Website: www.farcnj.com E-mail: webmaster@farcnj.com FARC Hotline: (732) 431-2627 Printing by Bowne VOL. 27 NO. 1 (March 2009) (also see e-mailed monthly FARC Flash NJ’s 3rd Largest Club & Growing

WELCOME our Energetic Incoming Executive Board!

Condolences to Isabel and Meldrum family on the sudden

loss of Bill Meldrum (see page 11) As many of you know, the husband of Isabel Meldrum, Billy

Meldrum died suddenly following a tragic accident on a commercial fishing boat. Isabel is a FARC Past-President, current Multi-Race Director (Kids’ Summer Nights Series,

Winter Series, and St. Paddys’ Day Races are directed or co-directed by her) an active director on the board of FARC, as

well as an active member of the shore running and race walking community and the race director of the Jersey Shore

Half Marathon. The final week of the Ocean Running Club Winter Series, Sunday February 22 became a special benefit

race. Kudos to the Ocean Running Club for donating $3 of the $5 registration fee for each runner to Isabel.

2009 Freehold Area Running Club Officers:

President Vice Pres. Vice Pres. Secretary Treasurer Mike O’Flaherty Linda Hyer Ron Salvio Pat Coyne Bob Roman

20th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Certified 10- Mile (Build for Boston) & 5-K (Leprechaun) Races start at Tighe Park Sun. 3/22 at 9:30 AM (see entry form in back) Scenic courses, food, drinks, great

commemorative shirts, age-group awards, random drawings for prizes, expo., beer & fun! Sign up by 3/15 for $15! All made possible by Nestle, FARC, Court Jester & others! AWARDS, AMENITIES & DIRECTIONS. SEE ENCLOSED ENTRY FORM

MATTHEW J. STUPER SCHOLARSHIP Applications - Due 3/31 to Webmaster or FARC, P.O. Box 4, Manalapan, NJ 07726 – See Web-site or March FARC FLASH for app. or Call Hot-Line for Info. – Terrific opportunity for Graduating High School Runner or College Runner!

THE LONG RUN An Official Publication of:

The Freehold Area Running Club, a.k.a. FARC

Enjoy a Fun Run Wed. 3/18, then relax at a Club Meeting while Stuffing Race Packets (the FARC Do-Si-Do): Enjoy Refreshments, Irish Soda Bread, & Irish Music – before St. Paddy’s Day Races. Sun. 1/4 - 2/1/2009 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FESTIVE AWARDS BANQUET & 26th CLUB ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION on 2/7/09 was fun for ages 15-95! (See p. 5-10, Full info. on Website)

2008 FARC Awardees (See ‘Year in Review’-in back) Photo credits to Wendel, Bergums, Ostrander, and Weitz, Fran Kugelmas Newcomer/Ed Robbins Memorial Award

full gallery may be viewed at www.farcnj.com Jim Jensen Don Deneck Memorial Award Isabel Meldrum Don Spadola Mem.Award (Vol. of Year) 26thAnnual WINTER SERIES Races Diana Burton Female Masters Runner of the Year Cody O’Flaherty FARC Runner of the Year Benefiting the Community. Thanks to our Sponsors –

Manhattan Bagel, Dunkin Donuts, Shore Runner, & Centra-

State Fitness Center, and the Freehold Township Parks and

Recreation Department - and our Loyal Volunteers.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

FREEHOLD, NJ – A record one thousand and thirty-eight runners took part in the 5-part series, along with dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors.

Race Directors Walter Rutsky and Isabel Meldrum have been at the helm for a decade.

Harry Papirman Male Masters Runner of the Year John Fredericks Race walker of the Year Katie Kellner Female Scholastic Runner of the Year Ryan Spadola Male Scholastic Runner of the Year Tom Wendel Officers’ Award Dolores Papirman Comeback Athlete of the Year Award Marcia Shapiro Presidents’ Award Avram Shapiro Presidents’ Award Nestle Excellence Award (rep.:Joe Anderson) Pat Coyne RRCA Volunteer of the Year Tabetha Davis RRCA Volunteer of the Year Ron Salvio RRCA Volunteer of the Year Maggie Freeman FARC Foyer of Distinction

The weather cooperated beautifully on January 4th. Rob Dennis (16:44, by two seconds over Pedro Espinoza) and Gabby Barrett (20:53, by twenty seconds over Monica Sanchez) were week #1 male and female winners. [FARC RESULTS with all runners and complete photos are on www.farcnj.com]

1/4/9 WINTER SERIES RESULTS

Overall winner Rob Dennis represents sponsor Shore Runner

Marty Slutzky, who brings the goodies, and his friends

Super Volunteers Kathy O., Linda H., and Marcia S.

Women’s’ winner Gabby Barrett of FARC

Bill Welsh and Bill O’Brien…running with wisdom!

TOP 10 MALE FINISHERS: 1 M23 Rob Dennis 16:44 2 M25 Pedro Espinoza 16:46 3 M15 Clay Rotas 17:50 4. M31 Colin Chehanske 18:03 5. M38 Phil Lozado 18:40 6. M39 Miguel Quantuna 19:35 7. M49 Carl Remsiv 19:36 8. M14 A.J.Kaletski 19:37 9. M52 Scott Linnell 19:39 10.M18 Connor Walsh 19:41

TOP 10 FEMALE FINISHERS: 1. F49 Gabby Barrett 20:53 2 F36 Monica Sanchez 21:13 3. F49 Gayle Ciallella 21:32 4. F51 Christine Murphy 21:33 5. F17 Katie Kellner 21:52 6. F18 Amando Cavallo 22:05 7. F14 Jenna Cody 22:07 8. F12 Kerry Dyke 22:27 9. F29 Jen Crombie 22:55 10. F12 Skylar Devree 23:15

TOP 4 MALE RACEWALK FINISHERS: 1 M60 Ron Salvio 32:07 2 M65 Ray Robertson 35:14 3 M74 Ben Ottmer 35:48 4. M68 Manny Eisner 35:52

TOP 4 FEMALE RACE-WALK FINISHERS: 1. F62 Panse Geer 33:18 2. F64 Fran Emanuel 37:02

TOP KIDS HALF-MILE RACE FINISHERS: 1. M 8 Nicholas Lundberg 3:17 2. F 8 Megan Summonte 3:38 3. F 10 Rebecca Leviton 3:42 4. F 8 Chelsea Straubel 4:08 5. F 14 Gwendolyn Morris 5:03 6. M 10 James Hagenberg 5:08 7. M 5 Derrick Grbac 5:21 8.

F 6 Samantha Murphy 5:25

TOP KIDS MILE RACE FINISHERS: 1 M11 Jeffrey Maiton 7:04 2.M12 Taylor Demick 7:15.0 3 F11 Emily Shibata 7:15.6 4 M12 Andrew Blaskovich 7:28 5 F10 Arianna Ferraro 7:56 6 M10 Bryan Chehanske 7:57 7 F10 Jamie Murphy 7:58 8 F10 Rebecca Levinson 8:08 9 M10 Nick Pappas 8:34 10. M8 William Spector 8:40 11. F8 Linday Golbtko 9:26 12. M13 Steven Palladino 9:48 13. F10 Crystal Pappas 9:59 14. F5 Mackinzie Quinn 10:14 15. F13 Gwendolyn Morris 10:21

1/11 WINTER SERIES RESULTS The footing of thin ice (no bike path) portended the razor thin margins of week#2 victory for male Pedro Espinoza (18:04, 3/10 of a second ahead of Rob Dennis) and female winner Natalie Ocasia (21:36, one second ahead of FARC’s Gabby Barrett).

TOP 10 MALE FINISHERS: 1 M23 Robert Dennis 1st Overall 16:17 2 M20 Bradford Schepise 1st 20-29 17:29 3 M23 John Mucina 2rd 20-29 17:57 4 M20 Chris Harvey 3rd 20-29 18:04 5 M20 Huan Tran 4th 20-29 18:16 6. M38 Phil Lozado 1st 30-39 18:28 7. M20 Brendan Krewer 18:34 8. M14 John Ward 1st 13-19 18:54 9. M39 (10-OA) John Behrens 2nd 30-39 19:21 10. M52 (11-OA) Scott Linnell 1st 50-59 19:26

TOP 10 FEMALE FINISHERS: 1. (9-OA) F36 Karen Charles 1st Overall 19:19 2. (21-OA) F49 Gabby Barrett 1st 40-49 20:59 3. (32-OA) F14 Natalia Ocasio 1st 14-19 21:52 4. (34-OA) F19 Kristin Enderly 2nd 14-19 21:57 5. (35-OA) F12 Kerry Kyke 1st 13 and under 22:01 6. (37-OA) F19 Leslie Feola 3rd 14-19 22:03 7, (40-OA) F20 Sophia Chick 1st 20-29 22:29 8. (43-OA) F19 Alyssa Philhower 2nd 20-29 22:37 9. (44-OA) F29 Kim Williams 2nd 20-29 22:37 10. (46-OA) F19 Meghan Corless 22:54

TOP 3 MALE RACEWALK FINISHERS: 1. (126-OA) M60 Ron Salvio 28:45 2. (160-OA) M65 Ray Robertson 33:19 3. (166-OA) M75 Ben Ottmer 34:59

TOP FEMALE RACEWALK FINISHER: 1. (180-OA) F40 Kathy O’Donoghue 39:31

TOP MALE CLYDESDALE FINISHERS: 1 (55-OA) M46 Mark Williams 23:30

2/1/9 WINTER SERIES RESULTS Nearly a minute of silence at the start for Bill Mel-drum…then Rob Dennis (16:27) and Brittany Hinton (20:26) were winners in grand finale week #5. TOP 10 MALE FINISHERS: 1 M23 Robert Dennis 1st Overall 16:27 2 M25 Pedro Espinoza 1st 20-29 17:14 3 M20 Bradford Schepise 2nd 20-29 17:33 4 M23 John Mucina 3rd 20-29 17:46 5 M20 Jay Rodgers 17:52 6 M20 Chris Harvey 18:28 7. M38 Phil Lozado 1st 30-39 18:32 8. M39 Miguel Quintana 2nd 30-39 19:48 9. M52 Scott Linnell 1st 50-59 19:59 10. M14 David Hudak 1st 20-23 20:23

TOP 10 FEMALE FINISHERS: 1. (12-OA) F18 Brittany Hinton 1st Overall 20:26 2. (15-OA) F14 Natalia Ocasio 1st 14-19 20:53 3. (16-OA) F49 Gabby Barrett 1st 40-49 21:04 4. (18-OA) F36 Monica Sanchez 1st 30-39 21:15 5. (32-OA) F19 Leslie Feola 2nd 14-19 22:33 6. (35-OA) F17 Allyson Moskal 3rd 14-19 22:41 7. (33-OA) F33 Shannon McGinn 2nd 30-39 23:10 8. (43-OA) F29 Kim Williams 1st 20-29 23:28 9. (45-OA) F14 Brooke Stanley 23:30 10 (49-OA) F42 Holly Dobrowolski 2nd 40-49 23:50

TOP 3 MALE RACEWALK FINISHERS: 1 (198-OA) M60 Ron Salvio 34:55 2 (199-OA) M75 Ben Ottmer 34:58 3. (200-OA) M65 Ray Robertson 35:09

TOP MALE CLYDESDALE FINISHERS: 1 (59-OA) M59 Jim Pate 22:58

Thanks go to Event Planners Linda Hyer & Pam Spadola

A JOB VERY WELL DONE, ONCE AGAIN!

[Carbohydrate-Loading, FARC-Style] OUR AWARDS BANQUET & 26th-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Took Place at the Reception Ctr. at St. Clement in Matawan. Sixty (60) Celebrants from age 15 - 95 Participated!

At least half of the Cash & Prizes were donated to help Meldrum family and in Memory of Bill for Dear Isabel

Dancing, a.k.a. Cross-Training as Practiced and Enjoyed by Many:

Chris, Tab, Betty, Rich &friends Dancing, i.e doing Warm-up Exercises

After cocktails & hors d’ouevres, FARC’s New 2009 Executive Officers were introduced:

Bob Roman (Treasurer), Michael O'Flaherty (President), Linda Hyer (Vice President), Pat Coyne (Secretary), Ron Salvio (Vice President). These fine ladies and gentlemen will work with the Board, Committees, Race Directors, Sponsors, and Community to manage and grow our club into the future. Please offer them Congratulations and your support!

Thanks for the Fine Work & Efforts of 2007-08 Board:

John Weitz (2007-08 President), Jim Bergum (2004-08 Secretary), Michael O'Flaherty (2005-08 Vice Pres.), Chris Davis (2007-08 Treasurer), Not Pictured: Maggie Freeman (VP).O

William C. Meldrum

12/17/1954 – 01/27/2009

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.

Some people stay for awhile and give us a deeper understanding of what is truly

important in this life.

They touch our souls.

We gain strength from the footprints they have left on our hearts and we will never be the same.

The Family of Bill Meldrum wishes a very sincere Thank You to the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, the United States Coast

Guard,

the Point Pleasant Boro First Aid Squad, the Brick Hospital Emergency Staff for your gentleness and

compassion.

The Board of Director of the Fisherman Co-Operative, the Captains, the Rutgers Univer- sity family, the Running Community and the Staff at

Colonial Funeral Home, Rev. Robin Lostetter, First Presbyterian Church, our friends and neighbors who showed their love for Bill

for your support to our fam- ily during our trying time.

You all have helped us in trying to understand our

loss and we are so very appreciative.

Thank you,

Isabel Meldrum and the Meldrum Family

Published in the Asbury Park Press on February 13,

2009

http://php.app.com/inremembrance/newimages/5000124972.jpg

Runner’s Forum Comeback # 732 by Bud Fitch

OK, maybe it’s comeback #73 or #32 or #327, but when you’ve been running for over 30 years you lose count. Anyway, 2008 has been my best year for awhile. Both 2006 and 2007 were interrupted with illness and injury. In 2006, after having turned 60 in April, I had a septic blood infection after minor surgery. Laid me low for about six months, which was really annoying because I had just entered a new age group and only had to compete against the old guys. In my first race as a 60 year old, I finished 13th OA in a (very) small race and was really pumped up, until I looked at the results and found out that another 60 year finished SECOND OVERALL- that’s not right! Later that summer, I suffered the blood infection- while on vacation, no less- but I did get to be one of the first patients in the new Williamsburg, Va. Hospital. So, we come to 2007 and I’m getting back in shape again. In the summer, I’m running at Battlefield State Park in the Summer Series, even running in front of some people that I normally finish behind- and then, my knee goes crunch! Torn meniscus- arthroscopic surgery. So after a few more months, I started running again and entered the Winter Series at Liberty Oak Park- oops! Michael J. Tighe Park. So, my first race back was a 30+ minute 5K- not very impressive. I’ll blame it on my unnamed running partner that day. Gradually, I reduced my times and started to feel like a runner- OK, a jogger- again. After a succession of races, I brought my race pace down to 8:00 minute mile pace, including races in Upper Freehold(3rd AG), Wall, Battlefield State Park, and Manasquan Reservoir and even a first place age group in a first year race at Turkey Swamp Park, sponsored by Barkalow School. Next came a breakthrough

race, at a 7:40 pace, in the Little Silver 5K- finishing third in my age group and garnering real hardware- a small $3 trophy. I was able to participate in the Timberbrook Triathlon for the first time in three years. Usually, there aren’t a lot of old guys, but this year there were ten(!) sixty year olds- and, I placed only sixth. They must have had faster kayaks than me! Then I ran the Shore AC Cross Country series for Team FARC finishing with my peers in races filled with young people. I didn’t race again until late November, with a lousy performance at the Born to Run 5 miler. Probably too many short, slow runs/walks. Anyway, that provides me with the incentive to train more/harder in Toys for Tots and FARC winter series and the 2009 season. Good news! I got back on my 8:00 minute pace at T4T, running surprisingly consistent 8:03s. That will give me some incentive to increase my mileage and pace during training. Hope to have some good times to report back about, although I can always use the overindulgent holiday season as an excuse. [Editor’s Note: Bud is an inspiration to many and one of FARC’s “Founding Fathers”, who lives but a stone’s throw from Tighe Park – We are all excited to know that he is back on top of his game again!]

Racing in the Winter by Robert Murphy

FARC just had the great Toys for Tots 5k, my first winter (or close to winter) race-being a 12-year old. It was a lot different than races in Summer, fall, or spring. Here are some tips and things you have to remember about racing in the winter:

1. Stay warm: When you show up for the race, don’t be in a tank top and shorts. Wear a jacket or sweatshirt over your running clothes to keep yourself warm. You want to stay warm before racing to make sure your muscles don’t tighten up. When you line up for the race, just throw off your jacket. If you’re on the starting line for a few minutes, just move around and stretch a little to stay loose and warm.

2. Stay hydrated: Just because the weather isn’t warm doesn’t mean that you’re going to get hot. Water is very important before a race. Don’t chug a whole bottle because that’ll cause cramps.

3. Practice in this weather: A winter race will feel hard if you don’t practice for it. Don’t always practice on a treadmill. If it snows, you should be ready for it. If you practice in this weather, the race will seem more comfortable and you will have less breathing problems. (Yes, it might get harder to breathe In the Winter than the Summer).

4. Pin your bib number to a T-shirt or your first layer of clothing: If you plan to run in a sweatshirt but throw it off in the middle of the race, remember to not pin your bib to your sweatshirt. Even if you don’t take off your sweatshirt while your running, you could just reach under your sweatshirt when you’re done with the race to a first layer to rip of your number.

5. hAvE fUn!!!: If you prepare the right way, pace yourself, and follow these rules, you can enjoy the course you’re running, get your mind off any bad things, to talk to a friend, or maybe even enjoy the snowflakes falling around you.

Three veterans and a virgin Chilly Cheeks 2009 by Jim Pate A small but hearty group met at Friendly’s for the carpool to Mt. Penn and the Chilly Cheeks 7.25 mile trail race. Gary, Ted, Vince and I met at 8:15 army time. The ride over had light traffic with only one slight detour we promised not to tell Dee about. The temperature was cool but there was very little wind blowing. We noticed the steam from the cooling towers at Pottstown Limerick power plant rising almost straight up! The ground seemed clear of snow on the way out but Mt. Penn holds many surprises. This was Vince’s first Mt. Penn race and he seemed a little apprehensive so we assured him these races are just like road races except for the steep hills, green briars, rocks, mud, ice, snow and wild animals. We parked at the Liederkranz German Singing and Sports Bar which was nice and warm with plenty of room for everyone as we waited for the race start. They had plenty of hot coffee for the runners and the bar was open. I could see several runners pre-lubing with shots of Jägermeister and draft German Beer. I guess you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning! We headed out to the car to get ready to go to the start and Ted demonstrated his technique for running on ice for Vince. He still bounces pretty well for an older guy! I changed my shoes for a pair of trail shoes I put screws in. They helped a lot on most areas. http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm The start was next to the park where the Half Wit and Ugly Mudder start but across the road. Ron Horn gave the pre-race announcements including the warning, “Don’t assume the person ahead of you is on course, if they were that bright, would they be here?!!” We were soon off. The trail followed a paved road for the first hundred yards then turned down a fairly wide two track for nearly a half mile of gradual down hill. It was nice to get into a good running rhythm but this was to be short lived! The course made a turn straight up the very steep mountain. There was no trail so everyone picked their own way up the hill. Just as we started to level off, we entered a briar section with a lot of downed logs to be negotiated. People were starting to curse and we hadn’t even run a mile yet! We broke out to a ball field and there was Ron Horn grinning like the Cheshire Cat! The trail crossed the ball field then followed the road for a half mile of rolling hills before turning up a moderately steep single track. We eventually came out in a field and ran by the Mt. Penn Pagoda before crossing a road and following a two track down hill. What goes down, must go up! The course was a series of steep climbs and descents for the next several miles with much of the course off trail. Every so often there would be motivational signs on the trees like: “Go down hill fast, break your @ss”, or words to that effect. Around the five mile mark there was a water stop with “Alternative Beverages”, Yuengling Lager to be exact. I enjoyed a few that were just a slight bit frozen and then continued on. Shortly after the beer check, there was a sign “Beautiful and Boring, I bet Boring sounds beautiful around now!” It was! The course followed a fairly level two track on the snow covered side of the mountain for almost a mile. We began a gradual down hill toward the end and just as I started to feel recovered I looked to my left and said, “Holly Crap! Look at that!”, to the runner next to me. We could see the line of runners winding

up a very steep and long section of mountain aptly named,“ Mt. Whaddafug”. This hill was very steep and only got steeper as you climbed. Everyone was walking at this point and a few were stopped off the side catching their breath. Eventually we came out on a road on top of the mountain and ran down it a short way before turning left down a single track trail that went steep down the hill. There were a few turns at ninety degrees and the guy in front and behind me both slipped and fell at the same point. I started to find my rhythm and ran down a steep section trying to avoid the ever present rocks and roots. The trail went right over a mountain bike jump then down a steep and rocky section. I couldn’t help wondering how many casualties that section has generated over the years! We came out in a park, ran by the pond and back down the same section of road and trail we ran in the start of the race. This time we turned left and were routed up the infamous “Mt. Mud”. The hill was frozen and I was able to pick my way up it without too much trouble. Gary was at the top of the hill cheering me up. The course turned right through the parking lot then left up a final little lung burner hill to the finish. After finishing, I went back to cheer the other runners in. Ted and Vince finished shortly after me. We went back to the car to get some dry clothes and enjoy some hot Glow Wine. Vince, virgin no more, just kept shaking his head. I asked him at what point of the race did he ask himself, “What the hell did I get myself into? He said, “The first hill!” Ted was nursing a banged elbow from where he went down crossing a frozen bridge but other than that we were no worse for wear. We went to the Liederkranz and enjoyed a late breakfast with a few pitchers of beer watching an Irish Family band perform before the awards ceremony. All and all, it was a great day and definitely worth the drive! If you want to win something, enter a local 5K. If you want to experience something you will talk and laugh about for years, enter one of Ron Horn’s Trail races!

Please see next issue, April LONG RUN, for Thomas Golden’s “The Challenge”

It’s that time of Year to Renew your Membership by Paying Dues for the next 1 or 3 years for you/family. The 3-year family deal is an outstanding value! Please check the important information on your mailing label – It will inform you when you are due to renew – always at year-end. Use the Membership form at the back of this newsletter. Also please send your current e-mail address to the webmaster www.farcnj.com, then we ensure that you receive the informative and fun monthly FARC Flash with upcoming race information!

-PLAN TO BE AT 2009 FREEHOLD AREA RUNNING CLUB'S 27th ANNUAL SUMMER

RACE SERIES At MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK, ON ROUTE 33

in MANALAPAN

COURSE: is Combined Park Road, Trail, and Cross Country, Certified 5K Course

Within the Park (same as last year) See next issue, April LONG RUN, for a Club Member Runners’ Profile – It Could be You!

Also, for Information Call 732-431-2627 or Visit www.farcnj.com

Letters to Editor & Webmaster Please let us hear what you have to say about us and we will promptly respond to any questions or issues so that we may do our best to improve your experience in the community. Please send all correspondence to the FARC webmaster Jim Bergum at www.farcnj.com or webmaster@farcnj.com. Thank you in advance!

Please Be a Volunteer and Be Glad You Did Be a race volunteer, & learn how good it feels. More helpers are always needed at all the races & events. If interested, please call & speak with or leave a message for our Volunteer’s Coordinator, Marcia Shapiro at the FARC hot-line (732-431-2627) or contact the webmaster webmaster@farcnj.com & offer your time as a volunteer for races. No previous experience necessary. Wanted: Need contributors to submit articles to the Long Run Newsletter at webmaster@farcnj.com”.

Wanted: More FARC photographer(s) webmaster@farcnj.comWanted: ‘Willing Participants in club - webmaster@farcnj.comFARC FLASH Please send your new e-mail address to webmaster@farcnj.com to get the FARC Flash, our monthly

electronic newsletter. This is an easy-to-read two-page format with race forms & it’s full of good information. Please let FARC (webmaster@farcnj.com) know your interesting activities – FIT for FARC to print! FARC Discounts at Area Running Stores Say you’re a FARC member - you will get at least a 10% discount from these local running shoe & apparel stores:

• Shore Runner at 3889 US Hwy. 9 North at Hwy. 18) at Shoppes at Old Bridge, NJ.(732.571.3100)

• Runner’s High on Route 27 up in Metuchen, Middlesex County, NJ.(732.549.9440)

• Miles Ahead Running Store at 2241 Meeting House Rd. @Circle in Manasquan, NJ (732.223.0444)

• Shore Runner at 40 Centennial Drive (Pier Village Shopping Center) in Long Branch, NJ (732.571.3100)

• The Running Store at 595 State Highway 35 in Shrewsbury, NJ (732.758.8008)

Good shopping & look for club cards at your next renewal. Newsletter Mailing Update Newsletters are sent by both e-mail and postal mail. If you don’t want the e-mail version, please send an e-mail to webmaster@farcnj.com and you will be taken off the list. If you don’t get an e-mail version but would like one in addition to the postal version, or if your e-mail is either not valid or has been changed – please send an e-mail to webmaster@farcnj.com.

Your E-MAIL Address Many of you are changing your Internet provider and your e-mail addresses listed in our membership directory for you are invalid. We have started a new service called the FARC FLASH, a monthly electronic update on what’s happening in the Club. So if you change your e-mail provider, please send your new address to us at: webmaster@farcnj.com.

FARC Welcomes New Members Paul Gilly Kelly Korz Deborah Betz Jim Chehanske Family JoAnn Coffee Dave Cole Eric Coursen Sandra Etlinger Michelle Ferraro Robert Fisch ChristinaFurie Ian Herrighty Alex Kavoleff Family Lynne Koller Stuart Kibrick Family Cesane Lucido KathyMisciagnaFamily Lisa Oakley Valerie Paolucci Jennifer Parker ScottPerusichFamily David Saraceni Tom Resch Anneli Svensson Family Patrick Young Karen Arena-Spoleti Peter Van Den Akker Family

[To avoid delay in receiving your hard copy & electronic newsletters & FARC FLASH, please renew your membership if label on back says it is due. Thanks. Renewal applications can be downloaded from the www.farcnj.com web-site.] Please tell us how we can serve you better!

Kudos & Congratulations To members for your fine running accomplishments. Please forward them, along with Du-, & Tri-athlon, Race-walk, & other accomplishments so as to share the news!

FARC WEEKLY TRAINING Sunday Group Runs, FARC Marathon Training Sun. group runs are held at 8:00 AM at the usual location off Windeler Rd. on the south shore of Howell’s Manasquan Reservoir. All distances & paces are welcome. The up to 5-mile long dirt trail is easy on the legs. Those who wish to do >15 miles often begin early, i.e.~7:00 AM to beat the heat in the summertime. Awards are given for milestones. The club provides post-run refreshments & welcome camaraderie. Come out & share a run or walk. Manasquan Reservoir Walking Group Join Ben Ottmer’s walking group Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM at the Welcome Center on Windeler Road at the Manasquan Reservoir. Walker/Walking Coach Ben has tips on race walking, health walking, and flexibility. Go your distance!

Support our Sponsor:

3464 Route 9 South, Freehold, New Jersey 07728 www.unitedstorallcenters.com

Or feel free to call 732-761-8420 feel free to call Jim Gilbert, the Manager of United Storage

Member Race Results Members: Please send results & photos to FARC [You can also get times and results off FARCnj.com web-site] Bronx ½ Marathon (NYRR RACE) John Emigholz - 2:18:01

Patrick Young - 2:23:02 Cesare Lucido - 2:57:14 Grid Iron Classic Patrick Young-38:21 Ceasare Lucido-48:08 Mobile Marathon Diana Burton - 5:26:46 2nd age group Miami Marathon Diana Burton - 5:33:10 Manhattan ½ Mara. PatYoung-2:23:37 CesareLucido-2:49:04 Philadelphia Marathon Carl Danziger – 4:04 at 65 years old! Philadelphia 1/2 marathon Joanne Quinn - 1:58:44 Born to run Freehold Ken Vercammen - 31:59 Navesink Challenge 5k Ken Vercammen - 19:32 3rd OA Metuchen Arthritis 5k Ken Vercammen-18:28 1st40-50 4thOA Big Chill Rutgers Ken Vercammen - 19:33 Polar Bear 5 mi. Asbury Pk. Ken Vercammen - 32:03 1st 40-49 Charlotte Marathon Diana Burton - 5:33:35 3rd AG

Completed 12 marathons & 10 1/2 marathons in ‘08! Began running in ’02; since completed 31 marathons in 26 states!

USATF-NJ Grand Prix Ralph Garfield - 2nd 70-74 USATF-NJ 15K Ralph Garfield -1.15.27(3rd 70-74) Freehold Toys for Tots 5k Steven Feldman 25:43 NJ Meet of Champions, Indoors-400Meter Ryan Spadola 49.5 Eastern Region.Championship-400 Meter Ryan Spadola 49.3 U.FL Gainesville, Tyson Invitational- 3K Erica Weitz-10:30 PR Conference USA Championship - 5K Erica Weitz- 18:23 PR Friend of FARC Robby Andrews and his dad Bob have run in our summer series 5Ks at Battlefield. Robby set an age group national record in the 1000 meter distance in NYC this winter with a ~2:28. RECORDS ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN-SUBMIT YOURS FARC Course Records: Tighe Park 5-K Existing course record: Matt Forys 15:30 (1/27/08). Women: Erica Weitz 19:06 (12/14/08).

Freehold Area Running Club’s 2008 in Review

Twenty-six (26) years as a great athletic and social club in central New Jersey is plenty of reason for FARC, New Jersey’s third largest running club, to celebrate. We had close to 20 successful club races – all gaining in popularity, such that several of which were record-breaking in size. We also had parties, club meetings, and excellent speakers this year. FARC also supports other running and racewalking races in the community by providing club resources such as our equipment, volunteers with phenomenal breadth and years of officiating experience, and race management expertise to execute all angles of race production and

development. How we perpetuate that expertise by imparting it to a new generation of ambitious & able volunteers may determine how we in this great club approach the coming decades. The hope is that this writing can help to review what we have been doing, while reminding us of our accomplishments and even a few growing pains, trials, & tribulations. FARC keeps rolling along because we have very many wonderful members and volunteers. And while we don’t agree on everything all the time, we have mostly common goals, and we are team-oriented and we find practical solutions to attain those goals. So let me first say thank you to a wonderful & multi-talented executive board slate and board consisting of so many dedicated ex-club presidents and officers whose experience and unique talents stretch far and wide, and who has been so supportive and productive working hard and effectively for the club. The volunteers who made it all happen for FARC in our 26th year were Isabel Meldrum, Marcia & Avram Shapiro, Tom Wendel, Bob & Linda Hyer, everyone with the last name Bergum (Jim, Janet, Mike, & Nate), everyone with the last name O’Flaherty (Mike, Cathy, Cody, Michael) or Davis (Chris and Tabetha), Maggie Freeman, Walt and Kathy Rutsky, Ron Salvio, Hal Smith, Pam Spadola, Dave Friedman, Bob Roman, Joel & Bev Stern, Gail and John Weitz, Mike Chudkowski, and Stan Dubroff. This brief listing does not in any way do justice to all of their efforts. The work and help that the Hyers, Isabel Meldrum, Tom Wendel, the O’Flahertys, and the Shapiros provide to FARC’s races, events and behind the scenes is invaluable. Marcia’s time-consuming and invaluable efforts to recruit volunteers for FARC races and events make it all possible; so when running organizations across central New Jersey want to locate expert volunteers, they always seem to ask for FARC expertise and for good reason! Cathy O’Flaherty headed up the sales of FARC-wear, bringing in revenue to the club that was often given to worthwhile causes and for scholarships. And to be sure, there are many other great club volunteers not listed as well, but you all make it work for FARC and area racing. A heart-felt thank you to you all, and please email FARC or call our hot line if you want to be more involved in the workings of our growing club!

Thanks to our 2008 Freehold Area Running Club Executive Board:

Pres. VP VP Sec. Treasurer John Weitz Mike O’Flaherty Maggie Freeman Jim Bergum J.Chris Davis

As 2008 came to a close, we had our Annual Holiday Party/Club meeting (12/11/08) and the election of the 2009 officers. The new officers include incumbent executive board member and long-time vice president, coach and runner Mike O’Flaherty’s nomination and election to the presidency, and two board members, Ron Salvio (Summer 5K Series Race Director) and Past-President Linda Hyer being nominated/elected vice-president, and a third board member Bob Roman being nominated/elected Treasurer, and long-time member Pat Coyne being nominated/elected to be Secretary. FARC recognized the fine contributions of the outgoing board, Maggie Freeman (VP and elite runner/triathlete who will remain our police liaison), Chris Davis (Treasurer, new father and runner), Jim Bergum (Secretary), and John Weitz (P), for their two years as leading officers of the club. Jim Bergum still has his hands full as our extraordinarily skilled webmaster. Ron Salvio, who joined our board two years ago, served as race director once again for our 26th Summer Series of 5 Km races, after bringing a wealth of running and race management experience to our club (from USATF & elsewhere). He also has recruited national class race walker John Fredericks to the FARC family and team. Welcome John!

Coach Mike Speaks Matt Forys sets 5K course record -15:30 at Tighe We began 2008 with our 25th Annual Winter Series that seems to grow each year that Mother Nature allows it to, and it was our good fortune that this year was no exception. Our Race Series went off each week as scheduled as wintry weather was not a limiting factor and we were able to keep the competitors on the standard bike-trail-and-road course, to better accommodate the record 200-deep field of runners and race walkers. In addition to a flat 5K course, the runners get the well-known FARC brunch including soup (made by Isabel,

perennial winner of the Golden Ladle award), bagels, donuts, coffee, distinctive awards to the most successful in their age groups, as well as the friendship of the FARC family once again for only $3 (members) and $5. What a deal! Special thanks goes out to our Winter Series Sponsors: Manhattan Bagel, Dunkin Donuts, the Freehold Township Parks and Recreation Department, and our two welcome new sponsors: Shore Runner & Centra State Fitness Center also came on board. Kudos to Walt Rutsky and Isabel Meldrum for their fine race directorship over at least the last 10 years, covering parts of two millennia! Winter Series Race winners are as follows: Race 1 (1/06/08) Winners: Kris Carle (M) – 16:22 & Gabby Barrett (F) 20:32 Race 2 (1/13/08) Winners: Pedro Espinoza (M) – 16:48 & Jenna Cody (F) 20:45 Race 3 (1/20/08) Winners: Pedro Espinoza (M) – 16:34 & Jenna Cody (F) 20:44 Race 4 (1/27/08) Winners: Matt Forys (M) – 15:30 (course record) & Gabby Barrett (F) 20:23 Race 5 (2/3/08) Winners: Luciano Oliveira (M) – 16:22 & Stephanie Zottoli (F) 19:12

Freehold Area Running Club Founders (Ed, Bob, Ralph, JJ, & Avram) 25 Years Later In early February, we had our annual awards banquet where we all get dressed up (and then see if we can recognize each other in other than running clothes!) and usually meet some new people. The banquet is always a good time with libations and plenty of carbohydrate and other loading, consuming a lot of delicious foods. Then the awards always bring surprises and a lot of inspiration from the awardees for us all. The auction baskets or drawings also bring surprises for their winners. Those who enjoy dancing have a great time and the rest can either watch or schmooze or pretend to dance while actually stretching for the next morning’s race. The awards for 2007 went to the following very deserving FARC family members (at the 2008 banquet); Ed Robbins Memorial Award – Cathy O’Flaherty (Service Award); Don Deneck Memorial Award went to Martha Lanko (Love of Running); Don Spadola Volunteer Award – Michael Bergum; Male Runner of the Year – Philip Lozado; Female Runner of the Year – Monica Sanchez; Master's Male Runner – John Taylor; Senior Runner of the Year - Jim

Robbins; Race walker of the Year – Maria Paul; Scholastic Runners of the Year – Rich Roman and Heather Spadola; Most Improved Female Runner of the Year – Alisa Hagenberg; Most Improved Male Runner of the Year – Tom Long; Comeback Runner of the Year – Sandy McKay; Helping Hand Award – Marty Slutzky; Coach of the Year – Mike O’Flaherty; Race Official Extraordinaire – Bob Hyer; Presidents Awards – Beverly & Joel Stern, and Stan Dubroff; RRCA Volunteer of the Year Awards – Janet Bergum, Art Rosen, and Nathan Bergum; Excellence Award – USA United Stor All; Foyer of Distinction – Don Spadola. FARC’s friends, Walter McGowan, President of Shore Athletic Club, David Friedman, President of USATF-NJ, Dave DeMonico, RRCA Representative, John MacGillivray, JSRC (and former RRCA Rep.), and area race directors Phil and Penny Hinck.

Past Presidents: Bob Hyer, Isabel

Meldrum, Ed Daley, Bud Fitch, Tom Wendel, Linda Hyer, Marcia

Shapiro, and Jeff Decker We started out at the March meeting with the traditional pre-St. Paddy’s Day Races’ packet-stuffing session at Tighe Park on March 26. The pre-meeting fun run took place as usual at 7:30 just as it was getting dark. Then the meeting started with a featured high-tech therapeutic equipment demonstration by familiar local chiropractor Peter Joffe. After questions and answers between interested FARC members and the doctor, the main business of our meeting began as members all helped by stuffing race packets while walking approximately 1,000 laps around a block of several tables (the FARC Do-Si-Do); the end result being ~1,000 goody bags ready to distribute to runners on race day Sunday. Attendees enjoyed solid and liquid refreshments just as Isabel tells me the Irish do best. Everyone on hand got in the mood for the coming races. The St. Paddy’s Day USATF Championship 10-Mile and 5 Kilometer Leprechaun Races took place on beautiful courses starting at Tighe Park on 3/30/08 and were a big success, drawing 990 runners. Nearly 1,000 hard-charging runners and walkers were registered, directed, and fed by over 70 dedicated and hard-working volunteers. The

race had an exceptional turnout (for spring break week), including 641 10-mile finishers and 272 5-K finishers! This was the 2nd or 3rd largest St. Paddy’s Day field in a March tradition directed by Jeff Decker (1990-98), Marcia Shapiro (1999-2004), Tom Wendel (2005-2008), and Isabel Meldrum (2009-). Race Director Tom Wendel handled the large job extraordinarily well and his Race Committee did their typically outstanding job of organizing and producing this complex USATF-NJ 10-mile championship race, currently the largest FARC race. FARC is grateful for the fine sponsorship provided by Nestle, Old Country Buffet, the Court Jester of Freehold, Atlantic Physical Therapy of Freehold, Centra-State Health Care, United Stor All, the Freehold Parks and Recreation Department, and other corporate members of our community who assumed prominent roles in supporting the 19th annual St. Paddy’s Day Race. Special Olympics is one of the beneficiaries of this well-managed race. It’s great fun and everyone has a good time. Spring also begins with our St. Paddy’s 10 Miler and Leprechaun 5K. The races again benefited the Freehold Recreation Special Education Program, PBA Special Olympics, Freehold Recreation Kuhnert Scholarship, and our own scholarship fund. Race timing and scoring utilized the electronic chips/transponders for the first time in Tighe Park. It was a sunny day with mild temperatures in the 50s, producing fast times as many of the state’s best runners competed. The overall 10-mile winner was Ben Reynolds from Chatham, New Jersey in a time of 51:01. Sarah Muhlbradt from Piermont, New York was the female winner in 1:04:23. In the 5-K, Ken Shatzer from Middletown, New Jersey won in 17:31, with our own Cody O’Flaherty (17:41) close in third. Barbara Brennen was the female winner with a time of 19:59. A new race photographer, Tiger Paw, was on hand to better focus on the events. Afterwards, the thousand runners and racewalkers celebrated with their families and friends at the post-race party at the park. Featured were all-you can eat hot dogs from Old Country Buffet. The race was already ranked #1 on noted critic Rob McGill’s list of top beer races. It certainly appeared that everyone was having a good time during the exposition, awarding of prizes, camaraderie, and abundant refreshments! Our April 16th club meeting drew dozens of members. Following the club’s traditional 30-minute pre-meeting fun run starting and finishing from the Mike Tighe Park activity center, club meeting attendees partook in various refreshments,

and then sat down in the activity center and were enlightened by two fascinating presentations: First, Gabby Barrett, top female club runner as she runs ~19 minutes for the 5K, presented the benefits of cross-training for runners and weight training with pilates and more for athletes of all pursuits. Goals are to build strength, improve flexibility, and remain as injury-free as possible with the help of these training techniques. Local marathoner Alisa Hagenberg demonstrated the exercises for everyone’s benefit. At Gabby’s gym, AMERICAN WOMAN FITNESS CENTER on Route 9 North in Freehold, you may see or participate in these various types of training and much more at any time. The meeting’s second presenters were local Shore Runner running shoe store proprietors Mike Chirico and Christine Clifton, both extremely knowledgeable about shoes and running gear. Christine is a top local runner herself, competing in team and individual competitions. (1) Gabby’s gym and (2) Mike & Christine’s new Old Bridge store give local athletes more options than what was previously available. The second annual Jack Kuhnert 5 km was held at Michael Tighe Park on Mothers Day, Sunday May 11 and a saw a small increase in the number of runners (40), since the inaugural race the year before. The race, to raise money for the Kuhnert Scholarship fund, honors the legendary and beloved long-time area basketball coach. The Memorial Scholarship fund awards college scholarships to needy Freehold high school students to assist in furthering their education. The event was the brainchild of Jack’s widow and current Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce President, Loretta Kuhnert. Saturn of Freehold served as race sponsor this year. The overall winner of the race was Freehold’s own Cody O’Flaherty, who ran 18:27 to edge out Kyle Shaughnessy by 10 seconds. On the female side, Barbara Jean Brennan of Little Egg Harbor who took the honors at St. Paddy’s the previous month in 19:59, won here in 20:01. Club volunteers helped the race go smoothly. Afterwards, a large percentage of the runners won awards, and refreshments were enjoyed by all. Local Channel 77 was on hand after the race to interview the overall race winner, O’Flaherty, and the Club.

JACK KUHNERT SPRING CLASSIC 5K SCHOLARSHIP RACE 2008:

Men Top Finishers Overall 1. Cody O’Flaherty 18:27 Women Top Finishers Overall 1.Barbara Brennan 20:01 At our terrific May 15th club meeting with a large crowd of club members attending, the inspirational Scholarships were awarded. The club continued to remain committed to helping support our young runners as or after they make the transition from high school to college. The 10th year of our Matthew John Stuper Memorial Scholarship fund distributed five generous awards averaging on the order of nearly $1,000 each. The very highly-deserving student/athlete recipients this year were Jacqueline Roy (Lacey High School graduate, now attending American University in Washington, DC), Jack Tarpey (Graduate of Freehold Township High School, now attending Desales University in Center Valley, PA), Richard Roman (graduating from Marlboro High School, entering Rutgers University), Alexis Roy (graduated as valedictorian from Lacey High School), and Renee Hyer (graduating from Marlboro High School, entering TCNJ). Fittingly, our special guest speaker and member (who says everyone should aim as high as they can) Elliott Denman then told his story about becoming an Olympian and his years attending many Olympic games as a reporter. Elliott displayed his extensive knowledge of Olympic history as he answered many questions from the crowd. I think the audience would have happily listened and participated had he gone on all night!

2008 MATTHEW J. STUPER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS :

Jackie Roy Richard Roman Alexis Roy Jack Tarpey Renee Hyer FARC contributed volunteers, equipment, and expertise at the 1st annual Blue Jay 5 K which drew 350 runners and walkers at Turkey Swamp Park on May 31. The inaugural event offered something for everyone from runners to walkers, with a great shirt, awards, refreshments, and a fairly flat and very scenic course. On the women’s

side, FARC’s Gabby Barrett (20:04) edged out Coker College’s star Kendyl Seawright (20:33). June and July brought the running of our 26th annual Summer Series at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. We had a record turnout for our Kids Summer Nights (KSN) celebrating its 14th year. We were averaging 100+ kids per week. Our combined 5K Summer Series and Kids Summer Nights races ranging from 25-meter sprints through 1-mile races/fun runs drew a field of over 200 runners per week and well over 1,000 runners for the summer. The races were held on Wednesdays between June 25 and July 30 in historic Monmouth Battlefield State Park on route 33 in Manalapan [just after the park’s annual June 21-22 Revolutionary War battle re-enactment]. The races were sponsored by Pauline’s Health Food Store on Route 9 South in Manalapan and Shore Runner of The Shoppes at Old Bridge on Route 9 North (nearest locations). This well-organized race series as usual drew participants for ages 1 – 81, and offered something for everyone. The Race-walkers finally got the firm footing, all on the road, which they crave. Participation of area Cross Country runners from the local district high schools included Freehold, Manalapan, Colts Neck and more. Awards were varied and popular. Ice pops helped cool runners. It was so heartwarming to see the kids run the 100-meter Battleground Charge (only kids love to run up hill). They are so inspiring! A special thank you to Pauline’s Health Food Store that has sponsored the kids races for the past 10 years. KSN was once again ably directed by long-time female competitive race walker and new bride, Isabel Keeley (who shortly after the series ended, married commercial fishing boat captain Bill Meldrum on August 23. Also, the Summer Series 5-K Races were directed by long-time competitive race walker Ron Salvio for the second straight year. Also, a special thank you to our 25 stalwart volunteers who came out each week to put on these races at the Monmouth Battleground State Park in Manalapan. The men’s and women’s divisions of our 1st race were won in 18:33 (Manual Arpi) and 20:30 (Erica Weitz). The men’s and women’s divisions of our 2nd race were won in 17:31 (Rob Dennis) and 21:12 (Erica Weitz). The men’s and women’s divisions of our 3rd race were won in 17:36 (Rob Dennis) and 21:43 (Leslie Surbrug). The men’s and women’s divisions of our 4th race, the Prediction Run, were won in 18:04 (Rob Dennis) and 20:45 (Kendyl Seawright), but they were not the closest to their prediction. Mother Nature played tricks with just one summer series race, the handicap race, during the 5th week

on July 23rd. The men’s and women’s divisions of our 1st race were won in 17:46 (Rob Andrews) and 20:58 (Melissa Provost). Just one year ago, Runner’s World Magazine published an extended article on kids’ running and featured 3 “well-organized” kids’ running programs around the United States: Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota, Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., and ours truly: the Freehold Area Running Club’s Kids Summer Nights Series in Manalapan, NJ. August saw the conclusion to our 2008 Summer Series on Wed. July 30, then the “Dog” (or horse) days of summer brought the popular FARC “A Day at the Races” Family Picnic, for the second straight year at this venue. Over 80 members attended the FARC picnic at Monmouth Park. Some placed bets and some even won big money! Members sat along the rail socializing with FARC friends, tasting the great food and sipping on a cool one. Special thanks to Linda Hyer and Cathy O’Flaherty and other helpers for their thoughtful & effective planning, food, and our favorite libations. We also had fine desserts (and many remember the quarter-century of club picnics with softball and delicious baked goods). After eating, we enjoyed the races that went on through the afternoon. The price to members included grandstand picnic admission, official track program with pen, food, beer, wine, and soda. Held on Sunday (Aug. 24), which is Family Fun Day at Monmouth Park, the event includes free pony rides, clowns, face painting, music, and more. This event has been named “The Best Family Attraction” in Monmouth County by the Asbury Park Press. Also in August (8/10/08): Tabetha (and Chris) Davis proudly gave birth to Gianna Isabella Davis, whose first strides will be eagerly anticipated by all towards the end of 2009…on schedule for Grandpa’s training her for 2028 Olympics (to be revisited in future YIRs). A DAY AT THE RACES--FARC SUMMER PICNIC

We had a busy fall season starting with the fourth year of our X-Country team, September - November. Cross-country is exciting and it is good that our X-County team gets excited when they get together. It is all about running! Organized by Walter Rutsky, the FARC team competed in the fall Shore Athletic Club cross-country series between

September 27 and November 1, 2008 at (1) Thompson Park, (2) Tatum Park, (3) Wolf Hill Recreation Area, (4) Thompson Park, (5) Tatum Park, and (6) Holmdel Park Championship. FARC’s team was 5th overall, behind only the (1st) Hoboken Harriers, (2nd) Shore AC, (3rd) GPH/JSRC, and (4th) Sandy Hookers. The team consisted of Scott Linnell (2nd in 50-59 age group), Eric Davis, John Taylor (3rd 50-59)), Joe Santonacita, Thomas Long, Mike O’Flaherty, Tom Breva, Przemek Nowicki, Alisa Hagenberg, James Bergum, Ralph Garfield (2nd Overall in 70+), Leslie Nowicki, Cathy Locklear, Kyle Shaughnessy, Judy Nealon, Charlie Peer, Bert Lundberg, Patricia Chambers, Paul “Bud” Fitch (FARC’s comeback X-C runner!), Walt Rutsky, and Antonietta Picascia. If I missed someone, my apologies. Liquid refreshment usually flows by the end of the series in celebration. Way to go FARC! After a nice 5 K fun run through the local neighborhoods led by Jim Bergum, Ron Salvio, and others, those who attended FARC’s club meeting at Michael Tighe Park on the evening of October 15, 2008 got a chance to enjoy club refreshments, each others’ camaraderie, and hear inspiring stories from Runners Worlds’ “CRO” (Chief Running Officer, a job many of us would crave!), Bart Yasso, who shared stories of running some of his more than 1,000 races from all over the world. Mr. Yasso stayed after speaking to sign copies of his new book, entitled: “MY LIFE ON THE RUN”. Bart’s innovative technique known as the Yasso 800s, refers to doing a weekly workout of 10 x 800 meters at 5:00/4:00/3:00/2:30 (minutes/seconds) if you are training for a 5:00/4:00/3:00/2:30, respectively, (hours/minutes) marathon ― for beginners, intermediates, or advanced runners. On the day after Thanksgiving, seven hundred & forty-one (741) road racers competed in the 24th annual Born to Run (named after Bruce Springsteen’s album by that name) 5 Miler in Freehold organized by FARC on a cloudy cool morning on November 28, 2008. The race has seen consistent growth these last four years (2005-2008) expanding from 540 to 612 to 661 to 741 runners, to where race director Bob Hyer has the race on trend to possibly become the club’s largest race in the not-too-distant future! Men’s overall winner in 26:07 was second generation club member and excellent competitive marathoner Victor Vientos (23) of Matawan, running at a pace of 5:14 per mile. “The course is really cool, you go through the park & by the lake, it’s very scenic,” he said when asked his thoughts on the course. The

first women finishers ran the course together then were timed at 29:47.4 (Lindsey Gallo, 26, of Freehold) and 29:47.7 (Amanda Trotter, 23, of Little Silver), noted national-class runners of this decade. John Fredericks was the first racewalk finisher at 49:25. First Clydesdale finishers were John Guth of Titusville at 36:27, and Patty Matiskella of Charlottesville at 40:59. The race actually finds a noticeable hill in Freehold, on Pond Road, where the surface changes from road to trail and back to road. Nate Bergum took photographs. Again the FARC family of volunteers came together to put on a great race. One of the nice things about this race is seeing all the kids and their family members back home for Thanksgiving. We gave out the traditional Born to Run sweatshirt. Thanks to everyone who made it happen. The Court Jester Restaurants of Freehold and Aberdeen provided post-race refreshments for the 24th straight year. Also helping to sponsor the race were Shore Runner of Old Bridge and Long Branch, Freehold Area YMCA, Shop Rite of Freehold for providing fruit, Cpl. Reynolds’ US Marine Corp. Detachment for guarding our streets, the Freehold Township girl scouts for staffing our water stop, the Freehold Borough Fire Dept. for use of their building (and having the Springsteen-donated ‘Born to Run’ fire truck on the course), and to the Freehold Borough Police, First Aid, and Road Dept. Race proceeds were donated to the Lake Topanemus Park, for trails and other maintenance, and $4,000 to the Open Door Pantry soup kitchen in Freehold. Jeanne Yaecker, director of Open Door, was our official starter with her “ready, set, go!” The race followed the lead police vehicle driven by Patrolwoman Wendy Patt of the Freehold Police Department accompanied by Maggie Freeman, FARC VP. Bob’s race committee consisted of Linda Hyer, Isabel Meldrum, Mike & Cathy O’Flaherty, Walt Rutsky, Marcia and Avram Shapiro, John Weitz, and Tom Wendel.

November 28, 2008 BORN TO RUN 5 K Started and Finished in Downtown Freehold

1stMale: Vic Vientos, Jr. 1stFemale: Lindsey Gallo & Amanda Trotter The annual December club meeting took place this year on December 11, 2008 in Tighe Park. The Dec. meetings traditionally include the moderate-paced 5 K fun run through neighborhoods north of the park, Club Officer elections, a discussion of upcoming events, holiday goodies and holiday décor. The elections results were unanimous approval of the exciting newly-nominated slate of candidates bringing experience, enthusiasm, and a love for their sport & will serve our club in 2009: PRESIDENT: Mike O’Flaherty, VICE PRESIDENT: Linda Hyer, VICE PRESIDENT: Ron Salvio, TREASURER: Bob Roman, and SECRETARY: Pat Coyne. These ladies and gentlemen deserve our congratulations. They will work with the Board, Committees, Race Directors, Sponsors, and Community to manage and grow our club into the future!

Good luck to 2009 Freehold Area Running Club Executive Board

Pres. Vice Pres. Vice Pres. Secretary Treasurer Mike O’Flaherty Linda Hyer Ron Salvio Pat Coyne Bob Roman

The next phase of the December 11 meeting featured a fascinating presentation by special guest speaker Dr. Stephen Rice, local Sports Medicine practitioner, who then gave an extremely interesting talk integrating running and athletics with sports medicine’s health and injury treatment. He has a background of keeping young-at-heart athletes of all ages active in their sport whenever possible. He has been a fixture at St. Paddy’s Day (with Walter Stein), the New York City Marathon, and has successfully provided health services for area school sports teams. Dr. Rice heads up Jersey Shore Sports Medicine for Meridian Health Systems, next to Neptune’s Jersey Shore Hospital off Route 33. See him if you need to! The second Sunday in December (12/14/08) brings our Toys for Tots 5 K race and a fine registration of 350+ with 325 finishers. It utilizes the same scenic course as used in the 2008 (and 2009) 5 K Winter

Series, meandering along the bike trail and park roads. The course map on display at the Activity Center was drawn by board member Walter Rutsky. The overall male and female winners for the race were once again Freehold Borough High School star cross-country and track runner Cody O’Flaherty (17) in 17:29 and University of Central Florida cross-country and track runner from Marlboro Erica Weitz (20) in 19:06. FARC Board Member and incoming VP Ron Salvio (nationally ranked in his age group) was first race walker in a very competitive field at 28:34. It was our 19th year that FARC gave back to the community with toys for the Marine Corp program. The generosity of runners always makes me proud of our running community. The amount of giving is awesome, and it was estimated that $500,000.00 worth of toys were donated through FARC’s Toys for Tots races over the past 19 years! Thank you one and all. Special thanks go out to race director Mike O'Flaherty and the FARC family of volunteers. The ATT/Telecordia Pioneers again sponsored the race, and the Empire Diner was back to sponsor the race.

12-14-2008 TOYS FOR TOTS 5 K RACE START

Our Sunday morning, Manasquan Reservoir runners and walkers keep racking up the miles. This is unquestionably the most beautiful and accessible place to train for marathons, half-marathons, or any distance, or just to commune with nature or others any time of the year. Practically nothing can beat running the loop, but race walking – when you pump those arms - is a close second. The miles just seem to go by so effortlessly there. Every year or two, a new member reaches the 1,000 mile club or other milestone. Thanks to Joe Saffer who has handled miles statistics for the Sunday morning group. Our website, www.farcnj.com, kept everyone informed throughout the year. It was always loaded with race results, news on upcoming events, pictures, and miles of other interesting tidbits. Plus, the appearance continues to be quite creative. Thank you Webmaster Jim Bergum for your excellent maintenance and mastery of our site. Thanks Jim for the professional-looking and informative monthly club e-newsletter “FARC Flash” that keeps members informed every month. Thanks to Dave Friedman who gives our newsletter a professional look and quality all year long. Thanks also to Marcia and Avram Shapiro for manning the FARC hot-line: 732-431-2627.

Sincerest FARC condolences to Isabel upon the sudden and tragic loss of her dear husband, Bill.

My apologies but sincere thanks to those giving time

who were inadvertently omitted.

Special thanks to the FARC Board of Directors who supports and gives so much to the club:

Michael O'Flaherty, Maggie Freeman, Chris Davis, Jim Bergum, Isabel Meldrum, Bob & Linda Hyer, Marcia & Avram Shapiro, Tom Wendel, Walt Rutsky, Ron Salvio, Dave Friedman, Joel Stern, Bob Roman, Mike Chudkowski, Bud Fitch, Stan Dubroff, Rich Edwards, and Fran Kugelmas. And thanks to all who have offered ideas and encouragement to help guide the club over the past months and years. With your strong connections to the club and that of those you help bring into the club, FARC will always be strong and vibrant - See you all on the roads, tracks, and trails this year! -John Weitz

RACE CALENDAR

(All phone numbers 732 unless otherwise noted. Many races have websites Go to www.farcnj.com or hotline 732-431-2627 for details.) MAR 09 03/15 Caesar Rodney Wilmington, DE 13.1 M 9:30 AM 03/22 St. Paddy's Michael Tighe Park, Freehold, NJ 10 M

5 K 9:30 AM 431-2627

03/28 The Rat Race Neptune American Legion, NJ 5 M 10:00 AM 908-489-0926

03/28 Jaguar Jog Monmouth Battlefield Park, Manalapan, NJ 5 K 11:00 AM

03/29 Ocean Drive Cape May to Sea Isle City, NJ 26.2 M 10 M 9:00 AM 5 K 9:00 AM 10:00 AM

03/29 Keep Kids Alive Colts Neck High School, Colts Neck, NJ 5 K 11:00 APR 09 04/04 Fool's Run Manasquan, NJ 5 K 11:00 AM 223-0250 04/04 Get The Lead Out Wissahickon, PA 10 K 5 K 9:00 AM 04/05 Indian Trails Middletown, NJ 3 M 15 K 9:00 AM

04/18 Jsy. Shore Relay Seaside Hts-AsburyPk. 26 M Total Various Times 04/18 Asbury Park 1/2 Asbury Park, NJ 13.1 M 8:30 AM 04/18 Run with Eagles Allentown, NJ 5 K 10:00 AM 610-533-7524 04/25 Lake Como Bar A, Lake Como, NJ 5 K 10:00 AM 04/25 Country Roads Cream Ridge Winery, NJ 5 K 9:00 AM 04/26 Donna Lane Thompson Park, NJ 5 K MAY 09 05/09 Fear the Pier Leonardo, NJ 5 K 10:00 AM 866-2068 05/17 Delaware Marathon Wilmington, DE 26.1 M & 13.1 M 7:00 AM 05/23 Spring Lake 5 Spring Lake, NJ 5 M 8:30 AM JUNE 2009 06/24 Summer Series 5K&KidsRuns, BattlefieldPk, Freehold,NJ 6PM JULY 2009 07/01 Summer Series 5K&KidsRuns, BattlefieldPk, Freehold,NJ 6PM 07/08 Summer Series 5K&KidsRuns, BattlefieldPk, Freehold,NJ 6PM 07/15 Summer Series 5K&KidsRuns, BattlefieldPk, Freehold,NJ 6PM 07/22 Summer Series 5K&KidsRuns, BattlefieldPk, Freehold,NJ 6PM 07/29 Summer Series 5K&KidsRuns, BattlefieldPk, Freehold,NJ 6PM SEP 09 09/13 Via's Marathon Allentown, PA 26.2 M 13.1 M 7:00 AM

Member Road Runners Club of America and USA Track & Field – New Jersey

BENEFITS OF FREEHOLD AREA

RUNNING MEMBERSHIP Informative Newsletters

Free T-Shirt to New Members Sunday Group Runs

Seasonal Track Sessions Summer Series with Kids’ Races Winter Series with Kids’ Races

Race Entry Discounts Discount at Local Merchants

Annual Scholarship Annual Club Picnic

Annual Awards Banquet Member – RRCA

Member - USATF-NJ Club #118 Weekly Group Runs

Race Schedule Team Entries

X-Country Workouts Race Walking Team/Program

Social Activities

New______ or Renew________ (Please check one)

Family Members’ Name & Age Name: ___________________________________________________ _________________________ (Please Print) Street: ___________________________________________________ _________________________ City: ____________________________________________________ ________________________ (Additional names on back of form) State: _______________________ Zip: ________________________ Telephone #: __________________ E-Mail Address: (Please Print) ______________________________________________________________ Membership Types, Select One: Please circle option Standard Membership Fee: Individual Family Shirt size:(new membership only) Two Shirts for Family Membership 1 YEAR (Good thru 12/31/09) $15.00 $ 20.00 Shirts may be picked up at any club event 3 YEAR (Good thru 12/31/11) $35.00 $ 45.00 S M L XL Please make check Payable to FARC, P.O. Box 4, Manalapan, New Jersey 07726

Visit our web site at FARCNJ.COM for upcoming events. I know that running and volunteering to work in club races are potentially hazardous activities. I should not enter and run in club activities unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run. I assume all risks associated with running and volunteering to work a race including, but not limited to, falls, contact with other participants, the effects of weather, including high heat and or humidity, the conditions of the road and traffic on the road, all such risk being know and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these acts, and in consideration of your acceptance of my application for membership of myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waiver and release the ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA and the FREEHOLD AREA RUNNING CLUB and all sponsors, their representatives successors from all claims of liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation in these club activities even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons names in this waiver. I grant permission to all of the foregoing to use any photographs, motion pictures, recording or any other records of this events for any innate purpose, I understand the failure to sign this waiver may affect my, status as an official FREEHOLD AREA RUNNING CLUB Member. Signature: ______________________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Parent Signature (if under 18): __________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Membership Application 2009

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