| aGSTC BREAKS USATF-NJ ALL-TIME POINTS RECORD For the third year in a row, the adidas Garden State Track Club has broken the USATF-NJ Grand Prix all-time points record. Thanks to a stronger men's and women's masters team, the club racked up a total of 738 points this year after the dust settled from last weekend's USATF-NJ 8k XC Championship.
That said, the season still has three more races: the open women's 5k championship, the masters women's 10k championship, and the all-divisions 8k road championship on Thanksgiving.
Total Points: USATF-NJ Grand Prix Overall Championship
738- adidas Garden State Track Club (2015) 728- adidas Garden State Track Club (2014)
582- adidas Garden State Track Club (2013) 577- Morris County Striders (2005) 532- Raritan Valley RR (2004) 520- Raritan Valley RR (2003) 494- Raritan Valley RR (2010) 467- Raritan Valley RR (2002) 459- Raritan Valley RR (2007) 434- Raritan Valley RR (2009) 426- Raritan Valley RR (2008) 421- Raritan Valley RR (2012)
The Streak Turns Four Years Old | | | Sean Donohue leads the pack at 400m |
As the Garden State Track Club turns five years old this fall, the organization celebrates another milestone: four years of undefeated USATF-NJ Grand Prix racing with the men.
Truth be told, the men started the club's Grand Prix debut with a dubya in June of 2011 with a surprise win at the uber-competitive President's Cup. But three months later, on the streets of Jersey City, a perfect storm hit the club, as injuries, poor racing, and bad club management resulted in a narrow loss to the now-defunct Sneaker Factory. Four weeks later, on October 23rd, the Black and Gold came out swinging in the USATF-NJ 5k XC Championships. With teams placing 1-2-4-5-9, last week's team win on October 25 marks four years of consecutive Grand Prix wins--the longest regional association streak in USATF history.
(if you're curious about the women's team that day, they finished 4th overall. Sprinters Quanisha Booker and Shay Warren finished as the #4 and #5 runners, with times of 24:41 and 29:17. The aGSTC did not field a masters men's or women's team) | | | Nihen leads the field after one loop |
After rolling with a small lead pack for the first loop, Rob Nihen took over the race and soloed the final two circuits, resulting in an uncontested 25:47 win. On a rolling hills course with wet, high grass, this was an outstanding performance by the Glen Rock resident and TCNJ alum. Funny enough, he won this race in 2012 in 25:46. It's hard to believe. See the results here! From there, eight more black uniforms rolled in the top ten, including Ken Goglas (2nd/26:31), Matt Eder (3rd/26:32), Kevin D'Emic (4th/26:47), Ted Doyle (6th/26:56), Mike Anis (7th/27:01), Joe Zeoli (8th/27:02), Edsel Flores (9th/27:15), and Sean Donohue (10th/27:18).
| | | Donohue celebrates the streak with a box of 100 munchkins |
The 27:15 finish for Flores was a huge breakthrough, as his previous 8k XC times were 28:59 (2014), 28:47 (2013), 28:29 (2012), 29:28 (2011). A 21-year-old New Brunswick HS graduate, the Middlesex County College student religiously follows the GSTC fall training plan--and it certainly shows.
Previous club members who won the 8k USATF-NJ race include Youssef Rochdi (25:22/ 2014) and Mike Fonder (25:27/2013). In 2011, Tony Harris and Mike Anis went 2-3, respectively.
The club swept the top four team spots with teams scoring 53-63-69-80.
Masters Men Holds Onto Silver Medal With just two races left in the 2015 season, the masters men's 40s team needed a big team performance. Fighting for a coveted team plaque that comes with a top-three finish on the year, the crew sat in second--just one step away from third or even fourth. Thankfully, they got the big effort they needed.
John Montgomery, just a few months from turning 50, threw down a big race, finishing 6th master overall in 29:28. Also 49, Nick Van Langen was right on his heels, dipping under 30 himself with a 29:49 effort- good for 7th master. The club then had finishers 13-14-15, as Robert Liberto, making his club debut, was the team's #3 in 31:06, Will Parker #4 in 31:16, and Wes Cole rounded out the team's top 5 with a tough 31:19 finish. The group finished second with 55 points, a much-needed result with the season finale, Ashenfelter, looming in a month.
Also running for the team was Steve Warren (31:38), Kenny Huryk (32:31), Matt Baker (32:33), Karl Leitz (34:02), and Eric Davis (34:25).
USATF-NJ Grand Prix: Men's 40s 96 points- Garmin 69 points- aGSTC 65 points- Do Run Runners 45 points- RVRR 45 points- North Jersey Masters
Sweeney's Debuts in Gold with Gold It wasn't easy for Liz Sweeney to get there, but she sure made the running part look easy.
Trekking up from Philadelphia, Sweeney woke up super early, carpooled with some South Enclavers, and made her club debut in style, winning her first ever USATF-NJ title. She rolled to a 30:13 win, #3 all-time on the aGSTC all-time list, leading the women to a 1-2-3 sweep of the top three team spots.
Teammate and training partner Jenn Cronin was second overall, finishing her first team race in 30:38. The effort lands her 7th on the all-time club list.
| | | Some members of the team pose after the awards ceremony. |
The Ladies in Black put 6 in the top 10, as two of those runners, Robin England (31:18/4th) and Courtney Schoenfield (31:44/6th ), ran times that cracked the club's Top 15 8k XC All-Time List. Others in the top ten were Alyssa Douma (30:57/3rd) and Emelia Perry (31:57/7th).
Maxine Mcinulty also made her club debut, finishing 11th overall woman with a fine 33:45 time.
The ladies top three teams scored 42, 45, and 73 points; fourth place was a distant 139 points.
aGSTC All-Time List: 8k Cross Country 29:14 Cheyenne Ogletree USATF-NJ Championships 2012 29:41 Katie Chaput USATF-NJ Championships 2013 30:13 Liz Sweeney USATF-NJ Championships 2015 30:28 Greta Sieve USATF-NJ Championships 2014 30:33 Ally Black USATF-NJ Championships 2014 30:37 Alyssa Douma USATF-NJ Championships 2013 30:38 Jenn Cronin USATF-NJ Championships 2015 30:51 Danielle Czohla USATF-NJ Championships 2013 30:53 Chelsea Callan USATF-NJ Championships 2012 31:12 Robyn Evangelist USATF-NJ Championships 2014 31:18 Robin England USATF-NJ Championships 2015 31:26 Lindsey Lambert USATF-NJ Championships 2012 31:39 Erika Meling USATF-NJ Championships 2013 31:44 Courtney Schoenfield USATF-NJ Championships 2015
Masters Women: Three-Way Tie Despite the many injuries and illnesses, the masters ladies continue to hang tough and now, with just two races remaining, they now sit in a three-way tie for 2nd place. The hard reality is that only two of these teams will win plaques, and the other will settle for a plaque-less fourth.
Sandi Kaspszyk ran a strong race, finishing 6th master overall in 35:43. Cherylann Dorsey, picture above, was right behind her, as her 35:55 put her 8th overall. Lucinda Warren finished the team's top three scoring with a 39:23 time.
The B Team had an outstanding performance as they finished 7th overall. Sarah Herse overcame a back injury and finished in 38:12, with Pat Butcher (38:20) and Ellen Patterson (40:55) rounding out the scoring finishers.
Prudence Jones and Aparna Das ran on the A and B teams, respectively.
2015 USATF-NJ Leaders: Women's 40s 62 points- Garmin Runners 43 points- adidas GSTC 43 points- RVRR 43 points- Shore AC |
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Kyle's Corner It's time for another First from the staff of the Korner! Usually here at Kyle's Korner we strive to keep you updated on your club members and what they have been doing recently. This week though, we decided to speak to a very new member, Aparna Lal Das. Who is she? Well she might just be one of the most inspirational stories we had here on the Korner. She is a member of our Women's Masters Team and ran with us this past weekend at Deer Path Park. Even though she was the last finisher for GSTC she is already planning her next move and more dedicated than ever towards improving her running. Here's your chance to get to know her.
Aparna Lal Das
Kyle: Hello Aparna and thank you for joining us! Ms. Lal Das: My pleasure. Kyle: Let's start with Sundays race! How did that go for you? Ms. Lal Das: I finished the race as I knew that counted for the masters team. I was the slowest person running but I was not deterred as I had no practice. The last I had run was October 4th before that. I loved being a part of the team and trying. Going forward I really want to be an active runner and an active participant at running events. It was a fun experience for me personally and challenging. Kyle: So you've found some good self motivation? Ms. Lal Das: Definitely, I don't want so many people passing me by. On a serious note, I realize running is about practice and stamina increases with practice. I love the feeling of finishing a race and that motivates me. A runners world is extremely new to me but it is one I am motivated to be a part of for a long time...I started late in life so I have long ways to go! Kyle: What made you choose to give running a try? Ms. Lal Das: I guess when you hit your 40's you suddenly wake and look around and think about all you wished to do while you still can. I was always fascinated by people running on the streets and I imagined myself doing that too. In 2014 I decided that was going to be my induction into running and so what better way I thought, I signed up for the 2014 Princeton Half Marathon. And that was my way to say hello to running! Kyle: You jumped right in! A Half as your first run. How was that experience? Ms. Lal Das: I ran a 5K in October, then my 1/2 Marathon. It was an exhilarating experience. I ran my first half marathon with a stress fracture in my ankle much against my orthopedics' advice. My journey to the half marathon was plagued with injuries which took away crucial months of training. So with less than 6 weeks of actual running and a stress fracture I still finished @ 2:42 and it felt truly awesome. It was another thing that the next 6 months I had to be in physical therapy. I would not trade that experience for anything. My only wish is that I go through proper training and then do these races, I feel that would be a different experience. I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis and patella issues on my knee which made 2015 also a very less fun year for me. But I started again with my second half, The Princeton half on October 4th, 2015, I ran really slow and just finished. I did not have any serious injuries after that and now I plan to run regularly and participate in some shorter distances as well as a few half's. Looking forward!I also tried the Mile Ave race, the individual one I couldn't finish due to knee pain, I did run slow for the relay one and finished my part. I also did the Road relays with Prudence this year. I might sound Crazy. Kyle: So you've had a number of racing experiences, some injuries, and some battles, and all of this very early into your late blooming fledgling running career and you're still just as excited and ready for more! I've got to admit you have me inspired. And that's just my kind of crazy! Ms. Lal Das: Haha, I am totally excited! I met Prudence and Erika Bow at the Princeton Running company. Brian @ the Princeton running company was doing me a favor and showing me the Princeton half route and that day GSTC was running with the running company, I got inspired by Prudence and Erika and Joined GSTC! Kyle: What was it like competing at Road relays as a new runner? That must've been a pretty unique experience doing such a different type of race. Ms. Lal Das: Road Relays was so FUN, the falling snow made it mesmerizing! Prudence and I did well. That was a wonderful experience and I would love to do it again! And since joining GSTC, I felt so intimidated by everyone's times, I was like I don't belong anywhere here. But I have still been encouraged and it is really wonderful to be incorporated despite being slow and not that great! Kyle: Our army can certainly be intimidating, but it's wonderful to hear how new runners can be welcomed and put at ease the way you were. Have you been training with prudence and the other steady striders? Ms. Lal Das: No, I have not been training with anyone. Just by myself when ever I can. But I am going to get serious with training by myself and run 4-5 days a week. Chuck suggested a coach, will be looking into that as well. Kyle: The best training is consistent training. what's the next big race that your training for? Ms. Lal Das: I am signed up for the Rutgers Half in April, 2016. I am thinking of the 10 K coming up for our team at the Giralda Farms. Have not thought of any other at this time. Yes, I agree with you, being consistent with running is the key. Hoping I will be getting there without excuses. Also learnt along with consistent training, right shoes also matter. And I so wish I had discovered running much earlier, though it is better late than never. Kyle: Well at least you found and now enjoy it! That's all the time we have this week. Best of luck with your training and we look forward to seeing you at future races! Thank you for speaking with us. Ms. Lal Das: Thanks much! Kyle: Tune in next week to see who we interview!
STEADY STRIDER SECTION By Rachel Elfoully
A little over a week ago, I participated in the Runner World Bethlehem Hat Trick Challenge which consisted of a 5k, 10k on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday. I was able to get a PR on my 5k (28:05) and half marathon (2:18:45) times and used my 10k (1:04:15) as a cool down run so I wouldn't burn out. I knew the half marathon would be plagued with hills but I didn't realize how steep they were, so I did a lot of downhill and uphill running throughout the course. I've been sidelined since then because two days later I wanted to go out for an easy 2 mile run and exacerbated a knee cap injury that I didn't know I had. I'm sure it caused by the large amount of downhills and lots of miles in a short period of time. I've learned for the future to just focus on recovery after a race or weekend like that. My knee has been doing better since then and I hope to be running again in a few days as I am currently training for the Disney Marathon in January.
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Club Results (please email us your results and pictures...ideally you're wearing the team uniform and gear, too!)
GILLETTE QUALIFIES FOR OLYMPIC TRIALS MARATHON!!! Matt Gillette qualified for the Olympic Trials in the marathon this weekend, as he crushed the Philly Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon in 64:39. Averaging an astounding 4:55 per mile, the Shippensburg alum shattered the club record and dipped under the Trials standard of 65:00. The LA Marathon will be the site of the 2016 Olympic Trials on February 13. Teammate Sean Stetler coasted to a 69:56, putting him 10th on the all-time club list.
Other club members who ran were Steve Eggly (84:39), Steve Warren (86:20), and Steve Herring (96:36).
aGSTC "The Big List": All-Time Half Marathons 1:04:39 Matt Gillette Phuilly Rock 'n Roll October 31, 2015 1:08:12 Jeff Perrella Philadelphia Half November 20, 2012 1:08:27 Youssef Rochdi Atlantic City Half October 22, 2015 1:08:35 Mike Fonder ING Hartford Half October 13, 2013 1:08:35 Tom Poland Unite Half Marathon April 22, 2012 1:08:58 Chris Croff Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2013 1:09:11 Ken Goglas Newport Liberty Half September 23, 2012 1:09:24 Mark Del Monaco Philly Rock 'n Roll September 18, 2011 1:09:39 Steve Mennitt Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2013 1:09:56 Sean Stetler Philly Rock 'n Roll October 30, 2015 1:09:59 Will Griffin Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2013
Angi Wins 5k in 24:02 Diana Angi, captain of the Steady Striders, won her first ever race this weekend, as she came through the finish line in 24:12. Very awesome!!!
Seven Run Norcross Bridge Run Nothing says fun more than a windy 10k that has its first mile go straight up the Ben Franklin Bridge, but this is how several club members spent their Sunday morning in tropical Camden. Youssef Rochdi was the club's first finisher in 31:25, 4th overall. Joe Zeoli ran a huge PR, finishing 11th in 34:03, while Chuck Schneekloth was 19th in 35:29 and Abel Bermudez was 35th in 38:29.
In the women's division, Robin England continues her comeback season, as she finished 7th woman overall in 39:11. Right behind her was the ageless wonder Martha Grinnell, as the 49 year old came in at 39:40. Leah Roberts ran a PR of 42:09, as well.
Ooops! We Forgot Last Time... Several members ran the Halloween Half Marathon a few weekend ago and we, sadly, were in a rush to send out the weekly email--resulting in a few omissions.
Anna Belfour, just one year from becoming a masters runner, ran a superb time of 1:37:53, averaging 7:28 pace to finish as 11th overall women. Peter Auteri ran 1:42:15, winning the 60-64 age group, while daughter Karen ran 1:44:16, pacing the 1:45 group.
Seeley Wins Radnor 5 Tim Seeley won yet another race, this time winning the 28th Annual Penn Medicine Radnor 5 Mile Run. He finished in 26:34, averaging 5:19 pace for the win. Meling 2nd at Perfect 10 Erika Meling finished 2nd overall in the Perfect 10 ten miler in 67:53. Winning the race was Scarlett Geunes-Boyer, 41, in 66:50. She has since joined the club, thanks to a conversation with Erika afterward. This ranks Erika #5 on the GSTC all-time performance list.
Get Used to Hearing This: Graves Wins, Sets Club Record Carmen Graves (center) won the 7th annual Beauty and the Beach 4 Miler this weekend, coasting to a solo 21:40 victory and $300 payday. Teammate Jenn Cronin (right) was second in 23:05, bringing home $200 for her effort. Tara Lobianco (left) also ran very well, finishing 8th overall in 27:33.
Burnick Sets CR in Half Marathon Crystal Burnick (left) cushed the club record in the half marathon this weekend at the Philly Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. Finishing 30th overall in one of the most competitive half marathon races in the country, she ran 76:55...or 5:52 pace for 13.1 miles. Wow! Crystal will be flying to San Francisco to join the aGSTC at club nationals in early December.
Also running a very strong race was Chelsea Callan (right), who was the 4th NJ finisher in 85:24, just shy of an all-time best. We are hoping we don't get sued for using this sketchy picture Chelsea sent us, although it certainly wouldn't be the first law suit we've seen.
Adrienne Viola improved upon her half marathon in September, by two minutes, finishing as the 7th NJ finisher in 88:52. Also, Sarah Hersey ran 1:37:16, a very impressive time for a masters runner!
aGSTC "Big List": All-Time Performances, Half Marathon 1:16:55 Crystal Burnick Philly Rock 'n Roll Half October 31, 2015 1:20:45 Cheyenne Ogletree Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2013 1:21:24 Greta Sieve Philly Rock 'n Roll September 25, 2013 1:22:53 Katie Chaput Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2013 1:23:49 Danielle Czohla Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2013 1:24:09 Alyssa Douma Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2013 1:24:50 Chelsea Callan Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2012 1:26:14 Michelle Brangan Love Run Half Marathon March 30, 2014 1:26:49 Lauren Rome Newport Liberty Half September 21, 2014 1:27:00 Erika Meling Unite Half Marathon April 21, 2013 1:27:20 Aimee Chegwidden Newport Liberty Half September 20, 2015 1:27:38 Angela Dunn Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2013 1:27:49 Ewelina Marut Newport Liberty Half September 22, 2013
RRC @ East Regions The Rutgers Running Club, under the GSTC umbrella, made another big step forward last weekend, as they ran very competitively at the NIRCA East Region Championships.
The men finished 11th out of 18 teams, with freshman Mike Nitzsche (left) finishing 66th place in 27:22 for 8k. Although the women's team was incomplete, Carly Kenselaar (right) ran very well, finishing in 25:01 for 41st place.
D'Emic Wins, Mcinulty PRs at HoBOOken 5k Kevin D'Emic won the HoBOOken 5k this weekend, as the miler and Manhattan alum cruised to a 15:41 win. Stephen Rathbun was 10th in 17:05, while Maxine Mcinulty recorded an all-time PR of 19:28. Kristen Prazenica also ran very well, coming very close to her all-time PR with a 19:37 clocking.
NYC Marathon: It was the best of times... | | | Amanda Chaneski's FB gallery! |
For whatever reason, members of the club didn't exactly have the race they were hoping for on Sunday's NYC Marathon. That said, they all ran hard and finished, which is never easy in a 26.2 mile race. Congratulations to the following club finishers:
Will Appman (2:54:52/ 93rd AG), Ken Walsh (3:08:09/ 201st AG), Yuki Negoro (3:14:54), Aya Leitz (3:19:24/ 40th AG) masters Sheera Siegel (3:22:20/ 24th AG), Karl Leitz (3:28:19), Tahir Qadeer (3:42:31), Kristina Petillo (4:23:05), Amanda Chaneski (4:28:00), and Ellen Patterson Neelan (4:53:44). Blickle, Graves Win 5k Carmen Graves continues to rewrite the club's record books this fall, as she blasted the Phoenixville Run in 16:49 to win easily. Carl Blickle notched another win under his belt, as he finished in 16:32.
aGSTC Top Performance List: Road 5k
16:49 Carmen Graves Phoenixville 5k October 24, 2015 17:11 Liz Sweeney Mann on Main Street October 10, 2015 17:12 Jenn Cronin Mann on Main Street October 10, 2015 17:24 Cheyenne Ogletree Stomp The Monster June 1, 2014 17:25 Greta Sieve Stomp The Monster June 1, 2014 17:34 Maria Danna President's Cup June 16, 2014 17:39 Lindsey Lambert Flemington Turkey Trot November 22, 2012 17:46 Chelsea Callan Flemington Turkey Trot November 22, 2012 17:56 Alyssa Douma Mercerville Fire Company December 15, 2012 17:56 Allie Dublinski Ridgewood Run May 27, 2013 17:56 Katie Chaput Jimmy D 5k September 1, 2013 18:04 Cara Notarianni Pier House 5k 2015 18:05 Robyn Evangelist Adrenaline 5k March 16, 2014 18:18 Michelle Brangan Philly Clean Air 5k April 26, 2014 18:20 Angela Dunn Race Down Broad Street October 5, 2013 18:21 Jamie Liberti Pier House September 4, 2012 18:30 Sarah Schillaci President's Cup June 17, 2013
Sweeney Wins 5k Liz Sweeney enjoyed a fun Halloween win this weekend, in a skeleton costume, as she cruised to an easy win in 18:19 at the Hatboro YMCA 5k. A Message from the President VOTE TODAY!
11/8 USATF-NJ 10k Masters Women Championships 11/15 Garden State XC Invite @ Belmont Plateau (Philadelphia) 11/26 USATF-NJ 8k Championships 12/12 USATF National Club XC Championships @ San Francisco
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Whatcha doing Sunday morning at 9am? We would love you to join us at our team Sunday run. All paces and distances do show up, so it's a perfect time to meet teammates, train with people, and enjoy a new running area. Run 4 at 11:00 pace, or 16 at 6:30 pace. Whatever!
Duke Farms 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
Brunch at the Tic Toc Diner to follow for those interested
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