Ritchie’s Sporting Goods – Reviewed by Brenda O`Hara

Being fantastically lightweight, these Under Armour Zone performance sunglasses are perfect for any outdoor sport whether you’re cycling, running, hiking, or just out for a casual walk. These sunglasses are both durable and flexible offering a 3 point grip system that ensures a comfortable and secure fit for everyone. Blocking 100% of all UVA, UVB, and UVC lights, these affordable sunglasses are a great deal at Ritchie’s Sporting Goods and a perfect option for all your outdoor activity and racing needs. Stop in and visit the ever so friendly and welcoming staff to check them out.

Eddy’s Bike Shop – Reviewed by Brenda O`Hara

Cold weather has arrived!! But don’t let that stop you from riding! Whether you’re on the road or the trails, Eddy’s has everything you need for cold weather riding. This Gore soft shell thermal windstopper is my favorite and one of the most essential items for riding in cold weather. Wear with baselayer and you’re sure to be warm and comfortable in as cold as 20 degrees. A nice size pocket in the back has all the room you need for nutrition and accessories. Stop in and visit the friendly staff at Eddy’s today to stock up for winter riding!

Fresh Start Diner – Reviewed by Brenda O`Hara

If you’re looking to have breakfast or lunch at an affordable price with great service, Fresh Start Diner is just for you! Fresh Start Diner has a warm, cozy atmosphere and friendly servers who offer the best and most attentive service! Offering a wide variety of healthy selections, including gluten free items, Fresh Start has something for everyone. I thoroughly enjoy and highly recommend the John Wayne Western omelet. This classy omelet has ham, cheddar cheese, red peppers, mushrooms, and onions served with your choice of sides. Very tasty, and best of all, breakfast is served all day! Stop into Fresh Start Diner soon and see how fantastic this place is!

2012 Turkey Trot 5 Mile Race – Cleveland, Ohio 11-22-2012

Fantastic weather brought out a great turnout for the 2012 Turkey Trot. 60 degrees and bright sunshine brought out 7000 runners.

I have done this race for the last few years, have had some solid races, but a win has always alluded me. 2011 I got second by a few seconds, so was hoping to notch a win in 2012. Got a solid warm up,  started in front row, and as gun went off, I felt like I had to keep a solid pace or get mowed down!! My niece started in the back row – She said it took almost 5 minutes to reach the starting line! First mile was under a 6 minute mile pace, I knew that was too fast, tried to slow it down some, but with people passing me left and right- it was tough. Second mile slowed it down some, but was feeling good. As I hit mile 4 could tell I had gone out to hard – but was still well under my goal time pace (32 minutes) – ½ a mile from finish, out of the corner of my eye – I recognized a guy from Berea in my age group, who I had battled with in several local 5k’s (heavy breather at Tallmadge 5k). He was coming on strong, and as much as I wanted to pick it up – I was at my limit. The bad thing, he had another guy from my age group on his heels.

I ended up 3rd in my age group (out of 160), 135th overall (out of 7000). I still ended up with a new PR of 31.55- a 6.23 pace, 45 seconds faster than 2011- so hard to be disappointed- there’s always next year!

Ken Frankenbery

 

Jimmy Ruggles Races in 2012

Sorry it’s taken all season for a race report!  I must say I did some cool stuff.  Early spring started with a trip to NC for a little hill training with Jerry and a few other fine fellows prepping for the Mohican 100 mtn bike race in early June.  Race went fine used it more for a heavy training gig for the Triple bypass ride in Colorado. Anyone who hasn’t done it really should!  It’s a 120 miles with 12k elevation gain one day ride climbing three of the highest peaks in the great state. You do have the option to do it all backwards the following day.  Unfortunately I was sick on day two. That was another prep ride for my big event. The Leadville 100 mtn bike race.

Leadville was the hardest race I have ever done. Appx 15k feet of climbing starting at 10k elevation it was a true test of what I spent all year training for. I finished the race just over the 12 hour mark but still finished with a smile. This race is back on my calendar for next year. I finished my season this past weekend at Iceman a 30 mile mtn bike race in the lower U.P. of Michigan. I had a decent time of 2:30 finished middle of my age group. That’s all for now folks!!

Oct 28th Buckeye Half Marathon, Peninsula

Big turnout even with the rain and wind! Karen Frankenbery served the hot soup from Fresh Start Diner and Henry provided the sweet tasting banana bread made locally at Mrs. P`s Gluten Free Bakery. After the race looking to warm up and escape the rain under the large tent, Jerry Lynch was spotted in his soaking wet Team ER shirt.  Jerry finished with a time of 1:51:12.

This is a well run race put on by Summit Athletic Running Club.  A huge thanks to Josh Ritchie who is the race coordinator, for making this race a success!