Team ER welcomes the following new members Angelica Campos, Chris Craver, Jim Dehner, Ray Fryan, Melissa Hinojosa, Paul Lenz, Craig Miloscia, Brenda O`Hara and Marie Rote. Check the team member page to learn more about them and their plans for the coming race year!
Get your fitness facility to host a Pedal for Heroes event
Fitness Clubs across NE Ohio Accepting the 2012 Pedal For Heroes Veterans Fundraising Event Challenge
More than a dozen Fitness Clubs are Considering Participation in the Charitable Event to Honor the 262 Fallen Ohio Soldiers
HUDSON, OHIO (January 25, 2012) – Many of the area’s top health and fitness clubs are interested in supporting local charitable veterans’ organizations through the first annual Pedal for Heroes Fundraiser to be held on February 26, 2012. Teams of participants will cycle at their local fitness club for 262 minutes representing the 262 Ohio lives lost in the Middle East since 9/11/01.
“Any NE Ohio Heath and Fitness Center that has Spinning or indoor cycling should be participating in this important charitable event,” said Jerry Lynch, co-owner of LifeCenter Plus Health and Fitness Club. “There is still time to get involved. We are hosting an informational session on Saturday, January 28 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. where we’re inviting fitness directors from around the area and local veteran charitable organizations along with Senator Frank LaRose, an Iraq War Veteran, to learn about how the Pedal for Heroes will support our Ohio veterans.”
The deadline for fitness centers to sign up for Pedals for Heroes is February 1, 2012. The centers are invited to participate in this event and to challenge their members to form teams to cycle on stationery bicycles for 262 minutes on February 26. The date of the event honors the day when Marine Lance Corporal Andy Nowacki, of Lake County, gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“Ohio veterans have given so much for us. We are excited to spearhead this worthy cause and hope that it will become an annual fundraiser for Ohio veterans,” said Lynch. “We challenge all of the fitness and recreation centers in Northeast Ohio to participate with us in this Pedal for Heroes event that supports local veterans and recognizes those who have given their lives.”
All proceeds from the event on February 26, 2012, will be donated to local veterans’ charitable organizations. The donations from LifeCenter Plus will go to Wheels4Change.org, an organization that raises funds for Warriors Journey Home. At the event on Saturday January 28, fitness directors will have any questions answered, participants will be preparing for the 4 hours of cycling and representatives from local veterans’ groups will be available to discuss how the money donated will serve the veterans in need.
Fitness center directors interested in learning more about how to participate should contact Fitness Director, Jessica Schodowski at LifeCenter Plus at 5133 Darrow Road in Hudson, Ohio at 330-655-2377, ext. 138.
LifeCenter Plus Launches 2012 Pedal For Heroes Veterans Event
Club Invites Fitness Centers Across Northeast Ohio to Participate in Honoring 262 Ohio Veterans Who Have Sacrificed for Our Freedom
HUDSON, OHIO (December 21, 2011) – LifeCenter Plus Health and Fitness Club is challenging all Northeast Ohio fitness centers to join in an effort to honor and support our Ohio veterans. On February 26, 2012, fitness centers across Northeast Ohio will host “2012 Pedal for Heroes” events, where hundreds of participants throughout Northeast Ohio will cycle for 262 minutes representing the number of military personnel from Ohio who have sacrificed their lives for our country since 9/11/01.
“Ohio veterans have given so much for us. We are excited to spearhead this worthy cause and hope that it will become an annual fundraiser for Ohio veterans,” said Jerry Lynch, co-owner of LifeCenter Plus. “We challenge all of the fitness and recreation centers in Northeast Ohio to participate with us in this Pedal for Heroes event that supports local veterans and recognizes those who have given their lives.”
Fitness centers are invited to participate in this event and to challenge their members to form teams to cycle on stationery bicycles for 262 minutes on February 26. The date of the event represents when Marine Lance Corporal Andy Nowacki, of Lake County, gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Proceeds for each event will be donated to a local Veteran’s charitable organization selected by each local fitness center. LifeCenter Plus offers a few example benefactors such as Wheels 4 Change, Warriors Journey Home, Freedom House and the Andy Nowacki Foundation, Inc.
LifeCenter Plus is providing participating fitness centers with planning materials as well as an educational presentation to show during the event. LifeCenter Plus will include participating fitness centers in the media marketing communication.
Fitness center directors interested in learning more about how to participate should contact Fitness Director, Jessica Schodowski at LifeCenter Plus in Hudson, Ohio at 330-655-2377, ext. 138. The deadline for fitness centers to sign up for Pedals for Heroes is February 1, 2012.
About LifeCenter Plus Health and Fitness Club
A premier health and fitness facility, LifeCenter Plus has served the Hudson, Stow and surrounding communities since 1978. The 103,000-square foot multi-purpose facility is a full-service, four-season health and fitness club with five swimming pools. For more information call 330-655-2377 or visit the website at www.LifeCenterPlus.com.
Chip Wilson at the 2011 Canalway Classic
Chip Wilson 10th Place Overall 1st Masters 16:52 at the Canalway Classic 5K on Saturday August 13, 2011, in Navarre, Ohio. Way to go Chip!
X terra 3 Indiana PA 8-7-2011
XTERRA Appalachia Sun, Aug 07, 2011 – Indiana, PA
Submitted by Ken Frankenbery
Went from extreme heat, to extreme rain.
Got to race site on Saturday, big storms had hit there and trails were pretty muddy. I brought 2 bikes, and decided I wanted to get in the ride time, so did a lap on bike course. It was a long muddy ride – but felt good to know what to expect Sunday.
Rained all night – and was off and on during race. The swim was longer than normal – one thing on Xterra’s- they may say 800 meter swim, but if guy taking markers out feels like it-He can set them short (last year it took me 15 minutes was not even 600 meters) – this year He went all the way to other side of lake – most likely closer to 1000+ meters, took me 21 minutes, and top guys did it in under 16.
My swim was miserable – I think I came out of the water in 30th place or so, hit the bike and rain started again. I was ready for a muddy ride, and started picking off people left and right. People were crashing, and having trouble with conditions. There is a river crossing, and with added rain, it had a strong current, so I was ready, got across clean ( you have to carry bike over your head, slippery rocks you can’t see with current makes it challenging- a guy fell 2 years ago and His bike got swept down stream!!) and ended up bike in 6th overall, with 5th place 40+ seconds in front of me .
Had a fantastic run, caught the guy in 5th, and as I blew past Him, heard Him curse (I assume He saw my age on my calf- and wasn’t happy having a old guy blow past Him) did the 4 miles in 26:36, which was 3rd fastest run of the day, ended up 5th overall, and won my age group by over 25 minutes.
One more Xterra this weekend in Indiana – then focus on Nationals in September!
Ken
X Terra 7-23-2011
Submitted by Ken Frankenbery
Headed back to Versailles Indiana for an Xterra off road Tri. Like last year, it was roasting (even hotter this year!)- Pre rode bike loop Friday- was almost 100.
Race day was mid 90’s- I think it was the first time I ever worked up a sweat in the water – water temp was over 90 degrees, and it was almost uncomfortably warm.
1k swim went ok, came out 23rd out of 90, used a speed suit- and took 1 minute off my 2010 time, so maybe it helps, but my swim still sucks- had a solid transition, and hit 13 mile mountain bike, picking off the people who had passed me on swim. Worked into top ten, had another solid transition, and hit the run with the temp now in the upper 90’s. Run course is a hard 5 miles- up and down hills, 3 stream crossings ( which were dry river beds!), and the heat was stifling. I managed to pass 2 more people, ended up 8th overall-1st in my class, with a 4+ minute improvement in my time for 2010 and beating 2nd in my age group by over an hour.
I know I need to work on my swim, gearing up for National Championships in Sept- will have some real solid completion there, so can’t give them a big head start!
The week before the Xterra, I did the T- Con memorial 5k at Goodyear Park in Akron on July 16th.
This is a fund raiser, run by the family of Teresa Conti, a High school runner who was killed in a traffic accident in 2002. The family puts on the race, and uses funds to help other runners with scholarship grants.
This was my first “cross country” running race- and having never run in high school, was clueless on how it would go.
I got there early to sign up, and do a warm up to get familiar with the loop. Well it’s a big field, with a really big hill, and cones laid out all over- they had a map, which I tried to follow, but spent 30 minutes running around having no idea where course would go. Was freaking out thinking gun would go off and I would not know where to go.
Well, I had nothing to worry about, because when the gun went off for race start- I had plenty of people to follow. Many of the kids on high school track team where there- and they took off like rabbits. Unlike other races, this went back and forth, up hills, tight 180 degree grass corners and rocky trails.
It was a great workout, but rather humbling getting beat by so many kids, many ½ my size!
I got 21st overall, first in my age group- with a 21:21, slowest 5 k time I have had in years, but with all the corners, hills and heat-was not too disappointed.
Interesting note was passing a couple girls who seemed to have started out to fast, when suddenly one pulls over and starts heaving- crossing the finish line, I could see a few other kids doing the same thing. Not something you see a lot (or want to see when your over heated) – but people tell me it’s not unusual at cross country races- maybe those kids ate at McDonalds before the race?
Ken
Team ER rules at Monroe Tri
Submitted by Ken Frankenbery
Great weather, a sell out crowd, and a early 7 am start Sunday at Monroe Falls.
Had a first for me, coming out of the swim, and seeing a full rack of bikes! Had a great swim, 2nd or 3rd out of water, with Henry right on my heels. I had a good transition, and bike went well, but was surprised with 2 miles from the end of bike, Henry pulling up next to me! Great bike Henry! I averaged 21.7 on the bike, and was able to keep Henry from passing me , and had another good transition, almost went into shock when I saw Henry following me out of transition!! ( Henry is not known for fast transitions- this was by far His best race, and huge improvement on transition times)
Run went well, finished in just over 22 minutes (7:19 pace), total race time of 1:04:05, a 1 & 1/2 minute improvement from 2010.
I finished first in my class-31st overall, Henry came in 2nd, and Paul had a great racing finishing third, and making it a Team sweep in our class.
Ken
2011 Twinsburg Duathlon
Check out Team ER at the Twinsburg Duathalon. Chris S, Henry H & Jerry all finished 1st in their age groups. Nice showing Team ER!
Watch the video at 27 seconds and 48 seconds for Team ER!
Run for the Green 5k in Gates Mills
6-4-2011 Run for the Green 5k in Gates Mills Submitted by Ken Frankenbery
Gates Mill’s is a community near our Chagrin Falls Fresh Start that was having a 5k race to help raise funds for a local green area. I hatched a plan to do race with Karen, then I would ride the 30+ miles home on my bike after.
I assured her it was a flat easy course (that turned out to be a lie), but even with some hills, She enjoyed it and did well.
There were maybe 200 people or so there, the start went up a small hill, then hit Chagrin River road for about 2 miles and into a residential area and finished in a local park. Since the race was for a green area, for some bizarre reason they allowed people to run with their dogs. Most stayed in the back, but a couple started up front.
I started out front, and at the gun several high school track kids bolted out front, 2 with dogs. I settled in about 15th place, with 2 of the “dog “people in front of me. The dogs were all over the place, and really starting to piss me off .I knew kicking them was not going to work- I would most likely fall on my face. I would have yelled, but the first mile I did in about 6:05, so there was no oxygen to spare for yelling. I got next to one of dog people, and when we hung a sharp left, I cut inside a stop sign and dog number one followed me- unfortunately for the dog’s owner, He went to the right of the stop sign. 1 down, 1 to go.
Dog #2 decided at half way mark He needed to take a dump, and shot to the side of the road with owner in tow- great, dogs are history. As we turned off Chagrin River road, we headed up a steep hill (sorry Karen), and I started picking off most of the runners who started out too fast .There was a 10 year old girl in front of me, and She was hauling! (She finished in 20.17 for 13th overall), I picked her off and I was up to about 5th place as we crested the hill, and I let it rip as we started down the hill to the finish. I caught the guy in 4th, but he looked back and gave me the “I am not letting some old guy pass me look” and he gassed it to finish right in front of me. I looked at my watch, saw I was close to a record time. I gave it everything I had in last 500 yards, finished in 19:33, beating my PR by 2 seconds. I jogged back to car, changed into bike gear, and headed back to wait for Karen. She had recovered well from the hill, looked like she was not going to attack me for talking her into race, and actually finished with her best time ever!
I finished 5th overall, a guy 52 years old was 2nd overall with a 17.39!!!!
I hit the road for a great ride home, perfect weather, a perfect route through Chagrin reservation, and really enjoying ride. I felt great for 27 miles. Unfortunately my house was 33 miles, and up a hill. I struggled the last few miles, but still a great day!
Ken