e-XTRA
e-newsletterFebruary 2012
In This Issue
Rouge-Orleans Ultra
Between the Lines
Word on the Street
Talk on the Trail
Subscriber of the Month
Marathon & Beyond
janfeb_cover
Click here for Jan/Feb issue of Marathon & Beyond

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Twitter
@MarathonBeyond


Do you know a
Marathon & Beyond subscriber who should be featured in e-Xtra?
Send us an email - we
love to hear what our
friends are doing!


 
2012 Rouge-Orleans UltramarathonRouge Orleans

On Friday, February 10, a group of hearty runners took off on a foot tour of south Louisiana - the Rouge-Orleans solo ultramarathon. Zoie Clift, Marathon & Beyond contributing author, was on hand to cover the event for her article that will appear in a future issue of the magazine. Starting at the USS Kidd battleship in Baton Rouge, runners ran 126.2 miles on the levee along the Mississippi River all the way to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. Long-time subscriber Joan Filipowski and Marathon & Beyond staffer Jenny Stinson were among the runners who finished this epic adventure.

 

Between the Lines: John J. KelleyYoung Johnny Kelley
In our 2012 Jan/Feb issue, Richard Englehart wrote the article "Johnny." All of the photos in the article were taken by W.R. "Bill" Hurshman, a long-time friend and photographer of Johnny J. Kelley. Bill shared with us some of his fondest memories of his times with Johnny.

I met Johnny - I sometimes referred to him as simply "Kel" - in the early 70's. If my memory serves me well, I mistakenly went up to him at a Mystic River pub called The Jolly Beggars, thinking that he was his brother Bob. Bob was my Civics teacher back at Waterford High School in the early 60's. Johnny corrected me and introduced himself. We shared a pitcher of beer with some mutual friends ... and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

It was summer of 1974 (I think). I was living in Mystic at that time. Johnny was on summer break from school, and my work schedule was very flexible, so we began to run, bike, and have some mischievous adventures.

 

One particular "adventure" I'm thinking of a was a bike ride. It may have been the day Johnny cleaned out his stuff from Fitch High School in June 1980. Anyway, we rode our 10-speeds from his house in Mystic through rural roads in Ledyard/Stonington stopping at Long Pond for a refreshing swim. While we were drip drying trying to decide where to go from there, Johnny suggested that we continue north toward Lantern Hill and hopefully find his old teammate from the 1959 Pan Am Games - Al Confalone - at home.

 

Well, he was home and was more than glad to see his old pal. He offered us each a beer - the first of many - and we set for the remainder of the afternoon with Johnny and Al reminiscing about their shared running experiences. I was more of a spectator than participant.

 

Afternoon turned into evening, and we stayed for dinner. I was finally able to pry Johnny away from his pal and convince him that we still had a 15-mile bike ride ahead of us - in the dark. One constant about Johnny was that when he realized he was late and in trouble with Jesse, he may as well make the good time last as long as possible.

 

The first 8 miles was on narrow, freshly paved roads. We had no lights, there were no street lights, and the white lines hadn't been painted yet. We were riding virtually blind.

 

It was probably close to 11:00 PM when we rode into the Kelley driveway on Pequot Ave. Jesse was waiting with the appropriate, yet well-deserved scolding, but it was worth it.

 

That's usually the way it was. One of us would have a brilliant idea, and Johnny would say "We gotta' do it Billy!" Sometimes we did it and later lived to tell about it. I have a friend who says that memories are only memories until you write them down - at that point they become evidence. I have lots of other memories with Johnny that will never become "evidence."

 

For more than thirty years I ran, biked, hiked, and shared much memorable time with Johnny. During those many years, Johnny exhibited a single trait that seemed central to his very being. You are probably familiar with the term "Teen Angst." Well, "Kelley Angst" was his world class version of that condition. If he weren't behind the proverbial eight ball, he would think that the universal balance of order had been lost.

 

Our frequent - at least weekly - contact usually began with a phone call and could go in any of a number of directions from there. I found flexibility and spontaneity to be essential attributes to possess in order to maintain a good relationship with Johnny.

 

"Hey Kel, are you busy?"

 

"Well, Billy, you know how it is. I've got this deadline for my COMPASS story and another one for The DAY: running column. I have to drive Jessie to the store. I still have to get a run in before I bike over to New London for my cab shift. What's up?"

 

At that point he would always invite me to join him in his madness and our meetings, almost always, began at his kitchen table. There was always a dog and any number of cats milling around, looking for food or a scratch behind the ear. Depending on the time of day, there would be a cup of fresh perked coffee or a cold beer offered to me as we talked over the plan of the day - all while he typed out his next article.

 

Kelley_Hurshman
Bill gives Johnny direction for
the sports documentary.
photo: Antonia Hurshman

Here's a recent example of what a phone call with Johnny could lead to. It was October 2009, and Johnny called to tell me that he just received a phone call from Benjamin Rassat, a sports documentary film director in Paris, France. Benjamin was working on a film about Alain Mimoun's winning the gold medal in the marathon at the 1956 Olympic games in Melbourne, Australia. Rassat wanted to get an interview with Johnny.

 

The big problem was distance. Benjamin couldn't justify the expense of bringing a film crew to Mystic to shoot a scene that would be less than 5 minutes in the film. He asked Johnny if he knew anybody with video equipment who would be interested in shooting the scene. Of course, Johnny knew someone - me. Johnny gave him my email address, and we were on our way.

 

What we now commonly call multi-tasking was Johnny's natural state. I can't remember ever doing NOTHING with him - never even a lapse in thought or conversation.

 

While cranking out an article - complaining about the sticking key on his manual Brothers typewriter - he would be offering insight into the latest Dylan recording and whatever book he happened to be reading.

 

Whenever I came across an article/reference/review of anything that I considered interesting, Johnny was always the first person that I would think of and get a copy to him at our next get together.  

 

Leonard Cohen just released his first studio album of new material in 7 years (Jan. 31, 2012). Johnny was the first person who came to mind when I thought of whom I had to tell. It is times like these when I miss "Kel" the most.

Word on the Street Qualifer Logo
Qualifier Marathon
May 20, 2012
Midland, Michigan


Ever dream of qualifying to run the Boston or New York City Marathons? Or, ever think about qualifying to just do your best? Your chance to reach your dream is here during the Great Lakes, Great Races Dow Weekend of Races. The Qualifier, a/k/a the "Q" marathon course begins at Loons Stadium in Midland and ends at beautiful downtown Bay City riverfront.

 

The "Q" half marathon run and competitive walk course starts at Delta College Campus and also finishes in downtown Bay City. From course elevation (very flat and very fast) wind direction (at your back) to the time of year (temp in the 50's) and the time of day (early/mid morning), we've thought of everything you'll need to achieve your personal best.   

  

All runners receive a participation medal and high-quality technical shirt. For those who achieve their "qualifying time," a gold medal will be awarded by Bill Rodgers a/k/a "Boston Billy" and Greg Meyer, the last American male to win Boston!

 

Click here for additional information on training, nutritional tips and a motivational message.
Registration discounts are available through February 28.

Talk on the Trail
Michael Wardian Mountainback
Michael Wardian sets new
course record in 2011
photo: fongstudio2.com

Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK 50 Miler

October 21, 2012

Boalsburg, Pennsylvania

 

The Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK has been celebrated by both trail and road racing fans for twelve years and counting. Held on state forest lands in central Pennsylvania, the course combines many of racing's most valued qualities. It's scenic from beginning to end, held in October during fall foliage season, and on mostly unpaved fire roads, so you're on softer surfaces in a non-urban setting.  

 

It's a single, certified loop that takes in state parks, lakes, babbling brooks, and challenging hills. Elevation gain is 5,035 ft. You can run the whole 50 yourself or do a relay version (2 to 8 runners rotating through 12 segments). As an ultramarathoner, you'll get cheers from awestruck relay runners along the way and have a chance to refuel at 11 aid stations. As a relay runner, you'll get to see ultramarathoners (from novice to elite) in action.

 

The 2012 mOUnTaiNBACK will also include the USA 50 Mile Championships, featuring runners from throughout the nation vying for a $6000 cash purse. The race has drawn in top runners from both road and trail, and many repeaters. The event kicks off with a pre-race dinner and expo and concludes with a post-race celebration, refreshments, music, and awards, including medals for all ultramarathon finishers and team awards for all relay categories. Registration includes earlybird summer discounts and closes on October 6. A spring "Tussey Teasers" series and fall "Discovery" training series on the course attract new and returning runners. Come join us. Just for the hill of it. Click here for more information. 

Subscriber of the Month: Paul Lindauer
Paul Lindauer Feb 2012
Foothills 50K Frenzy
photo: Long Run Picture Company

A loyal subscriber since 2001, 50-year-old Paul Lindauer from Boise, Idaho, is just about the most positive guy you could ever meet. Rarely is he seen without a smile on his face and an encouraging word to fellow runners. Fellow ultra trail runner Dennis Ahern says, "I still remember the time I met Paul at the Pocatello 50 in 2009.  At the time it was just my second ultra race. He was already a veteran of many tough races, and I looked up to him as someone I could learn from. I think one of the most important things I have learned from Paul was the value of an unfailingly positive attitude. That attitude is most visible in his constant enthusiasm and encouragement of others."

 

Paul began his distance running with the Dallas White Rock Marathon in 1994 when he was stationed at the Shephard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas. Five years later, he was transferred to Hickham AFB in Oahu, Hawaii. It was in Hawaii that he discovered the trails and transformed into an ultrarunner. Paul ran his first 100-mile race in 2002, and has run eight more 100-mile races since - including Cascade Crest, Western States, Grand Teton, Wasatch, Antelope Island, and the Bear (three times). In total, he has run 35+ ultras.

 

Marathon & Beyond caught up with Paul in between running trail ultras long enough to ask him some questions.

 

M&B: When did you decide you wanted to run BEYOND the marathon distance?

 

Paul: In 1999, my family and I were transferred to Hickam AFB, Oahu, Hawaii. I was running one day with the son (Julian) of a friend of mine who told me about a "trail run" - the Aiea Loop, which was 4.2 miles. He warned me of rain and mud. It sounded intriguing so I went. At the start, this crazy old guy "akabill" (who would later become my Yoda) said, "You can run fast, but be careful of the roots and rocks and mud. And, most important, remember to enjoy the scenery." As I was quick to find out, trail running was AMAZING. Soon I was venturing out with the HURT (Hawaiian Ultra Running Team) on long excursions and learning more about the challenges and joys of running and life. I ran my first 100-miler (Hurt 2002) after really only one or two 40-mile runs. Race weekend was rainy and muddy, and I must have fallen 30-40 times. I stayed positive though, laughing and having fun, imagining that I was in Middle Earth chasing Orcs. I ended up only one of twelve (out of sixty-two starters) who finished the HURT 100 that year. I was hooked!

 

M&B: What was your favorite ultra?

 

Paul: My favorite ultra has to be my first HURT 100. I caught up with akabill on the fourth 20-mile loop, and we ran it in together. Simply forever memorable. Now, I truly enjoy each run, and Idaho and the surrounding areas continue to have great runners, spectacular trails, and now more ultra races. As we get more ultras in Idaho, we are called out to embrace the wilderness experience as we continue to run and run and run...

 

M&B: What has ultrarunning taught you?

 

Paul: Running has taught me much about myself and about life. Probably the most important thing - running has taught me HUMILITY. It's tough out there, but I know when I am out on the trails that I am becoming a better person - both physically and mentally. Running has helped me stay young and energetic, not only for myself and my family, but also for future grandchildren, and it allows me to be a role model for young and old alike. I would like to keep running ultras for the next 10, 20, 30, 40 years??!! And that is truly a HUMBLING thought...
Upcoming Marathon & Beyond Events
Napa Valley Marathon Expo: March 2-3, 2012
Illinois Marathon Expo: April 26-27, 2012
Flying Pig Marathon Expo: May 4-5, 2012
Contact Us - We'd love to hear from you!
Marathon & Beyond
206 N. Randolph St., Suite 400
Champaign, IL  61820
877-972-4230 (toll-free)
 

How would you like to receive a complimentary copy of the Boston Marathon & Beyond special issue?Boston Issue

Here's how...If you are already a subscriber, get a friend to subscribe to Marathon & Beyond magazine by March 10, 2012, and we'll send you a copy of the Boston Marathon & Beyond special issue as our gift to you. Have your friend call us toll-free (US only) at 877-972-4230 or 217-359-9345, and tell us the magic words: Boston e-XTRA. Be sure your friend gives us your name, and you will get your Boston issue. As a bonus, we'll give your friend a Marathon & Beyond rain poncho!

Or ... If you are not a subscriber yet and would like to receive Marathon & Beyond, subscribe by March 10, 2012, and we'll send you a copy of the Boston Marathon & Beyond special issue. Call us toll-free at 877-972-4230 or 217-359-9345 and tell us the magic words: Boston e-XTRA.
Offer expires March 10, 2012