2011 June/July Tulsa Running Club TREAD Newsletter

T • R • E • A • DTulsa Running Club’s Entertainment, Activities & Dates

Tulsa Running ClubContact Information

Mail: P.O. Box 3304Tulsa, OK 74101

Hotline: (918) 512-1872

E-mail: [email protected]

Internet: www.tulsarun-ningclub.com

Volume 5, Issue 4 www.tulsarunningclub.com June/July 2011

P.O. Box 3304 Tulsa, OK 74101

Also in this issue

President’s Note..........2 Race Calendar..............2 TRC Board .................4 Nutrition Note............5 Runners Give Back.....6 TRC Donation............8 Racewalker Feature...10 Footnotes...................12 Boston Bound...........14

The Tulsa Running Club is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the benefits of running and walking by providing social, financial and moral support to Tulsa and the surrounding communities and to establish camaraderie among runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

Flash Back to the Mohawk 5000by Geoffrey Simpson - Mohawk 5000 Race Director

The time for the Tulsa Running Club Mohawk 5000 Race is upon us again this year. As an organization, the Tulsa Run-ning Club has renewed its focus on ben-efiting the running community as a whole. We think the time is right for a race that is affordable to all runners, and running families. We have lowered the prices of the Mohawk 5000 to make it accessible to all. If you are a TRC member, you only have to pay $10 to run the 5k if you pre-register. We are excited about giving back to our members with this year’s Mohawk 5000.

Oklahoma struggles with obesity, smok-ing, and gener-ally unhealthy habits. Together with the running stores, the Tulsa Running Club is helping people get into the sport that we love, running, to better individuals, and the lives of loved ones and family mem-bers. The running stores have all stepped up and made Tulsa a great place for run-ners, providing training, equipment and a supportive environment for established runners and those looking to get into the support. We are all here to make the com-munity stronger and better.

The proceeds from the Mohawk 5000 will be going back to the Tulsa Running Club, which is a 501(c)3 organization. We are doing this because we are giving back to the running community, and we need to support those efforts. We are planning on doing this several ways. The first is that we will be providing more social opportunities for run-ners, including sponsoring activities follow-ing our weekly track nights at TU.

Secondly, we will be taking liquid (cold water) and emotional sup-port to runners at the most popular running trails around Tulsa. Lastly, we will be more involved in lobbying for the improvement and mainte-nance of the running trails in

and around Tulsa.

We invite you to join the Tulsa Running Club if you are not yet a member. With your help we can make Tulsa an even better community for runners, and through our ef-forts, make Tulsa an even better community for everyone. Your membership fees, and all proceeds from the Mohawk 5000 will go towards these goals.

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Race Calendar June11 – June Bug Jog (Tulsa)11 - Runaway 5k (Tulsa)11 - Boomtown Run (Cancelled, but see website for donation opportunity)17 - Inola Run for St. Jude24 - TRC Mohawk 500025 - Bixby Green Corn 5k Run / Racewalk25 - Muskogee Creek Nation Run (Oklmulgee)26 - Claremore Sole to Soul Run

July1 - TATUR’s Midnight Madness 50 Mile Road Race4 - Fleet Feet Firecracker 5k9 - Josh Hatzell Ram Run (Owasso)9 - Mid-Summer Madness 5k Run (Stroud)16 - K’athage Akiwena Jiwere Otoe Run (Red Rock)22 - TATUR’s Reckless Redneck One Mile Downhill Race and Redneck Games30 - Bedlam Run

August8 - TATUR Mud Run and Kids Mud Run12 - Trailblazer 5k Run & Block Party

From the TRC President...By Shawna Simpson

Sources: www.oksportsandfitness.com, www.runnersworldtulsa.com, www.arkansasrunner.com & www.marathonguide.com.

Please note: Articles submitted for this publication are the opinion of the author.

2011 Newsletter Advertising Rates

Receive a 10 percent discount if you purchase three or more ads per year (you must pay in advance). Ads are due by the 20th of the month for the following month’s newsletter. To schedule an ad, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

• Business card size ad: $20• ¼-page ad: $40• ½-page ad: $55• Full page ad: $100• Ad design: $25 (if needed)

It’s hard to believe that summer is already here! But, just as the school year ends, things really start picking up for the Tulsa Running Club and the race calendar.

This month, we present the Mo-hawk 5000. This year, the pro-ceeds from the race will go to education and outreach in the running community. We have had several wonderful opportunities to help with running events for the community and organizations, and hope to continue to support you, the runners in Tulsa.

Additionally, we wanted to make this race affordable for families and individuals hit hard by the economy. We think we have found a great way to do that! And as always, we need your help. If you are unable to race this year, but would like to volunteer, please contact us!

We are very happy with the recep-tion we have received about the changes in this newsletter. With the savings, we are now able to provide more social nights at the track, as well as sponsor more races and provide services for the running community.

Additionally, if you are want-ing a print copy and do not have a printer, the Tulsa Library has informed me that members can print the TREAD out at any library branch!

In this issue, you will see some remarkable stories, from runners helping out after the devastation in Joplin to efforts your Tulsa Running Club have made to help

individuals complete their first 5k. There are wonderful stories throughout Tulsa, and we want to hear yours! Email your stories to [email protected] and we would love to feature you!

We are also featuring several race walkers in this issue. You may not know this, but the TRC also helps promote and support the race walk-ing community. These athletes train hard and work hard, and we wanted to help make their stories heard.

If you know of a group activity, a training run, or a race that would like help or sponsorship from the Tulsa Running Club, please contact us. We are here to help. Addition-ally, if you see issues with trails or safety issues, please contact us. We want to make running in Tulsa safe and enjoyable, and that in-cludes alerting members of poten-tial dangers!

Have a wonderful summer and Run Happy!

Shawna SimpsonTRC President

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2011 Mohawk 5000 Run Entry Form - Please Print Information BelowEvent (check one): 5k Run 1k Fun Run 5k Racewalker (Honor System)

5k Clydesdales (Male, weight 170lb+)____________ 5k Athena (Women, weight 145lb+)______________

Mail Entry Form to: Mohawk 5000 Run, c/o Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa, 5968 S. Yale Ave., Tulsa, OK 74135-7414Must be postmarked by June 17th, 2011 - Make Checks Payable to “Tulsa Running Club” - Amount Enclosed $_______________Name __________________________________________________________ Age on Race Day _____ DOB ___/____/____ Sex ___ Address ____________________________________________ City ___________________________ State____ Zip ____________ Phone _____________________________ Email ____________________________________________________________________I know that running a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run unless I am medically able and properly trained. I also assume any and all other risks ssociated with running this event including but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, the e�ects of the weather, including high heat and/or humidity or extreme cold weather and the conditions of the trails, all risks being known and appreciated by me. Furthermore, I agree to yield to all emergency vehicles. I am also fully aware that baby strollers and wheels of any kind, animals and head phones are strictly prohibited and I agree not to have them on the course. Furthermore I agree not to go back onto the course after �nishing. Knowing these facts and in consideration of your accepting my entry, I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators or anyone else who might claim on my behalf, covenant not to sue, and waive and release and discharge any and all race sponsors, race o�cials, volunteers, local and state police, or property damage of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of, or in the course of my participat including any and all of their agents, employees, assigns, or anyone acting for or on their behalf from any and all claims or liability for death, personal injurying in this event whether same be caused by negligence or fault. This release and waiver extends to all claims of every kind or nature whatsoever, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown. The undersigned further grants permission to sponsors and/or agents authorized by them to use any photos, video tapes, motion pictures, or any other record of this event for any purpose. Minors accepted only with parent or guardians signature. I also agree that if I am issued a Timing Chip and the Chip I am issued is not returned to the event organizer after the event, I will pay a lost Chip charge of $25.00.

Signed______________________________________________________ Must be signed by participant or parent/guardian if under 18 years old

This race will be electronically timed by Time Line Results

Information and Online Registration at:

www.tulsarunningclub.com

online registration closes June 19th

In Store Registration:

Monday June 20 throughThursday June 23

Fleet Feet TulsaKingspoint Village

61st and Yale

Blue Dome - Downtown418 E. 2nd Street

5k run/walk 1k Fun Run

TRC Member

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Tulsa Running Club Board Members and their DutiesName: Duties:

Shawna Simpson TRC PresidentKim McCall TRC SecretaryGary Hawkins TRC TreasurerGeoff Simpson IT Director / Mohawk 5000 Race Director

Robert Anquoe Kristin Bunch Wes Hollander Derek Jones Carter Marsh Darryl Stillson John Williams

Questions? Interested in joining the TRC board? Send an e-mail to [email protected].

The first annual Tatur Undie Run was held on Friday May 21st. Over 300 runners frolicked down the Brookside district wearing nothing

but their undies, nightgowns or pajamas. Run-ners were showered by 400 beach balls and

over one thousand jello shots that were lined up along the one mile course. Leon's sponsored the event and served up the free beer for the brave

runners.

Many of the participants said that their in-spiration for participating in the race was to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy As-sociation. Others simply said it sounded like

too much fun to miss out.

Tatur plans to make the event much bigger and better in 2012.

Photos by Brian Hoover

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Healthy, Whole, Convenience Foodby Cece L. Davis, RD, CSSD, L

It’s time for a food attitude adjust-ment; convenience is not just limited to low-nutrient food choices. Plenty of healthy foods can be easily stored and whipped up in minutes in the time it would take you to pick up takeout.

Nutrition Consultants of Tulsa Top 10 Healthy “Convenience” Foods

The supermarket is home to a num-ber of convenient whole foods that can help you prepare healthy meals in minutes. Here are a few top choices.

1. Fresh Fruit. The world’s original fast food, fresh fruit such as apples, bananas, pears, grapes, peaches and oranges (try Cuties!) come with natu-ral grab and go packaging.

2. Bagged Salad Greens. Toss a bag of pre-washed salad greens into your cart and you’ve got a quick side salad.

Make it an entrée by adding chopped cooked chicken or steamed shrimp, grated carrots, diced, fresh or dried fruit, a few nuts and a splash of olive oil dressing.

3. Fish Fillets. Top an individually frozen fish fillet with herbs, garlic and lemon. Put it under the broiler for 7 minutes per inch of thickness and serve with a side of frozen, microwavable brown rice and a salad for a quick, tasty meal.

4. Whole Grains. Place whole grains such as quinoa, bulgur, or brown rice into a rice cooker with water, push the button and walk away. Toss the steamed grains with leftover cooked lean meat, herbs, garlic, and chopped vegetables for a delicious dinner.

5. Yogurt. Yogurt makes a great snack as long as it has less than 7 grams of sugar/serving.

6. Frozen vegetable. Frozen vegeta-bles come in microwavable bags that require no effort!

7. Canned beans. Rinse a can of beans to lessen sodium and then add to salads, side dishes, rice, soups, sauces and stews.

8. Canned tomatoes. Stir a can of low-sodium tomatoes into pastas, soups, and sauces for an easy added vegetable.

9. Nuts. Add any nut to a salad or a

Turn ThisBrown Rice, broccoli, chicken ten-

ders

Bagged lettuce, hummus, tomato slices, feta cheese, olives, whole

wheat pita

Quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, sliced turkey

Salmon herbs, fingerling potatoes, zucchini

Into ThisStir Fried chicken, broccoli, and rice

Mediterranean stuffed pitas

Tomato-basil quinoa with turkey

Herb-roasted salmon with sauteed potatoes and zucchini

snack mix for added fiber and ome-ga-3s.

10. Oatmeal. The perfect breakfast or after school snack. Pop the low sugar varieties into the microwave and add milk, nuts and fruit.

Cece Davis, RD, CSSD, LD founded Nutrition Consultants Of Tulsa in 1978. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Davis broke new ground by using the nondiet approach to weight management, and was among the first dietitians to recognize the effectiveness of this counseling tech-nique. Davis is a recognized leader in the dietetics profession, serving in high profile positions in state and national dietetics associations. The Oklahoma Dietetic Association awarded Davis the “Young Dietitian of the Year”

Nutrition Consultants of Tulsa, LLC can be reached at 918.749.9077 or at www.nutritiontulsa.com

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Runners Giving Backby Ken Childress

A group of runners from TATUR ran trails and rural roads along the Illinois River Sunday May 22nd. We returned home feeling tired but blessed, and commented on the big clouds building to the north and hoped we made it home before it rained.

As we rolled into Tulsa, I heard the report about I-44 being closed in Jop-lin due to the area being hit by a tor-nado. Tornadoes are almost a normal thing in Oklahoma. On any given spring day, there is a tornado watch somewhere, and televised tornado warnings are frequently regarded as annoyances when aired during prime time.

But this one struck me differently—somehow I had a sick feeling it was bad. The subsequent updates bore bad news and more bad news. Cell phone videos and pictures were echo-ing the savageness of this wicked storm reported at first as an F3, and quickly reclassified as an F5.

I had posted a quick blurb on my blog the next day trying to express the pain I felt for the people of Joplin, and I wondered out loud as to what I could do to help. Texting the Red Cross, one could donate $10.00, but I felt the need to be more hands on.

The next day, my employer men-tioned donating the use of a big box truck to deliver supplies, and I recruited Brian and Kathy Hoover at Runners World to help fill that big truck. With the help of a few emails, Facebook updates, and good old fashioned word-of-mouth, the donations started rolling in.

Runners World collected several Jeep Wrangler-loads of supplies and Mitch Buchanan added another Jeep Wrangler load from his work.

These were not just crummy hand-me-downs either. Folks brought new Rubbermaid tubs full of toilet-ries, tooth brushes, tooth paste, first aid stuff, diapers (baby and adult!), cleaning supplies, zip lock bags, heavy duty trash bags, pre-paid cell phones, rakes, shovels, brooms, packaged snacks, pet food, lots of new and slightly used clothes, and of course—lots of running shoes.

Mike and Diana Snyder who ran with RW but now live in Florida,

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We Want Your Articles!

Do you have an article you would like to see printed in the TRC newsletter? If so, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

Brian and Misti Stanton, and Ken Saveth of Know No Boundaries all donated generous amounts of cash which was used to purchase more relief supplies. I, as well as my employers, was amazed.

I felt a little sheepish in taking pictures of the damaged area, not wanting to seem like a drive-by gawker. It was disturbing to see, and very humbling. It is far worse than a picture can convey.

The edge of the tornado path left extensive damage to the houses and trees. While a few of these houses can be rebuilt, houses a few blocks down were unsalvageable. Cars were tossed around like unwanted toys, many crumpled beyond rec-ognition. The heart of the tornado path looked like a giant mower had torn a swipe a mile wide and 6-7 miles long.

I do not know how anyone could

have survived without a storm cellar in this area. A hall closet or a bathtub would not have been enough.

In finding the best place to de-liver our relief supplies, we were directed across town to the VFW. This meant we had to travel from south to north on business, where the mall, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot were destroyed as well as many restaurants, gas stations, and motels.

This area may never look the same. The folks at the VFW were a little overwhelmed by the mass amounts of donations, but they had the manpower to receive it and get it organized.

Several tables were used in the main hall to display the different clothing and food items.

This disaster has tugged at the heart of many people, and the donations are flowing. Through this calamity, Joplin is being helped.

It will take months and months of continued help to overcome this disaster. They will still need help long after the tragedy slips from the headlines. Keep an open ear and an open heart to the further needs of Joplin.

The Boomtown Half Marathon that was to take place in Joplin in a few weeks is obviously cancelled, and a movement is underway to head to the area anyway and donate a day of clean-up work. It would be an awesome gesture to forgo a Satur-day long run to volunteer with the cleanup.

For those interested in helping out further, all Boomtown Half Mara-thon registrations are being used to cover expenses already incurred with any remaining proceeds going to the United Way of Southwest Missouri and SE Kansas to help with tornado relief efforts. You can still register at www.boomtownrun.com

Runners Giving Backcont.

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Special Thanks to our TRC Sponsors

The Tulsa Running Club would like to recognize and thank its sponsors:

Gold Medal:

Silver Medal: Bob Soucek, CPA, CommunityCare, Glen’s Road Race Service, Peace Chiropractic, Tulsa Run & Walman Commercial Real Estate Services

Bronze Medal: Brookside Cleaners, Crystal Pools, ENGlobal Engineering & Sherwin-Williams

If you are interested in a TRC sponsorship package or would like more information, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

The Tulsa Running Club Helps Walk it Off

The Tulsa Running Club recently had a wonderful opportunity to help members of Tulsa area Weight Watchers and their families com-plete the Walk it Off 5k Challenge.

These individuals have been train-ing for several months to complete a 5k course. For many of them, this was their first 5k.

Thank you to Kristin Bunch, Geoff Simpson, and Keelin Simpson for volunteering on such a hot day to hand out water and yell cheers of encouragement to these new ath-letes!

There were over 450 participants in this year’s local event. Official, timed events were held in major metro cities, such as Dallas and the Tulsa leaders and families were

very happy with the turnout.

Congratulations to those who completed the Walk it Off 5k! The Tulsa Running Club is very proud of you!

Hilliary Heaps, Lindsay Gorman and little Hadley celebrate after completing their 5k challenge. For many participants, this was their first of many 5k’s.

Jillian Darden, Chrissy Darden, Sue Barnes and Steve Barns are all smiles after the Walk-It Challenge

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“Nice word, but what does it mean?”

Fleet Feet Sports utilizes the Personal F.I.T.(Fit Intensive Training) Process when fitting you for shoes and/or insoles. We will work with you to assess and understand your specific biomechanics and gait. Our staff will take multiple measurements of your feet (length, width, unweighted, weighted, etc)

insure we fit you in a proper shoe for your needs. We will be able to better advise you on footwear once we observe your biomechanics.

Fleet Feet Sports KingsPointe61st and Yale Ave.

Fleet Feet Sports Blue Dome2nd and Frankfort Ave.

With TWO locations to serve you:

Training Program Training Program

For more information please go to www.�eetfeettulsa.com

Tulsa's official "Couch to 5k" class.Have you ever wanted to run or walk your

first 5k but didn't know where to start?Join us and our Fun, inspiring, and proven class

that will take you from the couch to the finish line.

Learn to run or walk your first 10k.Are you looking for a new and exciting

way to increase your endurance?Join our Pathways training class and get on the path to successfully completing a 10k.

For more details about our exciting training classes please visit us at our website or call either store for more details.

Phone - 918-492-3338Visit us on Facebook

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What is Race Walking? One Race Walker’s Perspectiveby Shannon Willkinson

I grew up a competitive swimmer and have never been a big fan of land sports. However, swimming is not the most convenient sport and as I got closer to age 40, I needed a sport that I could enjoy and do for a long time.

I have lots of friends who are runners so I thought I would give it a try. I trained and successfully completed a 5K. The problem was I loved the race experience but did not love the running.

Through a local running store I discovered you could train as a race walker and I joined their half mara-thon training group.

Training for a half marathon seemed very overwhelming but every Sat-urday and three days a week we trained.

We were out there with the runners doing the same distance in the same conditions.

The difference between running and race walking other than their pace is faster (most of the time) is that in race walking one foot must be in contact with the ground at all times and there are judges watching to make sure you are using correct form.

On training week fifteen I found out I had a stress fracture and was forced to sit out of the half marathon the fol-lowing week. I was disappointed but I had found a sport I truly enjoyed. After eight weeks of healing I was ready to go again.

Not only did I train again I started coaching other walkers. I loved getting together with a group of people four times a week doing something that was both healthy and fun.

I now love watching other people cross their first finish line I much as I love having that medal placed around my neck. I have made the best friends and have some of the greatest memories from my walk-ing group.

I wouldn’t want to spend my eve-nings or early Saturdays mornings doing anything else.

For the runners who aren’t sure that walking is really a sport we invite to come join our group for a few miles.

For those of you looking for a new sport come join us. We will give you a great time and a great workout.

During our walk this morning we did twelve miles, talked, laughed, got a few blisters and burned 900 calories. Just another great Saturday morning.

I can’t wait to cross the finish line of my sixth half marathon in two weeks and am looking forward to planning number seven.

Tulsa Running Club Offers Speedwork The Tulsa Running Club offers a weekly speedwork track session. All levels are welcome!

When: Tuesdays at 6 p.m.Where: University of Tulsa track (Sixth and Delaware)

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Race Walking the 2011 Oklahoma City Half Marathon “A Run to remember”by Keith Landers

I woke up before the alarm clock at 4:10am, with anticipation running high. I laid everything out the night before so there wouldn’t be any surprises. I took a look at the radar before heading to the race, and saw the heavy storms heading our way.

As I arrived, the rain had already started falling. I headed down to-ward the course looking for shelter. I found the rest of my group huddled in a covered parking area. We heard the announcement that the start was delayed for 30 minutes.

At 6:45am, we headed to the starting line. It was very crowded and we got separated. Usually the plastic bag to keep you warm until the start is gone at the beginning of the race, but I

hung on to it for 5 miles on this cold rainy morning.

I hustled along working into a steady pace. At the 5 mile mark, I shucked the plastic bag. Now I could move, completely soaked through, but not terribly cold since I was moving along quickly.

Several walkers caught me and passed me, but I wasn’t done. My friend Brenda came up behind me and we challenged each other for the last 3 miles.

I caught up with Dan, but he held us off. I finished the race at full walk-ing speed, no calf cramps today.

There were 25,000 people involved

in various events that day. We are all better for having participated in this grand event.

We did what most would consider impossible. We met adversity head on and said, no not today! We will prevail. We did not follow the Path of least resistance.

I beat last year’s time by 11 min-utes to finish with in 2:52:43. Can you say Negative Splits! I have completed 9 full marathon’s as a racewalker, but this one will stand out. “A Run to Remember”, you bet it was, and if you were there you know what I mean!

Tulsa SPCA’s Jog the Dogs can’t wait to attend the 2011 Mohawk 5000 on the evening of Friday, June 24th at Mohawk Park!

This will be our third year taking part in this exciting race with our friends at the Tulsa Running Club!

The MAC (Mobile Adoption Cen-ter) vehicle will arrive at the event loaded with TSPCA dogs who’ll be partnered with their Jog the Dogs volunteers to run & walk in the fun run.

Other participants are encouraged to take part in the fun run with their own family pets as well. The more the mer-rier! There will be many wagging tails & smiling faces to be seen! After-wards, the TSPCA dogs will wind down & enjoy visiting with participants & spectators who stay for the BBQ, music, & beverages. It’s one of our favorite

The Mohawk 5000 is Going to the Dogsby Elaine Palmquist

nights of the year, & we’re count-ing down the days!

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Footnotes: Self-Assessment of Your Feet – When to See a PodiatristBy Dr. David Francis, DPM

Every local drugstore has aisles of “do-it-yourself ” medical fixes. For your feet they have blister and

corn pads, insoles, fungus sprays, and nail clippers.

So when you have foot and ankle problems, how do you know when to deal with them at home using over-the-counter (OTC) products and when to see the podiatrist?

Blisters on your feet can often • be handled at home without professional intervention. If the blister pops, cover it with a sterile dressing or Band-aid and watch it carefully to make sure it heals properly.

If you suspect that you have • an ingrown nail, it is best NOT to use OTC products.

See your podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of infection.

The doctor can safely remove the ingrown nail and may be able to alleviate the problem entirely for the future.

OTC wart removal medication • is relatively mild but can cause ulcerations if left on too long. You can try to alleviate warts on the feet with these products, but the podiatrist has more effective medications and can also do simple procedures to rid you of warts.

Wart removers should never be used if you have neuropathy except under the supervision of a podiatric physician.

Despite numerous blogs • and articles about treating onychomycosis (fungal nails) and warts with Vicks VapoRub, duct tape, bleach, white vinegar, and other household items, there are no scientific data or evidenced-based research studies to support these treatment options.

Sprains and strains can be • treated at home initially with the “RICE treatment” - rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If swelling is persistent, a visit to the podiatrist’s office is in order to determine if there are any

broken bones.Occasionally, home remedies can cause a new problem or make existing problems worse, so use them all in moderation.

Anyone with diabetes or a peripheral vascular disease (PVD) who has foot and ankle problems should always opt to visit the podiatrist for even minor concerns.

People who do not have diabetes or PVD should also be wary of pain, color changes, drainage, swelling, heat, or open areas in or on any part of the foot or ankle. These signs warrant a professional’s experience in dealing with the problem. If you are suffering from any of these issues or have unexplained foot pain, don’t ignore it. If you’d like to talk with a podiatrist about any questions you may have to help maintain healthy feet, or for a complete evaluation, please give us a call at Green Country Podiatry.

Our Doctors and staff are always ready to help if you need treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Please logon to www.gcpod.com, or call 918-747-4855 for more information.

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A New Way to Experience Boston - The Boston Marathon 5kby Glenda Reith

You don’t have to be a “Wicked Fast Runnah” to have fun in Boston, but don’t be surprised to be surrounded by them!

It starts at the airport, counting Bos-ton jackets and other running/athletic apparel. The subways, restaurants, and hotels are flooded with approxi-mately 27,000 plus marathoners not to mention their entourage.

We had 14 in our group: 8 who ran the marathon and 4 who ran the 5K which is held the Sunday before Patriots day. If Paul Revere were alive today he would ride from house

to house warning “the Runners are coming”, instead of “the Regulars are coming!” Marilyn Fetters, Felicia Martins, and I all ran the inaugural 5K in 2009. And I am convinced that you won’t find another 5k event in the US that is better; better run, better scenery, better finishing medals! And best of all you don’t have to be fast on your toes to enter the 5K.

No qualifications are necessary, other than diligently watching the baa.org website for registration to open and then being fast on the

keyboard to grab one of the 5,000 highly sought entries! So of course I wouldn’t have missed the 5K this year even though we awoke to a cold driv-ing rain with 35 mph wind gusts. Luckily by the 8 am start things had calmed down and the weather was truly beautiful; all the better to enjoy the spectacular sights along the course.

The 5K starts at Copley Square, runs by Filene’s Basement, circles around the Public Garden and the Boston Common, past the gold

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A New Way to Experience Boston - The Boston Marathon 5kcont.

domed Massachusetts State House (where 3 of our marathon friends surprised me on the course with cheers of encouragement), continues down Beacon Hill and my favorite landmark the Cheers Bar and finally ends on Boylston Street at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

I can never resist stating that I crossed the finish line of the Bos-ton Marathon before my husband Marv who most everyone knows is a Marvelous marathoner! But it should also be noted that our be-loved Bobby Bomer beat me across the finish line, which is no surprise of itself, until you hear that he took 3rd place in his division! Having run my race, I chose to experience the marathon as a vol-unteer, as did my other 5k friends: Felicia, Leslie, and Bobby, which meant that we had to get up early just like the marathoners!

Gathering in the lobby I noticed a crest above the hotel’s entrance and asked the concierge to translate the Latin verse on it which read: “fideli certa merces.” Fittingly enough it means: “To the faithful there is cer-tain reward.”

Two of our group were a few min-utes late arriving in the lobby, so we literally raced to catch our ride to the start line in Hopkinton. We thought we had made it to the cor-rect intersection and in the rush I jumped on the first bus we found. I was surprised to see Kara Goucher sitting in the front seat!

Quickly backing out and then looking around at the other people milling outside the bus I realized that this was the elite bus; a sleek charter bus and not the yellow school buses which were waiting for the volunteers just around the next corner!

The sights and sounds of the Bos-ton marathon were unforgettable. Cool temps and a good tail wind brought favorable conditions and course records!

But at the end of the day the only things I wanted to hear about were our own Tulsa talent who amazed me with funny and exciting stories of homemade cannoli being hand-ed out on the course, a spectacular

3:20 side by side finish from three of our runners who navigated a difficult and crowded course; and Judy Bomer’s remarkable finish in 4:44 with just seconds to spare to re qualify for Boston next year!

What is particularly funny is that just two weeks later at the Okla-homa City marathon it took five of us on a relay team to come up with the same 4:44! And we are several age brackets younger!

We finished the evening at the Oceanaire restaurant just a short block away from our hotel; feast-ing on good food, toasting our win-ners, and planning our next race.

Mark AbbottStefanie AthertonJudy BomerJanet BurgessTerri CasselPatty CluneTodd ConeLori DavisMarisa DialKarla DyessAlice GeorgeMichael HarperSherrill IsaacsMary JohnsonKurt KruskopSteve LeeAlba LongJulie LynnTrani Matthews

James MorellaVictor MorganMuge ParkJohn PavlicekMargaret PellegriniNoreen PetersStephanie PhippsMarv ReithMolly RyanDee SmithToby SmithGreg SpencerMark ThurstonMeredith TiceBryan WarrenAaron WatsonTammy Winn

The Tulsa Running Club congratulates these Tulsa area runners for completing the

2011 Boston Marathon!