"The race is not always to the swift Fall 2004 but to those who keep on running." Jack Lippincott & Arlen R. Isham THE VIATOR VET - JACK L. Best Weather 32st HE VIATOR VET Houston Marathon 2004 Summary

Well all right, marathon dudes & dudettes; we had better begin preparing for the We actually started 12,069 out of our next time around – HP Houston ’05! I know that some of you are already putting 14,103 registrants, which is a big per- in the big miles, in spite of summer conditions, because you have a fall marathon on your race calendar. That’s OK! We don’t give IQ tests as a condition of being in the Veterans’ group. centage increase over last year's 11,870 It’s a good thing, too. I have a feeling that our membership would be cut in half (and you registered runners, which produced un- would need to get someone else to do this column, for sure…) der 9,000 actual starters. It was reported that there were almost 11,900 finishers But let’s focus on the positive. We positively need to be in shape for Houston, because we’re this year. on the agenda as Pace-Team Leaders once again. Those of us who have done it before know what a fulfilling and FUN experience it is. If you have never taken part, consider giving it a try this year. You can contact our Pacer King, Arlen Isham, to see what it’s all about… Per Tom McBrayer, the marathon had 6,373 entrants and 5,384 finishers Word is that the marathon, and each of our related events, is headed for record numbers of en- (3,548 men & 1,836 trants, again. With online signup, it may already be too late to get a low number. But, all early women). Interestingly, the half- entries (before the Expo) will get one of those “special” numbers, similar to last year, that have marathon numbers were: 5,904 entrants your first name in BIG letters, the better for spectators to urge you on. That encouragement is and 5,207 finishers - (2,549 men & especially helpful in the last few miles. So, do not wait until the last minute to decide. You 2,658 women). The 5K was similar: KNOW you are going to do it, right? The race number is just another reason to get entered early, in addition to the cheaper price. It is also very important to make the commitment (and, 1,821 entrants and 1,493 finishers (661 I’m pretty sure we all need to be committed…) Hope to see a lot of you at the Kickoff Party in men & 832 women. Both "companion early September! Pick a perfect pace, you pavement pounders. races" had more women than men...

The top men's finisher was Marek Jaroszewski of Poland with a winning time of 2:18:51. The top woman's fin- Houston Marathon Veterans isher was Margarita Tapia of Mexico January 18, 2004 with a winning time of 2:28:36.

In other results, Gennady Temnikov of Maryland won the marathon's master class with a time of 2:24:40.

Mary Chute from CT. took the women's master's trophy with a time of 2:53:52.

In the half-marathon event, Gilbert Koech, from Kenya crossed the finish line first with a time of 1:03:08. Col- leen De Reuck from Boulder, CO. took first in the women with a time of 1:10:55. Half marathon masters winner was William Moore at 1:09:43.

Nearly 18,000 runners took part in the four hp Houston marathon weekend events.

PAST & FUTURE January, 1996 Russia's Leonid Shvetsov and New Zealand's Sean Wade, who Race Calendar 24th annual. - In anticipation of qualify for their country's Olym- the Summer Olympics in At- pic Trials, bring to four the num- ber of finishers under 2:11. lanta, a deep and talented field of 9-13 Houston Marathon Early Sign runners lines up in 100% humid- 9-15 Tour de Bayou, start, 1 st. week ity in hopes of posting times fast For the second straight year, Tat- 9-19 Tri Andy's Tri 300s/10mb/3mr enough to qualify for their coun- yana Pozdnyakova of The 10-03 USA 10 Miler Ukraine was the first female 10-02 Race for the Cure 5 K try's Olympic squad. Yet every- 10-16 Palo Duro 50 m, 50 k thing must go right to succeed. across the finish line with her 10-17 Koala/Lukes 20 K "If" Great Britain's Steve Brace time of 2:31:03. However, two 10-10 Marathon doesn't have to stop to tie his months later, she was disquali- 10-24 Iron Star Tri, 1.2 s/56 b/13.1 r shoe at 20 miles, and "if" Ethio- fied and Mexico's Adriana Fer- 10-23 Rocky Raccoon Trail Series nandez (2:31:59) wound up the 10-31 Marine Corps Mar. pia's Turbo Tumo doesn't dis- 11-07 Mar. cover soon enough that the lead women's winner. 11-13 Rocky Trails 50 mile vehicle has taken him off course 11-13 San Antonio Mar. near the finish, results might be 11-14 KRTS 25 K different. But "ifs" don't count 11-27 HARRA Kids Run 12-05 Houstonian Lite 30 K and Tumo backtracks to pick up 12-11 SunMart 50 K / 50 M the trail 30 yards behind Brace, Our condolences to Marilyn 12-12 Dallas White Rock Mar. driving by the past Mara- Patrick and family for the 12-12 Honolulu Mar. thon winner in the last 50 meters 01-16 Houston Marathon 2005 to win the race by a second sudden and unexpected 01-5/6 Rocky Raccoon, 100 m/ 50 m 02-25/27 Bear 48 Hr./24 Hr., 12 Hr. (2:10:34). death of Bob Patrick recently.

Pacers Needed Upcoming Events

We need Veterans Pacers www.adventureteam.com/ Marathon Predictor www.adventuresports.com/ for the Houston www.outwardboundwest.com/ Take your 25 K time and Marathon. www.balancebaradventure.com/ multiply by 1.9. www.parks.state.co.us/ www.colorado.com/ Take your 10 mile time and Contact Arlen Isham adventureracingconcepts.com multiply by 2.9. 713-455-4858 www.subaruprimalquest.com/ www.runnersworld.com/ race2004_teams/ INFORMATION CHANGES www.raidthenorth.com/ www.harra.org/ www.runningnetwork.com/ www.gravityplay.com/ Address, Telephone www.csmevents.com/ www.rrca.org/ www.runreview.com/ "E" Mail, Etc. www.runnertriathletenews.com/ 713-455-4858 Isham's Website Send to Arlen Isham www.hphoustonmarathon.com/ www.50statesmarathonclub.com/ 12803 Peoria St. http://users3.ev1.net/~isham/ Houston, TX. 77015 Page 2 VETERANS PACE TEAM TO have put up the past Pacer comments for Veterans Stories LEAD every year since 1999. See our Pacer 2005 HOUSTON MARATHON history. Look it up on the website.

Who leads the Veteran’s This year we will be carrying red, white, Phil Smith - I ran part of the way with and blue balloons. I may put helium in the person pacing the 5:30 group for Pace Team? them to make them easier to carry. Cliff Bar. Her name is Robin (don't re- The groups are led by the Houston Actually you can pass the balloons member her last name). She was from Marathon Veterans, both men & women around to give the honor of helping Columbus, Ohio. She said that they had with at least 10 years experience running leading your group to other people some 120 people signed up for the 5:30 group. the HP Houston Marathon. They’ll of the time. She did a very good job. She caught up provide runners with a unique with me while going into downtown. opportunity to interact face-to-face with I look forward to hearing from you later She said that all of her pacees had either Veteran’s personnel as well as to this year if you are interested in leading dropped back or gone on ahead of her. experience the camaraderie of a team. a particular time. She had another Cliff Bar pacer with her. The Veteran’s team leaders make sure They had carried their balloons the everyone runs at the right pace and has a I am extending the challenge early to be whole way. I finished a few seconds good time. They’ll be each team’s the closest to your goal and not go over. behind her at 5:30'29". So she was right personal coach, cheerleader, and guru In addition, we hope our team will be on the mark. for the day. Some chant, some sing, and more successful in being at least about 5 some may struggle just like you. But all minutes around your goal, even if you go Bob McDowell - I unofficially paced of them are experienced marathoners, over. two friends, one of whom was doing his who are running Houston to help the first marathon in 20 years. We aimed members of the team achieve their goal This is very important. If you decide to for a 4:15 goal & my chip time was time. be a Pacer, you need to be committed to 4:15:54. I'll plan to help pace next year. running very close to your predicted I'm hoping I have at least 2 more mara- Are we going to go out right pace. That means you almost have to thons in me to make it 20 Houston mara- on pace? cut your time from 15 minutes to 30 thons! minutes slower than you could do by not More or less. Some pacers go out a little pacing. Wes Monteith - Just a note on the slower the first half of the race and try to pacing Arlen, I predicted a 4:20 and ran do "negative splits". Others go out just a As I noticed from other Pace teams 4:19:42 clock time. .I am still interested little faster so as to have some "cushion", around the nation and at Houston in in pacing. Also saw the 4:15 group go just in case people have to slow down at 2004, the Pacers finished within 2 to 4 by me at about 23 miles, and they were a the end. Either way, the idea is to run minutes of their predicted time. That tight group with a great young lady en- EVEN. That’s what pacing is all about. means if you lose your group, you stay couraging them forward right on the at your pace and pick up people later in mark. Congrats to all who finished and the race. Will we stop at water stations? good job on the last runner standing.

Will there be walking breaks? We will have an Expo time on Saturday Depends on the pacer. We will be at 9:00 a.m. to introduce the Pace Team. (Phyllis Thompson) First marathon encouraging walking as an important part of the marathon pace team. Most Arlen Isham Two months before the 2004 HP Hous- will at least slow down at the water aid Veterans Pace Team Coordinator ton Marathon January 18 my twenty-five year old son David Nimmons told me he stations to make sure everyone gets 713-455-4858 for information properly hydrated. Some will stop and would be running the marathon with me. walk a few meters. Again, depending on “Really?” I responded with amused as- the pacer. Most pacers will take walking tonishment. “Yes,” David assured me, “I breaks. Your pace leader will let you just started training.” Really? David know the plan at the clinics and the team had not run in at least two years. His strategy will be reviewed before the start high school soccer days were in the past. of the race. His mountain climbing days were in the past. As a family we had climbed the 46 I want all of you to start thinking about highest peaks in the Adirondacks, New whether you want to be part of the team York. His years on the UT-Texas water this year. ski team (slalom, trick, and jump) were also in the past. Now he was pretty much You can read about it on the website. a non-training workaholic. We have our own area. In addition, they (Continued on page 4)

Page 3 Lee Norris Daniel Jason Veterans Continued

(Continued from page 3)

David had run four to six miles with me sometimes in the Houston marathon, coming in either at 16 miles to leave at 20 miles or in at 20 miles to the end. I remembered that about four years ago he had come in at 16 miles and felt so strong that he ran all the way to the end. It had been a hot race. When we got home he crashed into bed for several hours before we could go out to cele- brate my birthday. My birthday is Janu- ary 14, and for some perverse reason I celebrated my 40th birthday by running the Houston Marathon in 1983 and I have been running the Houston mara- thon and some others ever since.

“Really?” I said and left it at that. I did not rush to the computer and register Lee him. Why waste $70? During the last Norris is an engineer and pipeline consultant Daniel Jason is a full-time fantasy author and two weeks before the marathon I with a running problem. He has been training at part-time runner who lives in Houston, but lunchtime in Houston for almost 30 years, in drives all over the country signing copies of emailed daily messages about race spite of killer summertime temperatures. his best-sellers, which include “Loch Ness preparation and attitude and form during Surviving this abuse has made him tough Monsters in Atlantis,” and “The Ultimate the race. Meanwhile David had ran some enough to finish twenty-two Houston Dragon.” Believe me, if you try to keep pace training runs on a treadmill at 3 and 5 Marathons. But, that’s not all... with this guy, your tail will be draggin’... miles and done a long run of 12 miles one month before the race, all at a 9:30 Norris was born in Velasco, Texas, and started Mr. Jason is CEO of 5 Star Stories, Inc. He or better pace, proclaimed himself ready, running in 1975, in San Francisco. He did it as also speaks at and facilitates school and drove in from Austin. I registered exercise - to keep from getting fat - and to take functions, team building workshops, and him and picked up our race packets. in the gorgeous scenery. So, starting out he was other events. A Viet Nam veteran, he left a already into “hill work.” Do we detect a pattern successful career in accounting to follow his here? He did his first marathon – the ’79 dream of writing and publishing fantasy Sunday morning January 18, we lined up Houston – in 3:13 (!!) We should all do more novels. Somehow, he still finds the time for in the mass of runners wearing our hills. training and competing. “C’mon Phyllis – Mom” and “C’mon David – Son” shirts, both secretly won- Lee’s typical training is 30 miles per week, Daniel began running in 1984, to see if he dering how it would turn out and both going up to 50-60 before an event. And, his could complete a marathon. He has a equally determined to finish. For the past events go way up, beyond the marathon. He’s personal best of 3:07 from the 1987 Houston three years I had been on the Houston done the Arkansas Traveler and Heartland race, and has finished our event 21 times in a (Kansas) 100 milers, and the Sunmart 50 miler. row, so far. He has run a total of 50 Marathon Veterans Pacing Team, pacing He has PR’s of 8:13 in the 50, and 32:13 in the marathons, including Austin, The runners to a 4:45 finish. I had no illu- 100. This guy doesn’t know when to quit! And Woodlands, Marine Corps, and Boston. His sions about untrained runners. Not pac- guess what – his shoes don’t, either. Norris typical off-season mileage is 10 to 15 per ing this year, I felt the best course for claims that with judicious repair, including week, rising to 25-30 when training for a both David and me was a 5:15 finish cushioned insoles, old tire parts, and superglue, long race. running 5 minutes and walking 1 minute he can get 2,000 miles on a pair of running consistently from the beginning of the shoes! Jason has grown children, Jeremy and Renee, race. who are currently pursuing their own dreams When not training, our man enjoys reading, and as actors in Los Angeles. The writer’s best driving his Miata (surely only at the posted friend (and co-author!) is his golden retriever The gun fired. Nothing happened. We speed limits?) Lee has a wife, Linda, and a “Casanova.” They run together every other were tightly packed into the width of grown daughter, Sarah. Oh; and six cats! day at North Shore Park, enjoy watching Sci- Crawford. Four minutes later we barely Norris is one cool, running cat. And, if you Fi movies, and think about how to present jogged across the starting line, hearing think you’re tough, he’s got some big shoes to things from the animals’ point of view in the whine of the chips as they crossed fill. Oh, but you CAN’T – because he never their upcoming novel. Look for it, and the the electronic pads. “Run your race, quits wearing them authors, in your local bookstore soon! (Continued on page 5) Page 4 Margaret Montgomery Veterans Continued

(Continued from page 4) onto Allen Parkway. I could see that Mom,” David assured me. “I don’t want David was limping when we walked, to rush you or to slow you down. I’ll do holding his right leg at a strange angle. I whatever you do.” At six feet David has realized he was really hurting. I said a longer stride than I do, being only nothing. (Later he confirmed that it had 5’5”, but he paced himself to me as the hurt him to walk since mile 18 and he crowd spread out and we could finally was always worried he wouldn’t be able change from walk to jog. We met and to start to run again. His legs had been ran briefly with two of my jogging bud- screaming with fatigue.) We kept up the dies, Barbara and Ken, but we were 5-1 mode and continued to hold the alone together after mile 6. pace. We skipped water at miles 24 and 25 and right after mile 25 we did our last David is a competitor. He was tempted walk. Then we headed down that long by the thought of a 5-hour finish. So home stretch across town. “Try to enjoy was I. In our 5-1 mode we were still the cheering,” I encouraged David. “I averaging an 11:30 pace. I was sure that always forget to do that.” The music in the long run, and the marathon is the blared. People screamed. The three of long run, this was going to be a stretch, us forged on, picking up the pace as

Margaret Montgomery is next to the top of but we continued. David maintained a Cynthia encouraged us and the crowd. our marathon’s Female Veteran list – with 21 cheerful but resolute attitude. “I’m feel- “Do you want to sprint ahead?” I asked total finishes - and would be AT the top if not ing great,” he kept assuring me. “You David. “Mom, I want to finish with you. for a broken foot and ankle just a few days run your race, Mom. I’m with you.” I I want us to finish together.” before the “ice bowl” race back in 1997. At found that calculating when to run and least she picked a good one to skip! Her friends called periodically during that race to when to walk kept me fully preoccupied Cynthia veered off the course to the right give her updates on how everyone was doing. and I didn’t dwell on the distance ahead. and David and I turned to the left toward So, she felt like she was running it We waved at friends at mile 5, in Rice the finish clock. We clasped hands and vicariously, anyway. village, to daughter Cynthia on held them high as we raced to the finish, Weslayan mile 14, the Galleria area mile filled with elation at our personal tri- Professor Montgomery is retired after 30 16, and finally at mile 18.5 we are umph. The crowd realized we were a years as a College English teacher, but is headed back east toward the finish. mother-son team and screamed their definitely not the “rocking-chair-retiree” David was still looking like he was run- enthusiasm. We stepped on the mat to- type. She oversees a homeless project called ning pain free, assuring me he was gether. The clock read 5:02:38. Chip Crossroads at Park Place, does a lot of reading, and of course jogs and trains strong. I was holding on to our pace, time would be under 5 hours at 4:58:18 regularly. Her running career began back in knowing that there was no way I could and an 11:32 pace. We had of course 1979, because she was almost 39, and did go faster. The walk breaks still came been a little bit faster pace to accommo- NOT want to look like a 40-year-old. Guess with encouraging regularity. The sky date the walks. Time at half was 2:28:34. what? She still doesn’t! While time has stayed overcast, the temperature in low stood still for HER, she has done anything 50’s, the breeze good, which was a help We were home. I wanted to cry from joy BUT stand still over the years. Besides all of for me as I suffer in the heat and I sus- and fatigue. David was a bit shaky too. her Houstons, which began in 1983, she has pected David would too. Only after we limped into the George R. completed many other marathons, including New York, Chicago, Traverse City, Brown Convention Center did I realize Grandma’s, and others around Texas. She “I hope there is a door at the wall,” how much David had pushed himself, also enjoys local runs like the Bayou City, David joked with me. He seemed fine, how close to the edge he had been. I Rodeo, Summer Kick Off, Lunar and I was in awe of his stamina, un- was awed by his ability to draw on inner Rendezvous, and Bellaire Trolley. Her trained as he was. The belly dancers at reserves, by his determination to strive, training mileage varies from 30 to 45 per 610 and mile 20 came and went. We by his refusal to yield. The race over, he week, depending on whether she is training seemed to have no trouble. The soles of could barely move his legs, he wolfed for Houston. Her best marathon time is 4:15. my feet had been burning since mile 10 down two oranges, two bananas, and and now my stomach really hurt, but several liquid yogurts before we stum- Margaret has a husband, Bob, and two grown sons, Monte and Lance, who must be very other than that, I was really fine. I had bled around the Center to get our proud of their “run-around Mom…” been feeding us GU and hard candies awards. Then at the food court he ate a regularly since mile 5. full breakfast. We finally limped out- side, and Cynthia got the car and picked We headed up the hill leading from Me- us up. “That,” said David, “was the most morial to Shepherd, picked up daughter/ incredibly difficult thing that I have ever sister Cynthia, and turned the corner (Continued on page 6)

Page 5 than 20 years, it might be time to turn Mike Padon said. "Well, he qualified for Veterans Continued full attention to his golf game. Boston at the Houston Marathon in 1995, so I was under the gun to qualify." (Continued from page 5) He had back surgery in 1992, and the aches and pains of training were Mike Padon ran in the Houston and done. I have so much more respect for beginning to be too much to ignore. A Dallas marathons in 1996 and missed by your doing these marathons now. Happy golf cart looked awfully inviting. about 15 minutes of posting a qualifying birthday, Mom.” time for Boston. The Padons went to the But around this time last year, Padon, Avenue of the Giants through Redwood who first ran in the Houston Marathon in Lonnie Brauner -Nothing special National Forest in California. Again, 1977, got an idea into his head that Mike failed to qualify. except I ran with my daughter in law, wouldn't go away. His son, Matthew, while she ran her 2nd half marathon. who will run in his 11th Houston So, how did Mike Padon qualify for the Marathon on Sunday, wouldn't allow it 1996 ? Simple. He Randy Keith - For me it was a big to fade. picked up the phone. deal, I set my goal to qualify for Boston this year and made it with a 3:29:22 just If Padon got back into shape and entered "I called John Hancock (sponsor of the under the 3:30:59 or better I needed. So, the 2004 HP Houston Marathon, he and Boston Marathon) and got an I'm confirmed and off to Boston this Matthew would be the only father-and- exemption," Mike Padon said. "They're April. son team in the veterans division, open one of the companies our group (The to contestants who have run 10 or more Longmont Group) represents. I knew I Daniel Jason - This was my 21st times in Houston. had the ace in the hole, but I tried straight HP Houston marathon everything to avoid calling in the chit. "My dad has always been active in the But I did, we both ran and brought the Kerry Staats - My 13'th Houston running community, and last year he whole family and had a wonderful time." was my 100'th marathon. Our local went with me to pick up my number running club president called the race before the race," Matthew Padon said. Though Matthew Padon remembers and they had the newspaper interview "He saw all of his old friends, and one of traveling around the state as a youngster me. I did everything right for the race them told him about the father-and-son to watch his dad run in marathons, he but I kind of forgot to sign up. I was a idea. did not have much interest in the sport bit surprised to not find my name on the until he was a senior at the University of lists and paid a hefty price. Next year I "I could see that it intrigued him. I kind Texas. The bug bit him mainly because will not waste time and sign up in of kept pestering him. I asked him about he was out of shape. September. it in February and March and April, and I guess he realized that I wasn't going to "I wish I could say I was a collegiate all- As for the race, it seems to be getting to stop pestering him about it." American, but that would be true only at be more of an event. I hope that it is not frat house parties," Matthew said. "I getting too complicated and expensive So Mike Padon, 59, and Matthew, 35, started running to get into shape. My dad that the loss of a major sponsor would will run the marathon this weekend, and never pushed me to get into running. I end the race (That just happened in Mike is glad his son didn't let up on him. played basketball and tennis in high Pittsburgh). I wonder how long the folks school (Strake Jesuit) but I didn't run in running around 6 hours in the marathon "I'd forgotten how much fun this is, a marathon until I was 24." or the half marathoners I passed in the getting ready for a race," Mike Padon end will continue to run in the years to said. "Matthew and I don't train together Said Mike Padon: "It's true I never come? Hopefully the veterans group because he's a hell of a lot faster than I pushed him to run, but sometimes the will continue to grow and a large core of am now, but he calls me frequently to apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I runners will always be there to race. ask what new aches and pains I've got. guess. He came about it on his own free There are plenty of them, but I'm will, and at times that's the better way to Jan. 11, 2004, 8:37PM healing." do things."

RUNS IN THE FAMILY This will not be the first time the Padons When Matthew ran his first Houston have run in a marathon together. Their Marathon in 1994, his father was not Father, son go to great lengths, pains most memorable event was the 1996 entered. But he said he would join his to run in marathon Boston Marathon, the 100th anniversary son for the final six miles to lend By NEIL HOHLFELD of the granddaddy of all races. support. Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle "I'd been away from running "Like many runners in their first The last time Mike Padon ran in a competitively for a few years after my marathon, I ran way too fast in the marathon was 1998. He was nearing his back surgery, but I told Matthew that if beginning and I was hurting by the 20- mid-50s at the time and decided that he qualified for Boston, I would too and after running competitively for more we could make a big family deal of it," (Continued on page 8)

Page 6 Last Runner Standing

From the editorial section of the Houston Chronicle.

The Last Runner Standing was also mentioned by name on television during the race coverage by the Rice track coach (can’t remember his name) who does the color commentary. He talked about the veterans coming back out to mile 26 to cheer in the last runners….it made a good human interest story for them and good press for us. I agree that we need to promote this to the vets, but also to the H.P. Marathon as well. We had quite a few non-vets out there who just wanted a convenient place to watch for and The Last Runner Standing Cheering Area encourage their slower friends. If the Mile 26 weather had been better I know we would have had more folks, because a number of my friends who didn’t show have told me so. I wonder if a tent would have helped ?

It does seem now that we could have been a little closer to the finish line. A lot of the runners thought we WERE the finish line, so I think next year we won’t use the END sign.

From Runners World - The Houston Marathon Veterans group was at the finish providing "last runner-standing" support. These folks stay until the last runner came in. The race's goal is to "take care of the runners first", and they certainly do that. Houston Marathon Veterans Booth Marathon Expo

I just read an article about the Marathon Veterans and their plans behing the Last Runner Standing cheering section... and truer words could never have been spoken. I ran/walked with painful and debilitating calf cramps from mile 16 in- - I had to give up all of my hopes of the great marathon I would have... and it is so true when you run hurt it becomes and entirely different race.

But being too stuborn to quit.. I knew if I could get to that cheering section I'd get the energy needed to finish. I saw lots of Houston Fit coaches there and can't tell you how much it helped!

I made it in with a minute to spare and got my medal! Even though I'd already decided this marathon was a personal quest to finish when my body was ready to give out (especially when the tail car passed me and the cop driving told me if I was behind him I wouldn't get a medal and needed to pick up my pace)... your energy pushed me through that last little bit-- you told me I had three minutes left to get around the corner, gave me hope, and filled my legs with the strength needed to finish.

If anything, I hope this post lets you know that your plans behind the Last Runner Standing were invaluable. Your group, by far, was the best motivator in the entire Houston Marathon. Back to top Newletter information, 2004 Page 7 Veterans Continued Bob Koester Fastest 2004 Houston Marathon times (Continued from page 6) mile mark," Matthew said. "Well, he Veterans jumps in and after a little while, some of the spectators he knows are yelling, `Mike, you look great for 20 miles.' If I have the wrong person in each of "At first, he tried to point to me and the groups with the fastest time, let me explain he was just finishing up with me. know, and I will make a correction in But then, he just decided to let them the next newsletter. Arlen think what they wanted to think. We still laugh about it. He says that this year, Fastest overall Veteran was Clent those people will get the real picture of Mericle at 2:48:05. 2nd fastest overall what he looks like after 20 miles." Veteran was Rich Fredrich at 2:48:34

The real picture will come at the end of Fastest overall Female Veteran was the race, after father and son have Diana Keinz at 3:18:17. crossed the finish line and raised what they hope will be a significant sum of Fastest in the 20 + Years group was money for the Alzheimer's Association, Clent Mericle at 2:48:05 In second Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter. One of place in the 20 + year group was Rudy Bob Koester’s goals in life is to run 25 Houston Alvarez at 3:22:28. Fastest women in In a letter sent to friends who might Marathons in a row. He had already completed the 20 + group was Maria Camacho at contribute money to their cause, Mike a streak of 20, but then missed one a couple of 4:11:39. Padon lists the top 10 reasons he's years ago. So, he simply started over again, running in the race after being away for and plans to toe the line at the race until he is The 20 Year group was lead by Dan six years. Among them: "You like to 87 years old! Now, that is our kind of Veteran… Dick at 3:24:35. No 20 year female find new places that hurt on your body," runner. "Your golf game was getting really bad Koester is a metallurgist with ExxonMobil, and and needed a rest," and "You have made is such a company man, that he plans to retire The 15 Year group was lead by Rich up your mind that slow is OK." to Magnolia, Texas, before long. Magnolia… Fredrich at 2:48:34. The female was Mobil…Pegasus… remember? Nah! Nobody lead by Maureen Higgins at 4:10:05. Matthew Padon has another reason. This is old enough to remember THAT stuff (except could be the last time he can talk his maybe a few ancient Vets). 10 Year group was lead by German father into running the marathon, so he Collazos at 3:33:57. The female was wants to make it an event to remember. Bob was born in Red Bud, Illinois, but began his running career in Lancaster, Ohio, in 1970, lead by Suzy Seeley at 3:21:05. to stay in shape for tennis. The “tennis fever” "We don't run side by side, but when I'm Veterans age group placings were: out there training, I know he's out there, left him long ago, but that running bug just will not go away. This guy typically puts in 25 too, and that's a great feeling," Matthew miles of running and 21 miles of biking each Clent Mericle 2nd. 50-54 M said. "One morning really early, I was week. His first marathon was in Athens, Ohio, Dan Dick 2nd. 55-59 M leaving Memorial Park and I saw only and he has a marathon PR of 3:37. But, he has Roger Boak 3rd. 55-59 M one person on the trail. It was my dad. now fallen in with the “ultra” crowd. Maybe Jim Braden 2nd. 65-69 M he fell on his “Koester?” Sorry… Now the "I waited for him, and he says, `My hip man does lots of 50K’s (his best is a 5:41) and Bill Duer 4th. 70-74 M hurts and my ankle hurts.' But I could 50-milers (11:46). It must have something to tell he was feeling great just to be out do with his Lutheran work ethic… So, the Marilyn Patrick 2rd. 55 – 59 F here again, getting ready for a race." marathon is just a stroll in the park for him Phyllis Thompson 4th 60 – 64 F these days. He especially enjoys doing workouts in Huntsville and Inks Lake State Parks, and any long-distance run that is on trails. Missed from the 2003 results. Carolyn Tovar was 3rd. in the 40-44 age group and Pat is Bob’s wife of 40 years – now there is a the top 15 year lady veteran with her streak for you! They share gardening 3:21:50. Our thanks to Bill Dwyer activities, and have a son, two daughters, and who paced the 6:00 group at four grandchildren so far. Grandpa still likes to tool around in his Corvette, travel the 2004 Houston Marathon. internationally, and make trips to Colorado. Our Mr. Koester is certainly Rocky-Mountain- Page 8 Marathon Official consideration from groups like Metro and the any other major marathon 's police bill, Houston Police Department. For example, it Karpas said. Comments took "lengthy" talks with Metro to get the light rail shut down for six hours Sunday. Houston also has new competition from HOUSTON MARATHON is an annual event Now the course, considered one of the top other marathons. The Disney World deserving of everyone's cooperation. five in the United States, is in danger of Marathon in Orlando, Fla., and Rock 'N' being redesigned. Roll Phoenix Marathon were held a week With all eyes focused on the upcoming Super before Houston 's this year. Each attracted Bowl, it would be easy to forget that for Stopping the light rail "is going to be our more than 20,000 runners. Phoenix was in years one of this city's sports success stories single biggest challenge going forward," its first year and attracted almost 30,000 has been the Houston Marathon, which marathon manager Steven Karpas participants. Karpas said that marathon attracted more than 14,000 runners last said. "Our race finishes going west to east, was so successful because of support from Sunday from around the country and raised and Metro runs north-south. Ultimately, we the city's convention and visitors bureau, more than $600,000 for various local have to wind up down at the George R. which gave the marathon $500,000 to help charities. Brown Convention Center, and the only way with promotions. In return, the marathon is for that to happen is for Metro not to run the estimated to have had more than a $40 The run has brought Houston national and train on one Sunday in January for six hours. million direct economic impact on the international attention because its course is The train was stopped this year after lengthy city. considered among the top five in the country. negotiations. A study, financed by the Houston Sports Phoenix's inaugural success further made Authority, of last year's marathon found that The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority Karpas understand the impact Houston 's the run had a direct economic impact of has watched the marathon grow considerably marathon could have on the city. "If $11.3 million, a total impact in recycled the past few years. Participation has Phoenix can do it, there's no reason why dollars of $20.2 million, created 320 full- and increased drastically in the last four Houston can't do it," Karpas said. "We part-time jobs that generated $8.8 in personal marathons. Since just last year, more than have all the facilities necessary to make earnings and resulted in $1.4 million in local 2,000 new runners - mostly from out of state that happen. We have world-class hotels. and state tax revenues. Those are significant - signed up for either the marathon, half- We have a world-class convention center. numbers for our city. marathon or 5K. Oliver Luck, CEO of the We have world-class restaurants. We are Houston Sports Authority, knew the centrally located. We have excellent Still the marathon needs greater marathon committee was struggling to get the January weather. We have a flat, fast consideration and cooperation from the attention of various city officials. So during course ranked as one of the top five in the Houston Police Department and Metro, the past year, Luck helped the committee by country. "With a partnership - with a real which reluctantly agreed, after lengthy financing an economic impact study. The partnership - between the city and our negotiations, to shut down the light rail train findings uncovered that the marathon brings organization, we feel that we can get to the for six hours Sunday to allow the runners to in $11.3 million in new, direct economic Phoenix-type numbers, which would make reach the George R. Brown Convention impact. When that money is recycled back both parties extremely happy. Center where the run finishes. Surely the into the community, it results in a total problems can be worked out for the benefit of economic impactof $20.2 million. "At the end of the day, it's a win-win the marathon, which has grown by leaps and situation. They benefit from a marketing bounds. Karpas was thrilled to have the numbers, and showcase. We benefit because we raise he paraded them all over the city last year. more money for charity." The city, Metro and businesses have done He took them to City Council, the mayor's everything imaginable to promote and office, the Downtown Business District, the support the coming Super Bowl, and that's Hotel and Motel Association of Greater The HP Houston Marathon and Metro have good. But the Houston Marathon has been Houston, and the Greater Houston resolved the issue about the race course here for years, has proved to be a credit to the Conventiona and Visitors Bureau. The only crossing the Metro Rail line, at the least until city in terms of economics, philanthropy and response he got was from Jordy Tollett, more lines are added. positive publicity. It deserves strong support. president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tollett allocated funds to help Metro will turn back the train at Main Street Everything about the 32nd Houston promote the event out of state. The help Square from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on race day. Marathon seemed perfect Sunday. A record was appreciated. "The combined effort from For its part, the marathon is changing its 14,103 runners participated, and more than the marathon office and the Greater Houston route through downtown from Lamar to $600,000 - also a record - was raised for Convention and Visitors Bureau helped, for Rusk, which is north of the Main Street various local charities. Marathon officials one, to help sell out the new host hotel, the Square Station. were thrilled with the event, but a quiet Hilton, and was a definite factor in the record frustration clouded part of their joy. Despite number of race participants," Karpas Marathon runners entering downtown on all of the continued success, the marathon said. Allen Parkway, which turns into Lamar fights to gain the support of its own city once it passes under Interstate 45 will now officials. But the marathon needs more help to turn left on Smith, then continue to Rusk, continue moving forward, according to where they will turn right. The finish will New marathons are sprouting up across the Karpas. He said the marathon currently has be on Rusk, on the north end of the George country and thriving in part because of $1.5 million in operating costs, which R. Brown Convention Center. monetary support from their respective cities. includes renting the George R. Brown and Houston 's event, on the other hand, annually paying the police department to help block "It will be just like Boston, where runners can fights for help. The organizers say they are off and monitor the streets. The marathon 's see the finish line in the distance ", not only in need of money but also more bill from the police department is higher than Marathon managing director Steve Karpas said." Page 9

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Tom Steets continued his special service to Contact Arlen Isham at the runners, who finished after the Houston Marathon cutoff at the 2004 marathon. E” Mail - [email protected]

Tom comes back out the to the finish line and If you are not getting periodic “E” Veterans HARRA Iron Foot personally cheers and runs in with the runners Mails with information, it means we do who finish after the cutoff. He carries a Winners - Fall 2003 "Boom Box" playing Rocky music. If that is not have your address or a correct not enough, he buys red roses and hands a rose address. Send me an “E” Mail to be Paul Cooley to each lady finishing over the cut off time. added to our “E” Mail list.

Dan Dick His words follow. As they approached, since I Richard Fredrich was the only person anywhere near that spot, I Special thanks Robert Hoekman yelled and cheered for them as loud as I could telling them, "you're looking good and you're Larry Lindeen almost there!" They started to smile and then, To the Veterans who help with the Jack Lippincott I implemented my new plan to try to further Early signup booth in September John Phillips inspire them. I looked them in the eye and and with the Houston Marathon asked them if they were ready to celebrate? Tom Radosevich Booth at the Expo each year. They nodded their heads and I then went into Paul Roche action. I reached down and picked up my "boom box" and as I raised it up to show Contact Jack Lippincott at: them , I moved the volume switch to max and Veterans HARRA Iron Foot hit the play button. Out blares "Rocky" in all Note: Jack's "E" mail is its glory!. I began at first to walk along with Winners - Spring 2004 them along the fence line, as they began to [email protected]. That is pick up the pace. They then began to really an "ell", not a 1 (one). Larry Lindeen turn on their smiles and started to do a combination run/dance to the music! I ran Jack Lippincott with them to the finish and then walked back 713-935-9202 - Hm. Phone Jo Ann Luco to the corner to do it again for the next late Gail Sabanosh arrivals. It was very rewarding to add a little pleasure to the marathoners' great To help this year for the expo. Fred Steves accomplishments and to see their smiles.

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