(6/17): GSTC Wins USATF East Region Track and Field Championship

No Excuses: Be There!

We get it.  The spring season is winding down....it's hard to make team runs and workouts.  BUT- this coming Saturday morning, instead of a Sunday team run, we are all going to meet at Highland Park HS for either a team run or track workout at 10:00am.  Last Tuesday, we have 60 people show up....it was a lotta fun with the entire spectrum of ages and abilities present.  We plan on going out to Dish Café for brunch afterward....don't miss this chance to hang out with everyone before summer begins!  Address: 102 North Fifth Avenue Highland Park.

President's Cup Tonight

Tonight is the grand finale of the grand prix: the President's Cup 5k.  8pm at 35 Main St #2  Millburn, NJ 07041.  Come watch your teammates run in the best road race in NJ!!!

Van leaves from AME Church at 5:30, not 4:45.  Yes, we've changed it.  39 Morris Street- find some parking anywhere around.

Team Tortilla:  Ken Goglas, Tim Morgan, Paul Matuszak, Adin Mickle, John Welsh, Rob Nihen, James Lothian

Team Tiptoes:  Steve "The Python"  Jackson, Steve Mennitt, Chuck Schneekloth, Tim Paziora, Chris Schneider, Mike Anis

Team Tuxedo:  Ken Walsh, Edsel Flores, Marty Doherty, Rob DeCarlo, David Fett, Shaun Mcgeever, Kyle Flyer, Jeff Blough

  GSTC Wins USATF East Region Championship

 Men, Women Combine to Outscore Defending Champ Central Park TC 125-106 

Randall's  Island, NYC-  Twenty-five of the best clubs on the East Coast assembled at the USATF East Region Track and Field Championships yesterday, including defending national champions Shore AC (men) and Central Park TC (women), at storied Icahn Stadium- the home track of the CPTC.  However, history and home field field advantage played no role in the final outcome, as the upstart Garden State Track Club racked up a massive 125 points, outscoring CPTC's distance 106.  Individually, the men walloped the competition with 85 points, as CPTC scored 43 and Shore AC scraped together just 34.  The women were 3rd out of 14 teams.  

This is the first USATF East Region Title for the GSTC, setting the stage for one final showdown at Icahn in two weeks at the USATF Club National Championships.  In 2011, the GSTC men finished 7th at the national championships.  Suddenly, despite finishing just two full years as a club, the team is in very unfamiliar territory: fighting for the chance to hold up the USATF's most prized team trophy: the track and field national championship.  

The GSTC won 15 gold medals yesterday, including Alyssa Douma (1500m--sweet scoreboard video), Haisha Bisiolu (100m), Selasi Lumax (800m), Kyle Price (steeplechase), Demetrius Rooks (400IH), Isaiah Harris (HJ), Craig Van Leeuwen (PV), Lutalo Boyce (LJ), Eric Masington (discus), Matt Tholis (javelin), Eugene Asimou (shot put), and men's 4x400 (Kevin Persson, Rooks, Lumax, George Erazo).

All gold medals were won in club record performances.  Other club records were set by Chris Turner (10.85/100m), Ali Ejaz (21.64/200), Bisiolu (24.17/200m), Jamel Presley (14.85/110HH), Erika Meling (18:31.56/track 5k), Shene Davis (5.53m/LJ and 11.78m/TJ), Steve Brown (14.16/TJ).  

The men were particularly dominant in the pole vault, shot put, javelin, and long jump.  Andres Giglio and Matt Stuck helped the club go 1-3-4, Masington and John Wlasuk enabled a 1-2-3 sweep in the shot, Dillon Rodgers and Tyler Yee teamed up with Tholis to go 1-3-4 in the javelin, while Nafee Harris and Isaiah Harris helped Boyce go 1-3-4 in the long jump.

All results can be found here.

Sheehan Classic 5k Results

Red Bank- Jamie Liberti was the top finisher for the GSTC contingent who raced the George Sheehan Classic this weekend.   In her first race back from injury, she came across as the third overall female in 18:16.  After that, Karen Auteri ran an all-time PR, breaking the 19:00 barrier for the first time in 18:58.  Her old man came in 3rd in his age group in 21:24, allowing them to win the father/daughter category.  Fran Beideman was 21:25 with his son, Dan, coming in at 18:51, good enough for second father/son combo.  Nicole Corre also dusted off her racing shoes, coming in at 21:11--just behind her brother, Robert, who finished at 20:47!    

Gold Star by Ashwin Anantharaman

Will Alston

Will joined GSTC right after graduating Rowan University on May 20,2013. He joined because he wanted to continue his running career, meet new people and enjoy running. He has no pre race rituals right now but he has some great goals to go for. He is a sprinter who competes in mainly the 200,400 and 500(indoors). His goals are to run sub 50 for the 400, 22.5 for the 200 and 67 in the 500. He also does some distance races as well making him very versatile and hopes to break 17 in the 5k and sub 29 in the 8k. Outside of running he enjoys hanging out with friends, playing madden, movies and lifting. 

Jessica Bunone

Jessica joined GSTC after graduating from Ramapo University and realizing that she wanted to continue her running career. She was also influenced by her former college coach and Mr.GSTC himself Kenneth Goglas. As of right now her pre race rituals just consist of the usual warmup and stretching but she is currently reading Mind Run and is considering adding visualization of victory to her routine. She is a distance runner and loves to compete on the track as she holds PRs of 1143 in the 3k and 1230 in the 3k steeplechase. Right now her goals are to get back into shape and enjoy running as she usually does. Outside of running she loves to shop and is a big hiker as she loves exploring new places.

Steady Striders and Couch to 5k by Amy Denholtz
The steady striders welcome two new members, Sakina and Melissa, who joined us on Saturday for a run along the D&R canal tow path!  This week the steady striders and couch to 5k runners will have a track practice, led by GSTC founder and coach Chuck Schneekloth, at the Highland Park High School at 10am on Saturday, June 22nd.  The address for the HPHS is 102 North Fifth Avenue, Highland Park.  Parking is available behind the school by the track.  Email Amy at adenholtz@gmail.com with any questions or to RSVP.

Quotes of the Week

"Anis is complaining about the van making a whiny noise...oh the irony."  -Peter Bolgert, via text, during drive up to USATF East Regional Championships in team creeper van

"All signed up...hope u have a uni that fits!" -Tyrone Ross, via text.  The 400m club record holder, who sports a 45.93 400m PR, comes out of retirement in two weeks for club nationals.  He was the first member of the GSTC sprint group, and he alludes to his first race where he couldn't get his GSTC issued speedsuit around his quad in January of 2011.  Needless to say, he ran in his own gear that day in Boston.

"Bolgert's Theorem:  A joke is funny if and only if the punchline is Anis.  Real example from yesterday:  Erika: (entering room) It smells a little funky.  Peter: Was Anis here?"  -Peter Bolgert, via email, regarding his steeplechase training partner Michael Anis.  
     

(6/10-6/16): College Ave Mile and Seven Track Records Fall

Biggest Team Practice Ever This Wednesday!

That's right.  We getting everybody together this Wednesday for a team practice.  We already have about forty GSTC'ers there at 5:30, but this Wednesday, co-captain Ken Goglas is pushing all distance runners, fast-slow-and-in-between, to come hang out.  Stick around for a track session or just go for a run, we will also be hitting up Highland Park Pizza just two blocks away afterward.  Come hang out!  It shall be wonderful, wethinks.  HPHS= 102 N 5th Avenue, Highland Park.

Other team runs:

Tuesday, New Brunswick easy run, 3:30 at Rutgers Student Center

Tuesday, Manasquan Reservoir, 60m, visitor's center parking lot w/ GSTC Shore Enclave

Thursday, New Brunswick easy run, 5:30 at RSC

Saturday, Steady Striders, 9am @ Johnson (see far below for details)

Runners Swarm to College Ave Mile 

NJ's Biggest Road Mile Adds a Relay....and 102 Participants in 2013

New Brunswick- Although the parking lot festivities were cancelled on Thursday due to the fast approaching Tropical Storm Andrea, the fast times and the big turnout certainly wasn't.

Overall, there were ten individual races, two relays, four carnival games, and 252 runners that made up the 2013 College Ave Mile.  Thanks to a generous youth grant, nearly half of all competitors were youth runners, and many competed as members of the RRCA Grand Prix.  The 900 pictures in three albums that captured the event are available here, the starts and finishes of all races are on this YouTube channel, and the results are here.  

The top three male and female finishers received, respectively, $100, $75, and $50 gift certificates to The Running Company.  

Price Wins, Sets Course Record, Awarded Andrew Capizzi Trophy

Kyle Price, running with the winds of a late teammate and dear friend to his back, captured the 2nd Annual College Ave Mile Saturday night in 4:22.60.  His inspired efforts, captured in the attached picture, also resulted in a new course record, breaking last year's mark of 4:22.94 set by Jeff Perrella.  For his efforts, race officials awarded Price the First Annual Andrew Capizzi Trophy for winning the elite men's mile race.

Just a stride behind him was Ken Goglas, who was the race leader after the first circuit, finishing in 4:23.80.  Half-miler Tony Harris was third in 4:24.80, steepler Peter Bolgert was fourth in 4:26.00, and club nationals qualifier Dennie Waite was fifth in 4:29.70.  In total, 22 men broke the 5:00 barrier, a difficult feat on the roads.       

  

Watch the moment of silence for Andrew Capizzi here, lap one here, and the finish right about.....HERE.

Ogletree Smashes Course Record as All 13 Break 6:00 in Elite Women's Race

Cheyenne Ogletree's 2013 season streak of gold medals continued Saturday night, as she won the 2013 College Ave Mile in record fashion, breaking Jamie Liberti's 2012 course record by thirteen seconds.  The former Rutgers miler lead wire to wire, officially crossing the line in 5:02.60 for the dubya.  Just how impressive was Ogletree's win?  Well, second place Vicki Davis, whose 5:09 also eclipsed the former course record, was an All-American steeplechaser from Bloomsburg University this year, finishing 5th in the NCAA D-2 Steeplechase finals.

Finishing 3rd and shaving nine seconds off her 2012 time was Alyssa Douma, as she clocked in at 5:11.00.  Allison Dublinski ran a great race for fourth (5:18.00), and Karen Auteri knocked 18 seconds off her 2012's time, as she finished in 5:25.20.  

Check out the elite women's start here, first lap here, and the grand finale finish here.

Anantharaman Wins Sub-6:00 Race

Ashwin Anantharaman won the sub-6:00 race, as after his first lap, he took it home in 4:58 here.  Can anyone say "sandbagger"?  If you're up for a laugh, it's kinda funny watching GSTC sprinters Curtis Scafe and Carson Keers-Flood, the finish line tape holding volunteers, wildly scramble after the finish line tape after every winner runs away with it wrapped around their chest.  Also in this race were teammates Kyle Flyer (5:09), Rob DeCarlo (5:29), and Dan Siegel (5:32). 

Harris, Garcia Win Rumble Relay....and Lap Several Teams

Tony Harris and Ricky Garcia rolled to victory in the fist annual One Mile Rumble Relay.  They tagged up to run 4:10, outrunning the team of Mark Parisen and Jaris Rousseau who finished in 4:13, and Denny Waite and Adin Mickle who finished 3rd overall in 4:17.  The Pow Cats, consisting of Cheyene Ogletree and Erin Higgins, won the women's relay race in 5:12.  Watch the later part of the finish video, and you'll see Harris finishing before some teams have even exchanged the baton.  Wow!  Check out the crazy start here, and take in the even crazier exchange and finish here.

Hanko, Martins Take Two Mile Relay

Jared Hanko and Zak Martins ran away, literally, with the Two Mile Royal Rumble Relay, finishing in 9:15.  . Check out the start here....and the finish here.

Sub-7: Cust, Chong Finish 2-4

Rutgers  finished 2nd in 5:39, and student Sean Cust and Grace Chong ran an impressive 5:49 to highlight the sub-7 finishers for the GSTC.  Cathy Stutzman ran 6:04, Meghan DeCarlo 6:10, Shanna Bearisto 6:13, Erin Blum 6:17, and Andres Ortiz 6:41.  Watch the finish here to Gangnum Style.

Doherty Wins Masters Mile

Using an incredible final kick, Marty Doherty won the Master's Mile in 5:15.60.  Nick Van Langen set an early blistering pace and lead nearly the entire way, until Doherty closed hard and nipped him at the line, edging him by .4.  This is what this sport is all about, and this is one finish certainly worth watching!  Brian Harris (5:51), Kenny Huryk (6:10),  Larry Saparito (6:56), Jeff Blough (7:26), and Prudence "PR Machine" Jones (7:50).  The start is here, lap one here, and the finish is here and here

Sub-8 Race:  Stringham Gets 3rd

Samantha Stringham, the lone GSTC'er in the race, ran very well, finishing 3rd overall in 6:11.  Check out the finish here

Bough Finishes 16th in Sub-9

Deidre Bough, exceeding her own expectations, running well under 9:00--8:08, to be exact.  The start is here, lap one here, and finish is here.

Lacosta, Itietie Go 3-4 in Sub-10 Heat

Erin Lacosta and Tejiri Itieie finished together in 7:25, good for 3rd and 4th in the sub-10 race. Ana Garcia ran 8:44 for 14th, and Amy Denholtz was 9:05 for 19th.  See the start here, lap one here, finish here and here

Tuchol Wins Sub-13 Heat!

Michele Tuchol won the Sub-13 heat in.....7:37.  Perhaps she belonged in a different heat, but regardless----she won it!  The start is here, lap 1 here, and the finish here and here.

Seven Club Records Fall at NJ Invite

Colts Neck- As the GSTC men begin their final push toward a challenge for the USATF Club National Championship, it is by far the underdog.  It's two primary rivals are not only next door neighbors but well-established and well-funded.  Shore AC, started in 1934, has won national titles in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011 and boasts a huge membership along with deep coffers. Likewise, the Central Park Track Club, celebrating its 40th year in 2012, sent four athletes to the 2012 London Olympics last year.

SAC and CPTC, please meet the GSTC, established in November 2010.  

This weekend's NJ International Invitational was a sneak peak of the team's national roster, and already--the club record books are being rewritten.  Club records were set by Elvis Cole (15-0/pole vault), Emeka Eza (10.86/100m), Eugene Asimou (56'/shot put), Steve D'Aiutolo (46'/triple jump), and Joe Gingerelli (193'/javelin).  On the women's side, Kelsey Lewis broke the CR in the high jump with a 5-1 clearing, while Jena Peacock established a new outdoor 3,000m record with a 10:48.94 finish.

Mike Brito ran a season best in the 400IH (53.77), while Chris Heibell had a huge season breakthrough with a 3:51.37 in the 1500m (.42 from his own club record).  Also competing were Isaiah Harris (45-6 TJ), Danny Saxon (19-6 LJ), Harold Smith (19-0 LJ).  

Gold Star:  Shout Outs to Our New Members by Ashwin Anantharamn

Christina Chafos

Christina is a very recent member of GSTC joining the black and gold crew last week. She joined to have people to train with over the summertime and to help improve her 5k time. To this date she has no pre race superstitions or rituals making her the most normal runner of all of us. Her pr in the 5k is 20:56 which she is hoping to get down to sub 20 with the help of our tremendous coaches and great teammates that she will be able to train with. Outside of running she loves to do anything fun and is a huge people person. 

Shaun McGeever

Shaun joined GSTC a little over a week ago. After graduating in May 2012, he had been thinking about joining GSTC but decided to take time off and train on his own. He quickly realized that he needed a team to help push him to become a better runner, so he finally decided to join our all star club. He has very minimal pre race rituals like going out and doing something low key the night before to keep his mind off of the race so he doesn't psyche himself out. His Prs are as follows....1500: 358, 5k: 1514, 8k: 2612. His goals are to be part of the GSTC XC crew and be part of the fine relays squads that GSTC tends to put together. Outside of running he likes to travel, in fact he goes to Ireland almost every year to visit family. He is a big soccer fan and also enjoys just hanging around. 

Steady Striders/Beginner's Group  by Amy Denholtz

This week, the steady striders and couch to 5k runners will meet to run along the D&R Canal towpath on Saturday, June 15th at 9am, beginning fromGrove 5 of Johnson Park in Highland Park/Piscataway.  Grove 5 is across from the Rutgers football stadium and off of Landing Lane.  The Grove5 parking lot is the first parking lot on the left and has a picnic area with bathrooms (for directions and park map, see: www.co.middlesex.nj.us/parksrecreation/johnson.asp).  Email Amy, at adenholtz@gmail.com, with any questions or to RSVP.  Plan on a track workout with Coach Chuck Schneekloth next Saturday morning!

This Week in Training by Chris Tafelski

Last week to go!  A lot of people like to really slash the mileage this week, but I've found that mileage hog types are less likely to benefit from the big mileage drop than the speedier types.  So it's a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure week as far as volume goes.  We cut down the volume a bit last week - whether to cut again is up to you.  Freshness is the key - sleep and eat and a regular pattern and make sure you are hydrating properly.

Monday - comfortable run + 4-6x8-10sec hill sprints or 4x in-and-out 150

Tuesday - 1x2k @ 8k pace, 2x1k @ 5k pace, 2x800 at 3k pace.  Use your heart rate to decide recovery - when you're down to 140 or so, you're ready to go again.

Wednesday - steady-state run - you decide on the length.

Thursday - super easy run + strides

Friday - 3mile tempo + 6x200 starting at 3k pace and dropping down to mile pace or faster.  Go on feel - you want to finish feeling light!

Saturday - same as Monday, but strides only.

Sunday - shakeout!

Monday - Roll!

College Ave Mile Tomorrow!

For those that signed up but didn't receive the confirmation email....please see below.

261 pre-entries for the College Ave Mile....if you missed the on-line deadline, roll up at 4:00pm tomorrow at 26 College Ave in New Brunswick....be a part of the East Coast's biggest spring road mile!

Welcome to the College Ave Mile!

We are excited to welcome you to the East Coast's biggest spring road mile, the College Ave Mile!  With over three hundred pre-registered, we can't wait to enjoy Saturday night with you all on the storied streets of New Brunswick's Rutgers University.  Check out this article on us here: http://bringbackthemile.com/news/detail/making_the_most_of_your_mile_college_avenue_mile.  

Schedule and Parking

The race schedule will remain as is, and parking can be found anywhere on the outskirts of the race perimeter.  We highly recommend getting there by 4ish.  Why?   You won't be rushing around frantically for a parking spot, and you'll catch dozens of cute kiddos running the mile at 5:00pm!

Prizes, Awards, Raffles  

In the spirit of summer time, this year's awards will be College Ave Mile beach balls.  Yeah!  After all, what can you do with a medal at the beach?  Top five finishers (male and female) of every race will get one.

Since the CAM is a RRCA State Championship Race, special RRCA plaques will go to the top two men and women open and masters runners.

Be sure to cash in on your free drink with your free College Ave Mile mug upon bib pickup with our sponsor, The Olive Branch (conveniently located on the course...and no, you can't stop in in the middle of your race!).

Shortly before the two relay races, we will raffle off two awesome items:  a free pair of shoes (thanks, Westfield Running Company!) and a basket of nutrition bars and gels (thanks, Karen Auteri and Erin Higgins!).  Have your bib number handy to see if you won!

Oh, and the top three men and women will receive a gift certificate from our friends at the Westfield Running Company.

Charities

The College Ave Mile is one of nine races in the RRCA-NJ Grand Prix, a series of events raising money for the restoration of the Jersey Shore.  Become a member of the grand prix here: www.rrcanj.org.

Also, we encourage all runners to donate any gently used pieces of running equipment to our youth running initiative, Essays 4 Equipment.  Perhaps those trainers, spikes, shorts, etc. don't fit anymore, but we bet we can find someone less fortunate who would put them to great use.  This charity helps connect low-income youth running programs with the resources they need to be successful.  Please bring any donations to the registration table.

The Relays  

At the conclusion of all open races, the relays shall commence!  Please be sure to be near the start/finish with your partner by 7:15.  You may select whichever relay you like: the first one (2xhalf mile--one lap each) or the second (2xmile--two laps each).  Batons will be provided...you must, however, provide the fun.  

Sponsors

Many thanks to our sponsors: Olive Branch, New Jersey Marathon, Jimmy John's, DEVCO, Westfield Running Company, RWJ Fitness Center, Mike's Courtside, and Hole in the Wall Bagels.  

Question?  Shoot us an email at collegeavemile@gmail.com.  See ya soon!

(June 3 - June 9): College Ave Mile: NJ's Biggest Road Mile Set for Saturday Night

College Ave Mile: This Saturday Night

NJ's Biggest Road Mile Returns to Iconic College Ave on Rutgers Campus

New Brunswick-  On Saturday night, hundreds of local runners will converge on the hallowed roads of Rutgers University for the state's biggest road mile race, the College Ave Mile.  In addition to being a part of the RRCA Grand Prix, it is an official "Bring Back the Mile" event seen here.   Along with open mile races, it will play host to a variety of other events: a dunk tank, beer garden, BBQ, two relays, and five festival games.  Prizes will be College Ave Mile beach balls!

There will be ten individual races before the two relays: youth mile, elite women, elite men, sub-6:00, sub-7:00, sub-8:00, sub-9:00, sub-10:00, sub-thirteen, and the one mile walk.  From there, the two royal relay rumbles will go down: The One Mile Relay (2x half mile) and Two Mile Relay (2xmile).

Thanks to a generous New Jersey Road Runners Youth Grant, the youth race will include scores of youth from all over New Jersey, as their entry fees are subsidized.  This will include a large contingent of Highland Park youth, as this community has supported the GSTC with the use of their track facility..

In the elite women's race, Cheyenne Ogletree leads a stacked field ith a 4:59 already under her belt from last weekend.  A 4:51 miler from Rutgers, Ogletree looks to break the course record of 5:15.23 set by Jamie Liberti in 2012.  She will be chased by speedsters Alyssa Douma, Allison Dublinski, Chelsea Callan, Greta Sieve, Kristin Cupido, and Karen Auteri.

The elite men's race is wide open with a wide range of talented men lining up at the starting line.  Coming from a distance end is Ken Goglas, who has run the club's fastest 5k and steeplechase this year, along with Tim Morgan, Adin Mickle, Mike Anis, Paul Matuszak, Mike Fonder, and Steve-o Mennitt.  They will meet some stiff competition with pure milers Chris Heibell, Dennie Waite, Kyle Price, and Peter Bolgert.  Coming from the shorter sprint end are half milers Tony Harris, Mike Saparito, Jared Hanko, and Ricky Garcia.  

For generations the mile has been a classic race where endurance meets speed and for generations- the running community has embraced the mile as its favorite distance.  Consequently, runners have reflected on this event for generations.  Roger Bannister, the first human to ever break 4:00 on May 6th, 1955, once said, "The mile has all the elements of drama",  while John Landy stated, "The mile has a classic symmetry. It's a play in four acts", and John Walker famously asserted about this event, "The 800 meter record, the records in the 1000, the 1500, the 5000, the relays: no one remembers them. The mile, they remember. Only the mile." 

Team Runs

Monday- 5:30 track workout for tracksters (Highland Park HS)

Tuesday- 5:30 track workout for distance folks (HPHS)

Wednesday- 6:15 distance run at Morristown Running Company

Thursday- 5:30 distance run at Rutgers Student Center (NB)

Friday- 4:30 track workouts for distance folks (HPHS)

Saturday- COLLEGE AVE MILE 5:00pm-8:00pm

Sunday- 8:30 team run at River Road (just down the road from where 287 meets 202/206- parking lot besides River Road Park) 

Steady Striders & Couch to 5k by Amy Denholtz

The steady striders and couch to 5k group members will not be meeting for a regular group run this upcoming weekend, in favor of rallying for a great College Ave Mile race!  The following week, on Saturday June 15th, the group will have a track practice with GSTC Founder and Coach Chuck Schneekloth.  Good luck to all the steady striders running the CAM and remember to recruit your friends too!  Email Amy at adenholtz@gmail.com with any questions.

Quotes of the Week

"Because you sat in a chair and wouldn't play with us. like a grumpy mom."  -Daniel Sewning, taking a shot at Ken Walsh via FB

"Nationals will be fun, I can't wait. I took friday off so I wouldn't miss anything."  -Larry Saparito, via email, talking about his son and club nationals at the end of June 

"I'm really excited about this all, so many people from Rowan seem to be joining, which is amazing, and everyone on this team is really talented! Very awesome team."   -new GSTC member Kelsey Lewis, a 2013 Rowan graduate

"I moved some things around so I will be able to compete both days of the nationals meets, shot disc and hammer. I'm looking forward to helping win this championship."  -GSTC thrower John Wlasuk, via email.   It ain't easy making time for summer track when you're working away at your summer job...much props!

"Awesome. I'll all registered and ready to run fast."  -Dennie Waite, via FB, regarding the College Ave Mile

"Sorry, just reading this now. i'll be there at 3pm - shotgun!"  -Steve Mennit, FB post, 

TMA:  NJ's Most Feared Award

This week's first nomination goes to USATF-NJ columnist Madeline Bost.  We learned today that she reported in her Superhero Half Marathon preview weeks ago that the course record was run in its inaugural year, 2010, of 1:15:17 by a Karl O'Reilly.  Writing a race preview of a three-year race doesn't involve going into the ancient dead sea scroll archives here; GSTC'er Ryan Grote ran a blistering 1:11:19....last year, and second place finisher ran 1:14.  

The second goes to race director Joel Simpson of Miles for Music 20k.  It's been three months, and still no race prize money checks for our top-three finishing runners, no email with an update on it, etc.  6-8 weeks is one thing, but 12....well, perhaps this is what happens when races know they will be granted championship grand prix status by the USATF-NJ every year.     

Gold Star: Celebrating Our Members by Ashwin Anantharaman

John Welsh

John joined GSTC after Chuck saw him wearing a West Valley TC uniform at president's cup last year. Chuck and John had run for that club so Chuck used his charm and personality to convince John to check out GSTC. Before running he eats a chocolate power bar and has a coffee 2 hours before. He then proceeds to use the bathroom 1 hour before following it up with the traditional crumple race bib and shoe lace tuck. His Prs include 3k: 844, 5k: 1456, 10k: 3149(XC), 15k 4833, Marathon 2:40:15. His goal is to break 16 every year in the 5k and put together some good XC races as well as run Boston at one point. Outside of running he loves golf and mountain biking. He of course the traditional guy who obsesses over running, baseball and fantasy football. 

Sarah Schillaci 

Sarah joined GSTC after being a member of CPTC(GASP!!!!). After realizing that paying an 8 dollar toll to go to practice was pointless she found the coolest best looking club in America. Before races she warms up for 20 minutes and makes sure her blood caffeine level is through the roof. She is turning 30 next year and is excited to set some new goals and prs. Her prs now include.....5k:1826, 10k: 3838, 6k: 2300. Her goal is to pr for as long as possible since she believes you pr every 10 years. Her ultimate goal for next season though is to earn a mug from the Ashenfelter 8k for finishing in the top 100. Outside of running, Sarah enjoys watching a little television.

Heibell Leads Tracksters at West Chester

Jackson, Turner, Kadiyala Punch Ticket to Nationals

West Chester, PA-  If there's ever a time to get the hot hand....it's June.  And this is just what seems to be happening for GSTC miler Chris Heibell, as he ran a season best 3:54.96 and finished 12th of 18 athletes in the elite 1500m at Friday's John Hay Distance Festival.  If the GSTC has any chance of winning club nationals, they're going to need a clutch performance from Heibell--who finished 3rd in 2011 with a time of 3:52.  

Three athletes qualified for club nationals at the meet.  These qualifier included Chris Turner (200m/ 22.38), Dharan Kadiyala (800m/1:59.16), and Steve "Python" Jackson (3000m/8:57.67--qualifies for 5k). 

In total, thirty-four GSTC'ers laced up Friday night in their final tune-up before the USATF Regional Championships at Icahn Stadium June 15th.  Highlights included a fine showing in the men's elite 800m, as Tony Harris (1:52.26) lead a trio of fine performances, with Jared Hanko (1:53.12/PR) and Ricky Garcia (1:54.39) coming in 21st and 22nd, respectively.  In the mile, steeplers Kyle Price (4:21.86) and Peter Bolgert (4:22.15) finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively.  Chris Schneider snagged 6th in the 3k in 8:56.88.

In the sprints, Erin LaCosta and Alexis Mbakwe placed 3rd and 5th, respectively, Turner and Julius Frederick (22.80) went 1-2 in the 200, and Frederick, Joe LaFleur, Kaseem Jackson, Will Alston, and Ray Austin went 2-3-4-5-6 in the men's open 400m.   

This Week in Training

Monday - comfortable run + 6-8x8-10sec hill sprints OR 4-6x in-and-out 150s

Tuesday - 6x1k @ goal 5k pace with equal rest

Wednesday - Steady-state run.  Cut back by 20%.

Thursday - super easy 40-60 mins + strides

Friday - 2 Miles at T pace, take a 5 min jog, then go 8x400 at 3k pace with 1:30 rest.

Saturday - same as Monday

Sunday - Long run - cut back the distance by 20%

(5/27-6/2): College Ave Mile Less Than Two Weeks Away! (oh, and some great weekend results!!!)

GSTC Weekly Email: On Time, As Always

First Things First

It.  Is.  Time.  Two weeks to go, 74 people signed up already, use your code, get pumped for the dunk tank...rumble relay...dueling DJs. 

Sign up now, punk, before we send Timmy Morgan over to your house!!!!  Oh, and College Ave Mile beach balls will be the prize for the festival games this year....

  

Second thing's second, we have a track meet at West Chester on Friday.  Please email us if interested!

Team Runs=Fun

Tuesday          Distance:  5:30 track workout (Rutgers Student Center)

Wednesday    Beach Enclave: 6:00pm track workout (Point Boro HS track)

                          Distance: 6:15 Morristown Running Company (Morristown)

                          Tracksters: 5:30 track workout (HPHS)

Thursday         Team run: 5:30 at RSC (NB)

                           North Enclave: 6:30 at Montville HS

Friday               Team run: 4:30 at RSC (NB)

                           Track meet @ West Chester

Saturday         Distance: 9:30 Morristown Running Company (Morristown)

Sunday            TEAM RUN IN MORRISTOWN.  Brunch to follow!!!!

                          9:00am Loantaka Park @ 435 South St. Morristown 

COLLEGE AVE MILE UPDATE

It's just TWO WEEKS away!!!

As you all know, we're offering a $200 cash bonus for the GSTC member who signs up the most runners using their personalized code.  Don't have one?  Email us...we'll give you one!

Here are the leaders as of Sunday evening, 5/19:

5- Mike Anis

4- Karen Auteri

2- Alison Dublinski

2- Erin Blum

2- Rob DeCarlo

1- Kevin Ivanov

1- Jeff Perrella

1- Jeff Blough

1- Steve Mennitt

1- Kelly Polisin

6- UNITE Expo Team (Amy, Dave F, Cathy, Erin H, Michele, Tim, Courtney C, Steve M, Portia)

4- NJ Marathon Expo Team (Amy D, Brian H, Chelsea, Sarah F, Prudence, Erin B)

Here are the towns of registered runners thus far:

Highland Lakes, New Brunswick, Westfield, Bedminster, Mount Laurel, San Jose (CA), Basking Ridge, Morristown, Franklin Park, Staten Island, Cranford, Flushing,  Bloomfield, Manhattan, Piscataway, Bridgewater, Spotswood, Hillsborough, Howell, Summit, Fair Haven, Bergenfield, Creskill, Rutherford, Union, Princeton, Fair Lawn, Ewing

Team Names Thus Far:

Team Hallsome, Chupacabras, Kickin Asphalt, Hot Cross Buns, The Girls, Rainbow Unicorns, The Mega Powers, Robin, Pino, Townsie, NjGirls2013, Team Chemistry, Donald Duck's Feet, JDog, Sadlowski, Blumettes, Will Run for Food, R2D2, Two Peeps

Gold Star by Ashwin Anantharaman

Timothy Byrne

Tim is a new member of Garden State Track Club as he joins our ever growing Weights team. A former athlete of Rob DeCarlo he attended Don Bosco Prep where he threw shot and disc. He joined GSTC after the recruiting efforts of Mr.DeCarlo and wanted to help GSTC win the National Title next month!!! He has prs of 16.36m for shot and 49.06m for Disc. Before he throws at meets he visualizes the throws he wants during the competition and doesn't let his big throws out during his warm up. Outside of throwing he is a powerlifter, a big eater and a skeet shooter. 

Pramada Sharma

Pramada joined GSTC last week with the desire to become more involved with the sport of running. She is looking to lose weight and gain fitness back while running with our club. In 2006 she trained for the half marathon with Asha Team and now is looking to become more competitive by training with GSTC. Outside of running she loves biking, yoga, swimming,skiing, bowling, and dancing. I am sure after the experience with GSTC running will be number 1 on her list. 

Weekend Results

Ogletree, Douma Go 1-2 in Ridgewood Mile

Ridgewood- Cheyenne Ogletree and Alyssa Douma went 1-2 in the open women's mile at the Ridgewood 5k/10k races this weekend, running 4:59 and 5:07, respectively.  Alyson Dublinksi (5th/5:25) and Andrew Capizzi (5th/4:41) both raced it after running a previous race earlier in the day.  Both top times eclipse the former club record of 5:15, set by Jamie Liberti in last year's College Ave Mile, as Dublinski's is now #4.

Men's 40s Finish 9th Out of 15th in 10k GP Race

Ridgewood- The men's master's 40s team finished 9th overall of 15th teams at Monday's Grand Prix 10k Team Championship.  Marty Doherty lead the group with a fine 38:03 finish, good for 42nd overall.  From there, Eric Davis (41:29) Don Weise (42:07), Brian Harris (42:29), Peter Auteri (45:12), and Fran Beideman (45:27) rolled in.  Unfortunately, the group was just one 50s guy away from fielding both a 40s and a 50s team.  This was an all-time PR for Harris, who has had an incredibly busy racing schedule this fall.  

4x400 Finishes 3rd at Adidas Diamond League Grand Prix

NYC- It was windy, cold, and pouring rain Saturday morning, but the GSTC 4x400 still ran their fastest time of the season.  An improvement over last year's 5th place finish, the quartet of Kevin Perrson, George Erazo, Kaseem Jackson, and Tony Harris clocked in at 3:18.44.  We'd love to give you some splits, but with this video job, consider yourself lucky if you can even make our team out after the first two legs!  For Erazo, it was his GSTC debut, and for Perrson, it was a sweet welcome back, as the St. Peter's grad will now begin his post-collegiate track pursuits full-time with the MIG.

Nihen Snags 3rd in Ridgewood 5k

Ridgewood- Rob Nihen continues to have an excellent spring, as he clocked an impressively fast 15:08--the fifth fastest road 5k run in club history.  This betters his former GSTC personal best of 15:15 run last July at the Teterboro 5k.  Andrew Capizzi was 6th in 16:18, Sarah Schillaci ran a season best 18:45 (7th overall women), and Nicole Callaghan finished in 22:58.  In the 10k, Amy Denholtz ran 65:48.

GSTC Top Road 5ks

14:50  Jeff Perrella  President's Cup 2011

14:58  Ken Goglas  Flemington Turkey Trot  2012

14:59  Steve Mennitt  Flemington Turkey Trot 2012

15:01  Tony Harris  Flemington Turkey Trot 2012

15:08  Rob Nihen  Ridgewood 5k  2013

15:09  Chris Heibell Flemington Turkey Trot 2012

15:33  Tim Morgan President's Cup 2012

15:35  Adin Mickle  Stomp the Monster  2012

Mennitt 3rd in Mayor's Cup

Rahway- Steve Mennitt, chasing a $250 cash prize, came up a bit short despite running a very fast 15:16 at the annual Mayor's Cup.  Sadly, some guy named Feisa Ayaelel from NYC drove over, averaged 4:29 a mile, and won in...13:55.  Ouch.  We are considering to ask Mr. Ayalelel is he'd like to be our Road Relays partner in 2014.  

Meling Breaks Club Record at Spring Lake 5

Spring Lake- The defending champ returned, and despite nursing almost a year's worth of injuries, Jeff Perrella was still the GSTC's top finisher Saturday morning, as he finished 9th in 27:17.  Rocking bib number 1, a nod to his individual title last year, he finished about a minute ahead of former training partner, fellow injury buddy, and our homeboy Mike Rolek (28:13).  James Lothian ran a fine 28:33 while wearing the highly symbolic bib number of 333.  On the women's side, Erika Meling ran 30:53, finishing 11th women overall.  Her time breaks the five mile club record, set last year by Cheyenne Ogletree at the Our House 5 Miler of 31:11.  Kenny Walsh continued his comeback trail, finishing 46th at 29:46.  Fun fact: out of 14 finishers with his last name, Ken was the fastest!

Mickle Leads Lucky Seven Series

Deep South NJ- It's hard to say this with a straight face, but South Enclave Co-Captain Adin Mickle is dominating the USATF-NJ "Lucky Seven" Series.  Don't know what it is? Ha- no one else does either, as only seven people have actually scored in it.  Check it out here.  Go Adin!!!  A fine resume builder, indeed.

Blough PRs in Ventnor 10k

Ventnor- Master Jeff Blough managed a PR this weekend at the Kenny Wayland Memorial 10k, as he ran 55:37.  

This Week in Club History

West Long Branch-  One year ago today, the GSTC won the USATF-NJ Track and Field Championship over Shore AC.  It was an odd meet, as our best hurdlers were split up to race against masters runners with lower hurdles, a rainstorm cleared things out for thirty minutes, and the 800m consisted on only GSTC runners and...professional runner Robby Andrews.   A notable highlight, outside of winning of course, was Chris Schneider winning the 5k and...taking a cup of water and drinking it just 50 yards before the finish line.  Ken Walsh had a fairly comical final few "jumps" over the steeplechase water pit if we remember correctly, as well!

 

Steady Striders and Couch to 5k   by Amy Denholtz
Congrats to all the steady striders who participated in races this memorial day weekend! Up next, the steady striders and couch to 5k runners will join the full GSTC team for a Sunday run, at 9:00am in Morristown.  See "Team Runs" section above for details!  Email Amy at adenholtz@gmail.com with any questions or to RSVP.

Quotes of the Week

"Kenyans are here.  Steve is getting worried."  -David Fett, via text.  Yup, Mennitt's grand plan to win $250 at the Mayor's Cup was foiled by some guy who ran 13:55.  Damn.

"That is a mid-week PR for me for most people on a run this year."  -Paul Matuszak, via email, regarding a GSTC South Enclave team run.  

"And that's what makes those runs so enjoyable."  -Erika Meling, via text, talking about meeting new and familiar faces at team runs

"Got in a good vaulting practice today while everyone else is stuffing their faces and partying.  Staying focused."  -Andres Giglio, TCNJ pole vaulter who will rock gold in a few weeks, via FB post.  There's a reason why we asked this guy to join us this summer!

"I'm pretty much a pure distance runner, so things like 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons are what I'll probably stick to for the most part. (Did a few marathons, but realized that running for hours through a city doesn't hold much appeal to me)"   -Steve "Python" Jackson, recent club member and Princeton grad student, via email

"Literally had the best run of my life tonight!! I have no idea why tonight or why right now, but I never have felt so good or so fast on a run..."  -Brianna Florito, via FB post

"Just drove past you on route 27 you slow b****."  -Tony Harris, via text.  We offer no counter argument.

"When can I start practicing w/ the track club?"  -51' triple jumper and IC4A champ Isaiah Harris, via text.  We can't say how excited we are to have this guy rocking the gold and black!

"Can't wait to compete for you guys."  -15'9" pole vaulter Elvis Cole, via text

"It's my decision.  I want to be fast...season is only 1 month from finishing."  -hurdler Mike Brito, via text, when he decided to leave a family function to attend Monday's team practice.  

"All you need to know is that I wowed the two average white guys and the slow black guy during jump practice last week."  -GSTC stalwart long jumper "Staggs", via text, attempting to assuage our concerns about his fitness level and ability to qualify for club nationals.

This Week in Training by Chris Tafelski

Tuesday - 6x800/300 - 800 at 5k pace and 300 at 3k pace - take 1:00 between 800 and 300 and 3:00 between sets.

Wednesday - steady-state run of 75% long run duration

Thursday - super easy 40-60 minutes

Friday - 25-45 min tempo run at T pace.  Finish with 4x200 @ mile pace on full rest.

Saturday - comfortable run + 6-8x 8-10sec hill sprints or 6x in-and-out 150s

Sunday - long run