Monthly Archives: May 2019

5/27/2019 Michael Homula Hero 5K Perry Township, Ohio

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5/27/2019

Hero 5K

Perry Township, Ohio

Michael Homula

Finish Time:  21:12

Overall Place:  13 / 331

Division Place:  3rd place / 13

Race recap by Michael Homula

I ran the Perry Township Hero 5k, an Ohio Challenge Series race. The conditions were ideal and, as always, it was a very well put together race and awards.

I was on track to run about 20:15 when, as I made the turn to the 3/4 mile uphill finish, a young man (found out later he was 15) was walking and struggling.

As I passed him and headed to the finish, something stirred in me and I stopped, went back 10 meters, and told him there was no way I could let him not finish RUNNING.

I said, “Too many men went through far worse then we are right now, too many did not come home to their families, for us to be walking right now. I don’t care about my time anymore, I am going to make sure you finish this race running, not walking.” He smiled at me and said, “Let’s go” and I paced him to the finish.

Sacrificing my time was worth seeing him win 1st place in his age group at the awards.

I finished in 21:12 (6:50 per mile pace), 13th overall (331 runners), and 3rd in my age group. A solid finish, considering.

At the finish, I had the honor to meet and have my picture made with Mr. Ralph Dunnerstick, Unites States Marine Corps Veteran who served and fought in WWII. I was able to spend about 10 minutes with him and, though his memory is fading, his spirit and will is fierce – if pressed he could have run today, I am sure of it.

 

5/11/2019 Matt Addessi Races At The Lake Race #4 Munroe Falls, Ohio

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5/11/2019

Races At The Lake Race #4 Bike Race

Munroe Falls, OH

Matt Addessi

Overall Finish Place:  8th

Race Recap by Matt Addessi.

The Summit Freewheelers RATL #4 and the crew were ready to rip Saturday.   There were 34 racers this time and I ended finishing in 8th place.  This race was much faster with the first 10 wheels strung out in single file.  It stayed that way most of the race until the games began with 2 laps to go. Once again a hectic sprint finish with a lot of guys hammering.  I learned so much from each race as every one played out differently,  So many tactics involved and you can make 100 right decisions, but the 1 wrong one you make will keep you off the box.   This is a very intense and laser focused type of racing and I’m looking for more!

5/4/2019 Scott Orlando Sweat Now Wine Later Gervasi Vineyard Canton, Ohio

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5/4/2019

Sweat Now Wine Later.

2 mile kayak and 2.5 mile run race

Gervasi Vineyard Canton, Ohio

Finish Time:  32:35

Overall Place:  1st Place / 383

Race recap by Scott Orlando.

I look forward to this race every year because it includes 3 of my favorite things:  kayaking, running and wine.  Last year I finished 2nd overall using a kayak paddle with a backward facing blade.  This year my goal was to run a clean race and win.  Not running for three weeks leading up to the race due to a metatarsal injury I wasn’t sure if I would even be able to compete.  Warming up my foot felt fine so I decided to go for it.  The race starts with a quick run to the creek where a randomly selected kayak and paddle are waiting for you.  I believe I hopped into one of the heaviest and oldest kayaks being used and was given what was definitely the heaviest paddle I have ever used.  I knew I would have to rely on all of my kayaking skills and experience to paddle a fast kayak leg if I wanted to give myself a chance at winning.  The creek was a little faster then last year but still had some shallow spots.  I hit bottom a few times and had to push off using my hands.  Reading the creek was essential for a fast kayak leg.  Missing your line surely meant lost time being stuck on rocks.  I had a clean fast transition to the run.  I quickly felt the results of not running for 3 weeks!  My foot felt fine but I was really sucking wind trying to maintain a race pace.  As hard as I tried, I just couldn’t get to a typical race pace.  Crossing the midpoint of the run passing the kayak start area I heard the race organizer over the PA call my name as I made it down the trail.  He announced ” Folks take a look at the running trail and you will see Scott Orlando.  He is one of the best on the course and is likely to be in the top five.”  This gave me a boost of energy and made me push even harder.  I finished the run as best I could hoping it would be fast enough.  I was surprised that my finish time was 3 minutes faster then last year.  I knew I had beaten last year’s winning time but I didn’t know if would be fast enough to win.  The race is done in heats starting at 9:00 am with the last heat starting at 1:30 pm.  It wasn’t until early evening that results were finalized and I found out I was the winner.  Steve, Lisa, and everyone at Run Canton once again did an amazing job organizing the event.  Everyone received nice tech shirts, custom wine stopper finisher medals and a $10 voucher for food or beverages at Gervasi.

 

5/4/2019 Matt Addessi Races At The Lake Race # 3 Munroe Falls, Ohio

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5/4/2019

Races At The Lakes Race #3

Bike Race

Munroe Falls, Ohio

Matt Addessi

Finish Place:  7 / 30

Race recap by Matt Addessi.

I made a last minute decision the night before to race RATL #3

I had a much better outcome today, finishing 7 out of 30!  I was way more patient this time.  I did my turn on the front but then stayed with the peloton.   It was definitely a much faster paced race which plays into my strengths perfectly.  I was 15th wheel with about 200 meters to go.  It’s really hard to stay patient in these races.  I got boxed in but squeezed through a small opening and followed the right wheel.  With about 100 meters to go I opened it up and past about 8 guys with my sprint.  I was actually surprised that I had a sprint with some power at the end!   Again, insanely fun, crazy fast, and everyone stayed safe.

Racing again next weekend at the last RATL Race #4  then it’s onto a TT focus.

5/4/2019 Michael Homula Duke Melee 5K Alliance, Ohio

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5/4/2019

Duke Melee 5K

Alliance, Ohio

Michael Homula

Finish Time 21:23

Overall Place:  6/130

Division Place:  3rd Place

Race recap by Michael Homula

I ran the Ohio Challenge Series Duke Melee 5k at Marlington High School Saturday.  Temperature and weather conditions were ideal for a run. The course was quite a bit more “hilly” than advertised but a nice out and back layout.

I lost several training runs in recent weeks due to a sore hamstring and just every day life/family responsibilities so I was not prepared to throw down the hammer in this race.

I ended up with a time of 21:23 (6:53 per mile pace), finished 6th overall, and 3rd in the 40-49 age group. Yes, there were some fast old dudes in this race.

As always, I am grateful to run as part of Ohio Team-ER and our outstanding group of sponsors.