots to the tents. (See the 6k course map for location.)

Race Day Schedule
10:30 AM : Masters Women’s 6-K
11:30 AM : Masters Men’s 10-K
12:45 PM : Open Women’s 6-K
1:30 PM : Open Men’s 10-K

Rich S. has offered to be the designated driver for a maximum of 7 people. If you plan on celebrating post-race and into the evening Rich is happy to drive you home. Contact Rich ASAP for the RichZ taxi service.

Holiday Party on December 8th
Now that we are into the month of November the holidays are fast approaching, so before your calendar gets packed with holiday festivities mark your calendars for the Annual PCVRC Holiday Party on Monday, December 8th from 6:30 -9:00pm at Timothy’s in Newark.

This event, like most club events, is free to club members and non-club members. We ask that if you are a non-club member that you make a small donation toward the food for the event. There will be a buffet and cash bar.

While it’s not necessary to RSVP, if you think you can make it please respond via Facebook or email me at .

Hope to see you all there!

P.S. Don’t forget this is a great time to renew your club membership too!

I left Gelsomina Paolini out of last week’s newsletter so she could be more prominently featured this week. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it. 🙂

The Holiday Party will also feature a “send-off” of the USATF athletes competing at the USATF National Club Cross-Country Championships in Bethlehem, PA that weekend. Come meet the athletes who will be representing us!

I want to welcome Erin Graves to the club and explain a club policy. The newsletter is a paid member benefit and only paid club members (family members for family memberships) will be featured. I made an assumption that Erin was a member and featured her a few times when I shouldn’t have. The good news is she’s a member now so let the games begin!

USATF
Grand Prix Finale (Fee-nah-lay – must be Italian!)
This weekend is the closing weekend for the 2014 USATF Grand Prix Series (Road Race). The race team will be participating in the Rothman 8k on Saturday morning and some members will be taking on the Philadelphia half- or full-marathon on Sunday. Please remember to get your race packets at the Marathon Expo before race day. Or have another member pick it up for you – all they need is a copy or picture of your photo ID and your race confirmation email. (No race-day pickups for any races.)

Off-Road Finale
The USATF Trail Race Series concludes on Saturday, 11/29 at the DE XC Open Championships. This is the 30th annual running of the DEXC Open races at Brandywine Creek State Park. Besides cash prizes to the top open and masters runners the race offers a huge post-race random giveaway. This year the race organizers promise a few special surprises. Drawing items include running attire by Gore, gift cards and lots more. Plan on sticking around later as we warm up at the BBC Tavern with a few of our fellow competitors. Race registration is here and day-of registration is always available.

Please note that Brandywine Creek State Park will charge $3 per car unless you have a Delaware State Parks annual pass.

The Big Day – 12/13/14
There is still time to join us for the USATF Cross Country Club National race at Lehigh University. The club has graciously sponsored a charter bus for transportation to the event and there is limited space still available. Please RSVP to Tom Steenkamer () or Rich Szymanski () for details.

Here is a picture from early in the 2013 Men’s Open Division race in Bend, Oregon.

(Photo Credit: USATF)

Gelsomina Paolini – IRONMAN!
On November 1st Gelsomina competed in her first full-distance Ironman race. The 2.4-mile swim was cancelled due to high winds and rip tides but she excelled in the 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run, finishing in 13:55:02! She’s got the bug now. She’s planning to compete in IRONMAN Arizona on November 15th next year!

Way to go Gelsomina!

(Photo Credit: FinisherPix – just in case the watermark wasn’t obvious enough)

Race Results, Reviews and Accomplishments:
Just want to remind people to send in any race results that you are particularly proud of. There’s no way for me to be able to watch Facebook and all the race sites. We want to congratulate everyone who deserves it!

Andy Jakubowitch, Erin Graves and Kelly Jones all competed in the Inaugural Skirt Chaser TEN-MILER this past Saturday. Andy was 2nd overall in 1:00:40.5, a blistering 6:04-per-mile pace. Erin won for the females, finishing in 1:11:53.5, a 7:11 pace. (Afterwards she went for a Slurpee. OK, I made that up.) Kelly placed 3rd in her age group, finishing in 1:24:06.4, an 8:25-per-mile pace! That’s just astounding! All three ran TEN miles in less than an hour-and-a-half!

(Photo Credits: Dave Frederick)

Theresa Cannon-Kauffman placed 2nd in her age group at the Bucks County Delaware Canal Half Marathon this past Saturday. This was her first big race back since her arm injury and she rocked it, finishing in 1:52:55! Awesome job Teresa!

Lynn Knothe and Greg Cauller both did us proud at the USATF National 12k Championships! Greg finished in 44:50 and Lynn mowed down 7.46 miles in 48:58!

Our Fearless Leader Claire Neilan won her age group at the Bethel Mariner 7-Miler Trail Run! Her spouse Jordan Fridman placed 3rd in his age group! The family that runs together…

Kelly Horowitz won the 6th Fire Run 5k this past Saturday, running in 19:08.0!!! John Schultz also competed, finishing in 34:41.3! Great job both of you!

Betty Olmstead also competed in the Fire Run as well as the Delaware Bandits 5k (both on Saturday) AND the LUNG Force non-competitive 2.1-mile walk in Rehoboth Beach on Sunday (with hubby Van and pet extraordinaire Gracie)! You’re a machine Betty!

Kirsten Belair won the Girls on the Run 5k on Saturday. PCVRC was well-represented here. Josh Loren came in 3rd overall male. Jennifer Loren placed 2nd in her age group!

IRONMAN Florida
(November 1st – Panama City Beach, FL)

Gelsomina Paolini 13:55:02

Bethel Mariner 7-Miler Trail Run
(November 2nd – Frankford, DE)

Claire Neilan 53:47
Jordan Fridman 1:08:18

Inaugural Skirt Chaser 10-Miler
(November 15th – Rehoboth Beach, DE)

Andy Jakubowitch 1:00:40.5 (2nd Overall Male)
Erin Graves 1:11:53.5 (Overall Female Winner)
Kelly Jones 1:24:06.4 (3rd AG)

Delaware Canal Half Marathon
(November 15th – Washington Crossing, PA)

Theresa Cannon-Kauffman 1:52:55.30 (2nd AG)

6th Fire Run 5k
(November 15th – Wilmington, DE)

Kelly Horowitz 19:08.0 (Overall Female Winner)
John Schultz 34:41.3
Betty Olmstead 39:34.6 (2nd AG)

2nd Delaware Bandits 5k
(November 15th – Wilmington, DE)

Betty Olmstead 42:10

Girls on the Run 5k
(November 15th – Wilmington, DE)

Kirsten Belair 18:58.1 (Overall Female Winner)
Josh Loren 18:15.0 (3rd Overall Male)
Jen Loren 21:20.0 (2nd AG)

U.S. National 12k Road Race
(November 16th – Alexandria, VA)

Greg Cauller 44:50
Lynn Knothe 48:58