Clocktower Runners

SEPTEMBER '09 

 

 Melissa and Scott

 

We are the 10-minute milers—although sometimes we find ourselves dipping down into the 9:00 area.  Oops!  Thanks to Scott for letting me share his Runner of the Month glory.  I’m writing this for both of us.

Scott is a well-worn marathoner on his third go-around.  He runs on sore knees, and yet somehow always is able to grit through the pain to finish strong, charge up a hill, or happily give the latest updates on sports, particularly the Big Ten.  When our group leader, Sach, was doing the triathlon, Scott stepped up to pace the group; it was our most consistent run, averaging a 10:00 pace.

I’m a long-time runner, first-time marathoner.  I’ve run Chicago ’s half marathons for the past 3 years and finally decided to kick it up a notch.  Typically, I’m a solo runner but I’ve come to enjoy the Saturday morning group runs—although not the wee hour at which they start—mainly because of the people.  One of my favorite weekly rituals is when our group runs past the Oak Street Beachstro and raves about the delicious smell of bacon that wafts from it.  It always makes me laugh no matter what mile.

AUGUST '09

 

Kelly

Needless to say, I never thought that at this point in my life, I would be running a marathon. By heart, I am a water sports type of girl. I was born and raised in Hawaii so who wouldn’t take advantage of doing water sports. I can definitely admit that running was the last thing that I wanted to do with my free time and any thought of running a distance that I could easily drive or take public transportation to was absolutely crazy.

And then, I moved to Chicago…..

Life after college seemed so easy after I found a job working for Teach For America. After a while, living the life of sitting 8-10 hours at a desk was taking its toll. I began to gain weight and overall just became very comfortable with doing nothing with my free time. That’s when the opportunity presented itself when Teach For America decided to create its own marathon team and raise money for our organization. I really had no excuse not to join and thought that this would be a great way to raise money for a great cause and get myself out of the “desk-job” funk.

Now that I am three months into my training, I could definitely say that running has changed my life. I am hooked on running and hopefully will continue to race after the Chicago Marathon in October. Clocktower Runners has been a great source of inspiration and support when I needed it. I definitely could not do it without the support of my pace leader, Lora and all the other Clocktower runners. Now the countdown begins to race day!

 

 

JULY '09

 

Courtney Hoover

 

I'm new to Chicago, new to training for a marathon, and new to running with a group. But so far, I love all of the above! I've been running on my own for several years, and the thing I love about running, is the fact that I've been able to do it in so many places. Aside from running, my biggest passion is travel. By running in all of the places I've been, I've gotten a better sense of each place, and it's allowed me to see so much more than I ever would have seen in a car, on a bus, etc. It's allowed me to stay in shape, regardless of being on a beach in Thailand, the streets of Paris, or somewhere in Australia. It's made me feel more like a part of every place I've been, and there's no better way to see a new city than to just get out and beat the pavement. I've just returned from living in Australia, and I can say that no matter where I was living, I got to know the country more from running than almost anything else. I've always run alone, so running with a group is something I was skeptical of... I like my Ipod and I'm usually not a big talker while running. But after finishing my first long run with a group, I can say that I really enjoyed it and think it's the only way I'll get the miles in while training for my first marathon.

 

 

 

JUNE '09

 

Sach Diwan

 

.Ok, I’ll just come right out and say it …. I don’t like running.  What-ya-talkin-bout Willis?  If I don’t like running, then how/why am I a Clocktower runner?  Well, back in my late twenties I used to be a gym rat, lifting or doing spin class or cardio 5 days a week.  After getting married and having kids, I found that I had gotten way out of shape and, more importantly, my physical health had begun to deteriorate.  So after my 36^th birthday, I decided to challenge myself to get back into shape.  My audacious goal was to complete the Chicago Marathon by the time I turned the big 40.  I can remember my first 5K, and being totally intimated by those in my running group who spoke of running 8-10 miles like it was nothing.  I though to myself … wow these people are hardcore!  I vividly remember how difficult my first half Marathon was, and how I had to walk portions of it.

 All of that seems like such a long time ago, but it really wasn’t.  Last month I finished a half marathon in just under 2 hours -- a goal that seemed impossible only 8 months ago.  This summer I am turning the big 40, and this will be my third Chicago Marathon.  So why do I run?  I can answer with 100 percent certainty that it’s the camaraderie and shared experience with the other runners.  Were it not for Bob, Beth, Elizabeth, Anne and the other 9 1/2 IT Bandits, I would surely have stayed in bed on those early Saturday morning runs.   

  Peace out, Sach

 

 

 

MAY '09

Sara Ferniza

 

 

 

 

I am a Chicagoan, although I now live in Skokie, IL My occupation is a Personal Trainer, I am 46 yrs old. 
 
My first Marathon: Chicago Marathon (1998) (4:00:36)
and my fastest marathon: Chicago 1999 (3:43:25)
 
Number of Marathons I have completed:  16 marathons including 3 Boston and 2 Madison, WS to Chicago Team Relay Races (2007 & 2008) (219 miles).
 
Marathon Finish you are most proud of and why:
Chicago Marathon (1999) (3:43:25) I trained the hardest and qualified for Boston. 
 
I was a site coordinator/pace leader for Illinois Runs and the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) Also, I have been an official pacer for the Chicago Marathon for the last six years.  I have also paced in: Memphis, TN Marathon (11/08) Austin, TX Marathon (02/09) and Illinois Marathon 04/09. 
 
I am married and have two daughters. I will be relocating to Austin, Texas this summer; I am going to miss all of my running friends, but you guys are welcome to visit me in Austin anytime.
 
Other Hobbies:
Spending time with my family.  I enjoy volunteering and sharing my knowledge with others who are preparing to run their first marathon.

 

APRIL '09

PEGGY AND JIM LENTZ

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Peg and I met the day before the 2007 Chicago Marathon and we really hit it off on our first date. I wasn’t sure at first if she really liked me because she didn’t look at me much. Three weeks later she graciously waited around in the cold, windy weather while I ran a 50K race. When I finished I picked her up for a photo opportunity because I was very happy to have here there. We then waited under a blanket while a couple of friends finished running the race.

 

Peg has run 4 half marathon since we met in late 2007 and I’m proud of how well she has done. We have totally different training strategies and they work for both of us. She runs more on how she feels and I’m the one the really sticks to the plan. She is super foxy!!! Peg has been very supportive of my running in general and specifically my goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Peg and I are scheduled for the half at the Illinois Marathon, Peg is scheduled for the half and I for the full at the Green Bay Marathon and both of us for Pikes Peak Ascent in August.

 

 

 

 

 

MARCH '09

BERNA

 

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Fast or slow anyone can run which is why I enjoy it so much.  While I may never win a race, I still love running.  I have the chance to set goals for myself that I can accomplish.  I never ran track or cross country in high school, and only really began to run in order to combat the freshman 15, but have been running for just about 20 year.

 

Mostly early on I ran run short distances 3-5 miles to mainly stay in shape.  I never really did races early on, and certainly never thought a marathon would be in my future.  I thought people who did marathons were crazy.  Well, I am now very proud to be one of those crazy people. 

 

My first half marathon I completed while I was in the Peace Corps in Slovakia.  I decided before I went that I would continue to run while there as I was afraid of gaining a lot of weight with the diet of pork and potatoes.  One of the orientation trainers mentioned the opportunity to sign up for the Kosice Half Marathon to a bunch of us and about six of us signed up.  My host family used to tease me about all the running I did that summer to prepare for the half marathon, but I think they were excited for me.  I am not sure of how far my longest run was as I ran from my little town through a couple more little villages near by and carried a small bottle of water.  No Gatorade, no bathrooms along that route.  The half marathon in Kosice was great, and I was thrilled to celebrate with the 5 other Peace Corps volunteers who ran and a whole bunch who didn’t run.   At that time I thought one half marathon was enough, but that was not to be.  I have completed 7 marathons (all as a Charity Runner for the American Cancer Society!) and 3 more half marathons since that first one.

 

No matter the distance or if I am running alone or with a friend, there is nothing better than the feel after a good run. 

 

 

FEBRUARY '09

AMY

 

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To start, I must say that I am honored to be featured as the CTR ‘Runner of the Month’ – even if it was a direct result from cookie bribery of Bob…I am so fortunate to find myself immersed in a city with such a strong running community and so many beautiful, but cold, days of running…People may ask us why we run and especially right now – why do we run when the ground is frozen and icy and the temperatures are in the negatives?  I have several answers to these questions, as do all of you.  Here are just a few of mine…

 

  The simplistic requirements of running shoes, a running surface, and an able body greatly appeal to me.  I can just grab my shoes and go whenever I am moved by the desire to run.  My favorite time to run is when my mind is processing a difficult situation or struggling with a dilemma.  I feel a sense of peace and synergy when the movement of my body matches the pace of my thoughts – I feel fully connected to myself.  When I run, I allow my mind total freedom to invite thoughts or ideas and when necessary, ceasing all thought with my focus solely on inhaling and exhaling.  The act of running is such a therapeutic release for me – I love to run with my iPod and a killer play list.  I swear I have mastered dancing and singing while running, but fear not, that skill is reserved for solo runs only.

 

 I run because I love it.  Simply stated – it makes me happy.  And I secretly love to wear spandex and body glide…just kidding.  I do, however, love to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin as the beads of sweat roll down my back and off my elbows.  Warm weather running is my favorite and I cannot wait for summer so I can smell the coconut sunscreen of other runners when we cross paths (and check them out with my sunglasses on so they cannot see my gaze – hey, at least I’ll admit it:).  I love the smell and feel of brand new running shoes and can honestly admit that I would eat Shot Blocks and Sport Beans with lemon lime Gatorade even when I’m not running. 

 

I feel such gratitude for my health and the ability of my body to continue this joy in my life.  I am happy to have completed two Chicago Marathons, a few half marathons, the Shamrock Shuffle every year, and any other race that comes my way and catches my attention.  I must say it is not a competitive flame that keeps my runner’s embers smoldering, but rather just knowing that it makes me feel good…My marathon goal is always – do what feels good and right and enjoy every single mile.

 

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JANUARY '09

MELISSA

 

 

A treadmill rat for years (I can still give OK Go a run for their money), I finally decided to “take it outside” in 2006. I remember the day I bragged to my husband that I ran all the way home from the gym without stopping (a whopping .8 of a mile)!

 

That same year I ran my first 5K, 8K, 10K, and half marathon. People who know me know I love to race. I love the excitement and atmosphere of being around thousands of other people who share my same enthusiasm for the sport. For me, there are few things that can top the adrenaline rush I experience as I am rushing towards the finish line in an attempt to finish just a few seconds faster than the last time!

 

I also enjoy inspiring people to begin their running and racing career. It gives me great pleasure to witness the individual sense of accomplishment and pride that comes after completing that first race. I also don’t mind taking credit for the subsequent running addiction that invariably takes hold afterward. My mom, my sister, my husband, and a smattering of fellow co-workers are just a few I have guided over their first finish line in the last 3 years.

 

I met most of my fellow Clocktower Runners through the Illinois Runs 10 mile training program in the winter of 2008 and it was love at first run. I met a lot of wonderful people all dedicated to the sport and genuinely interested in helping everyone attain their goals.

 

It was during the 10 mile training program that infamous pace leader Bob told me that if I can run 10 miles, I can certainly run a marathon. And the rest is history.  

After 4 months of training with the 9 ½ IT Bandits with fearless leader Bob at the helm, I was ready for my first marathon: Chicago 2008.  It was an amazing experience but I now consider it my practice round. Chicago Marathon 2009 or bust!

 

Although I am still struggling to find the joy of running in sleet, snow, rain, and extreme cold, I’m trying!   My fellow Clocktower Runners are certainly a factor in making this endeavor more appealing. Saturday morning at the Clocktower is my version of a weekly “happy hour.” Each week there are people to meet, lives to catch up on, experiences to share, and oh yeah I almost forgot, more miles to run!

 

Cheers! Here’s to a healthy, happy, successful, and record setting 2009! 

 

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DECEMBER '08

ALEX BUOB

 I still remember looking out the window on that October morning and wondering why the streets were being blocked off and hundreds of people were lining up to see something big. The event, of course, was the Chicago Marathon!! If it was that great to watch, it must be even better to participate, right? It was at that moment that I decided I was going to run the Chicago Marathon! Needing a starting goal, I signed myself up for the Chicago Half Marathon.

 

A year and a half later, I have finished the Chicago Marathon as well as a bunch of half marathons. Now, my ultimate goal is to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. Anyone up for a 10 mile fun run? I guess I have been bitten by the running bug, for which I'm told there is no cure!

 

My next race will be the the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis next May. I did this half marathon last year and I signed up for next year's race the following week! What a great way to celebrate the Indy 500 by letting runners take a lap, on foot of course, around the speedway. Happy running and see you all on the path.

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NOVEMBER '08

BELLY

 A Clocktower Runner by fate ... just the girl next door who literally ran into some of the best characters on the running path one day, and hasn't looked back since.  Just about two years ago I was a lonely and overworked couch potato, and today I'm a triathlete and marathoner, surrounded by amazing friends and the love of my life (a fellow CTR)... not a bad transformation, if I do say so...

I started running with the group in December 2007.  I was trying to meet up with another group, but missed them somehow.  I started walking around by the clocktower searching for the peeps I was supposed to meet... and as I was looking for them, saw about 20 fun-looking folks running by.  As I shouted out to them -- asking whether they were the group I was supposed to meet -- I heard "Nope - who are they?  C'mon and run with us!".  I had two or three seconds to decide whether to hop in with them... I'm glad I made the right choice!

Now, just a year later, I've run my first marathon (hats off to the group training program!) have taken minutes (yes, MINUTES) off of my per-mile pace, have a new and wonderful job because of the group's connections, and have met some amazing folks that I consider my closest friends.  You couldn't find a more welcoming, warm (even in 20 degree weather) and knowledgeable group of folks. 

As an added bonus, my gorgeous boyfriend John is a fellow CTR, and we met while doing the 10 mile training program together.  He also encouraged me to try my hand in triathlon, and I've now completed three! 

My next race isn't yet scheduled, but I'll probably complete the Rudolph Ramble 8k.  I'll be trying my first 1/2 Ironman this summer (most likely) and will be honing my cycling skills with a Get a Grip Cycle Group.  2009 will be my year, I just know it. 

You can check out what I'm up to at www.runnerwithatriaddiction.blogspot.com.  Thanks for stopping by, and happy trails to you!