Yves Roger "Better Late Than Never" by Paul Soskind

Yves Roger "Better Late Than  Never"   by Paul Soskind

P.S. You've been a PPTCer for about two years. How did it transpire?

Yves I never had thoughts of running, especially racing, because all my life I have never been an athletic kind of guy. But at age ten, I found my boyhood hero, Michel Jazzi, theOlympic French 1500 and 5000 metre star.He was my idol; I would watch all his races on our tiny black and white T.V. Maybe it was he who planted the seed of inspiration in me. I had thoughts that I might do something as a boy and wondered if I ever could. Then in the French army as a young man I had to run a 10km as part of our training. Some of the other guys looked really fit, but to my surprise, I finished way up near the front of my company, but, it still didn't click that I had ability to run fast.

P.S. So when did it click?

Yves A little over two years ago,at the Turkey Trot,my first race. I got there late, had to start behind everyone, but was passing people, lots of them, even at the end! So iI joined PPTC to be with people who could motivate, inspire , and guide me in running; better late than never!

P.S. How has running transformed you?

Yves Running has made my job, much easier; I teach architecture and am faced with getting ti know and meet the needs of many new students each year. Running has calmed me down, given me greater focus and patience, which I can apply to teaching. I'm much less stressed out now!

P.S. As a relatively "new" runner, have you set any goals for yourself?

Yves I want to see how much faster I can go. Right now, I'm running sub eights in all my races; how much faster can I go with some more years of training? P.S. What about a marathon?

Yves Right now I enjoy doing half marathons, but getting in the mileage to do them is a lot of work,; a marathon requires lots more if you want to do more than just survive it.I wouldn't want to do it and end up hurting my self. P.S. What have your experiences with the club been like? I've gotten to meet new people who share my interest, enjoy the groups at the speed classes and the races ,and the social aspects that the club offers us. P.S. So I gather that you have ideas about how we can improve.

Yves I would like to see more social events like the picnic; maybe brunches or lunches after races. We could also use a larger space for our monthly meetings; the smallness of the space may prevent people from continually attending.

P.S. I'm  sure our members will appreciate your unique entry into running as well as your fresh viewpoint; many thanks.

Carob loading event at the Food Coop

On Saturday November 6, 2010, all are welcome, runners and non-runners alike to come share the carbo-loading pasta party at the Park Slope Food Coop located at 782 Union Street on the Second floor.

The party begins at 1 p.m. Come fuel up for the biggest race in New York City with carbohydrates,
healthy drinks with electrolytes while enjoying running films about marathon running. It is an opportunity to meet with fellow runners and to share your war stories.Let’s make this second annual carbo-loading party a memorable experience that will be part of us forever.

GOBBLE, GOBBLE TIME IS HERE 2010!

GOBBLE, GOBBLE TIME IS HERE 2010!

By Tom Meany

The Turkey Trot is upon us. Thanksgiving morning, the race starts punctually at 9 A.M.  The course is the same 5 mile course as last year. We liked the change and so did you.  The race is capped at 2,500, so register early.

We are giving Saucony tech arm warmers. They come in three sizes, which should fit about everyone.    As in the past, there are medals for all finishers!  We also urge you to pick up your race packets at one of the designated Jack Rabbit locations beforehand to avoid long lines on race day.  The location of the race day pickup has changed.

The skating rink and parking lot will be closed as of 11/1/10 in preparation for demolition.

Race day packet pickup will be at the Boathouse, just behind the Oriental Pavilion. We will have plenty of volunteer greeters to guide you there.

ALONG WITH NO PARKING THERE WILL ALSO BE NO CARS ALLOWED IN THE PARK, NOT EVEN FOR PICKUP OR DROPOFF!

We urge runners to take public transportation or walk. For those who are driving, we suggest you park on Flatbush Ave., north of Empire Blvd. Give yourself plenty of time for walking to the start.

In addition to Bishop Ford  High School boys & girls track team volunteers, we will have volunteers from Team In Training . Team in Training has agreed to provide volunteers for both this race and the Cherry Tree. We welcome their support and support their programs in turn.

We still have room for PPTC volunteers, so let Richard Weaver know.

You can volunteer beforehand and still run the race. Either running or volunteering is  a great way to start a day of thanksgiving. If this has not been your tradition, this is a great opportunity to start one for yourself and/or your family.

Click here for complete registration and race day information.

The Glass Mountain Reflections on the NYC Marathon.

The Glass Mountain Reflections on the NYC Marathon.

To win the Big Apple,

The glass mountain you must climb.

Its slippery slopes reflects your hopes

Its subtle, cruel, sublime.

The smoothness of its surfaces

Belies the perilous ease

That lulls your pace into speed’s excess

Until the moments’ seize

Which shatters your race

Leaving you in a place

Where time is slowly fleeting

So treat this prize

With cautious eyes

So we can celebrate next Meeting!

By Paul “Souve” Soskind

How to cross the Willis Ave Bridge when you are not with 40,000 other runners and it is closed to auto traffic.

If you are running the last 10 miles of the NYC Marathon on Saturday Oct 30th 2010 you will not be able to cross the Willis Ave bridge the same way you would on Nov 7.  (For a more interesting story click here)

These beautiful people at left told me that there will be no more changes to the pedestrian access between now and Saturday.  They also wish us all good luck.

So, you MUST be on the left side of 1st Ave as you approach 125th Street.  Do not attempt to get directly on the bridge.  It is like a little highway, complete with a high speed entrance from the Harlem River Drive

Below is the view looking North on 1st ave and 125th Street.  (See the new bridge on the right)  Go left and to the left of the barricades....

Turn left as the road turns left

You will see this staircase.  Go up.

Yes up

Follow signs.....

 Up a few more stairs....

Follow more signs..

 You are on the new bridge.  It gets narrow just past that porta pottie. (Is might be unlocked and usable on Oct 30th, it was nice and clean on Oct 27th)

Follow more signs.

Follow more signs.

 Go down stairs....  At the road on the bottom you make a right and go under the bridge.

Under the Bridge is not paved so well

 After going under the bridge turn left

and go to this ramp.. You still have to go over the Degan.

 After that cross the street and get to the gas station

 Turn left and you are back on the Marathon Route

for the rest of the route you can follow these signs.

What You Do Not Know Because You Are Not Me!

What You Do Not Know Because You Are Not Me!

Michel Ring

Why I love being a member of the Prospect Park Track Club

With five weeks to go before the NYC Marathon, I wanted to run 20 miles.  But I had had a busy weekend.  Then I had to buy a suit on Monday.  Tuesday I had to work (If the weather had been nice, I would have called in sick). 

But Wednesday was PERFECT.  Normally when I run 20 miles I like to run somewhere and take the train back.  I have run to the Bronx, and even to New Jersey.  Or I like to make a big loop; Out to Coney Island and back via Bay Ridge or to Central Park and back.  But I did not feel like dealing with the traffic, the traffic lights, or the tourists. So, I decided to run six loops of Prospect Park instead. 

On one hand, this was going to be challenging. There are 6 big hills, there is monotony - and did I say six big hills?  Also every time I would get to the top of Zoo Hill I would be tempted to go home.  On the other hand I know exactly where the water fountains are and I could easily get out of the park to buy a Gatorade at Lincoln Road or Bartel Prichard Square.  I was also looking forward to the availability of marked miles.

I had no idea how great this run would be.  First, the Park was GOD DAMN GLORIOUS.  Some trees were starting to show their yellow and red, but most are holding onto their green.  But speaking of trees, there were three different groups of lumberjack type dudes repairing and clearing the mess left by the tornado.  (The approach to Grand Army Plaza from the Zoo is just not the same anymore.)  The Park’s Dept. was also mowing the Long Meadow, so the combined smell of chipped trees and freshly mowed lawn was wonderful.

I thought my only company would be the people lucky enough to work in Prospect Park on this Wednesday.  I was very wrong.  I was almost never running without a teammate, sometimes three at a time.  At one point we actually tried to recruit a person doing in interval workout along side of our run. We might even have a new member soon!

For most of my miles, my company was Bill Abrams.  He was just cruising around the park on his bike.  For the most part our conversation was about the benefits of being on a team.  How we do not compete with each other, we push each other.  If you look at the PPTC race results you can see who is running a little faster than you. These are the people you can run with, or just run behind them in the next race.  I told him how happy it makes me to meet a new member on his or her first group run, and to share the excitement of a run over the Brooklyn Bridge for the fist time.  They say things like “Oh, I don’t know if I can run 12 miles with you.” Then they beat me in a marathon a year later.  Love it.  Really.

Somewhere on my fourth loop, I told Bill that I was going to get a Gatorade when we got to Lincoln Road.  He said “No, I will get it and bring it to you; you should keep running.  You are my teammate.”   I did not see that coming, but it really made my day.

OCTOBER 2010 THE INSIDE LOOP Tom Byrnes and friends.

OCTOBER 2010

THE INSIDE LOOP

Tom Byrnes and friends.

A sign of the times! Sean Rice’s youth group, the Prospect Park  Young Runners, has started their cross- country season. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday inside the park near the 9th street entrance. PPTC’s Maggie Deschamps is volunteering and  looks forward to working with the kids.  The payback for her time, energy, and expertise must be that she’s having fun and is being inspired by the young runners. Last year Mike Ring also helped out, as both his kids were on the team and they are both on their way to becoming strong accomplished youth runners.

Bobby Fisher rode the Golden Apple Bike tour sponsored b y the Westchester Track Club Sunday September 6^th.

PPTC’s close friend Kristen Marino of Slope Sports  made a decision to close down her shop in case you haven’t heard already. Slope Sports has been one of PPTC's consistent partners and the store has been the primary sponsor of the Cherry Tree for many years. PPTC wishes for all the success on the roads to come for Kristen Marino and family.

For anyone interested in joining the Y, now is a good time as they are waiving the initiation fee (a $121.00 savings) until October 11th. In addition, the Prospect Park Y, 9th street between 5^th and 6^th avenues, is also offering 4 free one- on- one training sessions with a personal trainer to new members. For more info check their website: http://www.ymcanyc.org/ymca-of-greater-new-york/membership/fall-membership-special/

Claire Murphy Dougherty completed  The Brooklyn Bridge swim on a Saturday in September. At the water‘s edge before the race Clair admitted to being a little scared and a little excited! When she was out of the water and toweling off, she was already psyched for next year’s event!

Thanks to Darby Brooks for his mention of Rosa Nales’s third place age group finish at the Fitness Mind Body Spirit Games 4 mile race NYRRC Health and Fitness 4 mile.  

Bobby Fisher,  Tom Byrnes, and PPTC’s friends and former members Mark and Joann  Guralanick all were at  the Transportation Alternatives’ NYC Century Sunday September 12 . Bikers, bikers, and more bikers, some rain, and lots of miles.

At Sunday September 19^th‘s Chris Hoban Run in Bay Ridge Maggie Dee , Danielle Hansen, Gil Torres, Coach Watson, and Mickey Newman all took age group awards.

There was an unusually strong field of 50-59 men. Tom Tobin was 68th overall but only finished 13th age his age group. Tom Totally claims he was dusted by Brooklyn 50's Jose Santiago, Tony Watson, Ed Cosme, James McFarlane, Hari Rohl.

PPTC’s Gil Torres garnered a well- earned second place age group award in Brooklyn’s Triple Crown Race series at the Hoban Run.   

Thanks to Pete Tomasi, PPTC learns that a certain age grouper in Dublin Ireland just entered the 100+ category and was celebrated in the Irish press by receiving the Great Grandparent of the Year award. The 100-year-old great-grandfather said in the press interview that his family is worth all the money in the world. Oh, did I forget to mention that Mr. O'Brian is Noeleen's maternal grandfather and sons’ Harry, Liam, and Andrew’s great grandpa. Let’s raise a Guinness to that!

On Monday,Sep 27, 2010 on Facebook ,PPTC’s Corre Kombol spilled the beans. She had hooked up with  Sarah Scott as Sarah ran a half marathon in Bellingham, Washington--an amazing seaside town on the NW corner of Washington state, just a few hours away from where Corre  now calls home. Not only did Sarah run a 1:31 half, she proved PPTC proud by coming in 6th place in the overall female division. ‘’A very tough feat to accomplish in this outdoorsy state’’, mentions Corre. Corre had even posted a pic of the happy finisher halfway through her first post-race beer but this guy can’t seem to get the photograph into this article.  Make sure to give Sarah a big congrats next time you see her running by.  

Just wish that some of those North West salmon Corre and family manage   to photograph and post on Facebook would end up on my plate.

·                                 Patricia Perlo mentions her  THANK YOU!!! to the Cherokee Hotshots, an elite forestry crew  based in Tennessee,  for coming to Prospect Park and helping clean up after September’s  tornado ravaged so many of the trees in Prospect Park .

Kudos to PPTC’s past president and present road and track warrior-ette Regina Cahill on her recent award from the Brooklyn Community. Congrats to Regina! 

Junior Passee, Veronica Antoine, and Lynette Gonis’s time and energy were very much appreciated by NYRRC and USADA for volunteering with the drug testing of athletes, male and female, whose finishing positions had been selected for drug testing at the Fifth Avenue Mile on Sunday September 26^th in Manhattan. Hey, you ever want to hook up with PPTC members as we volunteer with USADA, send me an email!

Bobby Fisher got up before dawn and rode the NY Cycle Club’s Escape from New York’s    67 miler on September 25^th, returned back to Brooklyn that night, and then the following  day got up before dawn again and  rode   Bike New York’s T win Lights 75 miler in New Jersey. Lots of miles on not much rest nor sleep.

 And speaking of biking on not much sleep, Tom Byrnes rode the North Fork Midnight Ride starting at 11:59 pm Saturday night September 25^th and ending early on Sunday morning the 26^th at Orient Point State Park, Long Island, a 50 miler that ended with a sumptuous breakfast on the beach at dawn. Power to the pancakes!

PPTC’s Last Ten Miles of the NYC Marathon run the weekend before the marathon, Joe Leahy and the Brooklyn Shamrock’s  pasta dinner on Thursday November 4^th, PPTC’s  bus to the start of the marathon, the PPTC post marathon reception and “” I did it ‘’ get-

together the afternoon of the marathon are all not to be missed. Need more info, get thee to the PPTC Open Forum website and give a shout on what you need to know.

See you on the roads!

What You Do Not Know Because You Are Not Me!

What You Do Not Know Because You Are Not Me!

Michael Ring

Why I love being a member of the Prospect Park Track Club

With five weeks to go before the NYC Marathon I wanted to run 20 miles.  But I had a busy weekend.  Then I had to buy a suit on Monday.  Tuesday I had to work (If the weather had been nice, I would have called in sick). 

But Wednesday was PERFECT.  Normally when I run 20 miles I like to run somewhere and take the train back.  I have run to the Bronx, and even to New Jersey.  Or I like to make a big loop; Out to Coney Island and back via Bay Ridge or to Central Park and back.  But I did not feel like dealing with the traffic, the traffic lights, or the tourists. So, I decided to run 6 loops of Prospect Park instead. 

On one hand, this was going to be challenging. There are 6 big hills, there is monotony--- and did I say 6 big hills!  Also every time I would get to the top of Zoo Hill I would be tempted to go home.  On the other hand I know exactly where the water fountains are and I could easily get out of the park to buy a Gatorade at Lincoln Road or Bartel Prichard Square.  I was also looking forward to the availability of marked miles.

I had no idea how great this run would be.  First, the Park was GOD DAMN GLORIOUS.  Some trees are starting to show their yellow and red, but most are holding on to their green.  But speaking of trees there were three different groups of lumberjack type dudes repairing and clearing the mess left by the tornado.  (The approach to Grand Army Plaza from the Zoo is just not the same anymore. )  The Park’s Dept. was also mowing the Long Meadow, so the combined smell of chipped trees and freshly mowed lawn was wonderful.

I thought my only company would be the people lucky enough to work in Prospect Park on this Wednesday.  I was very wrong.  I was hardly ever not running with a teammate, sometimes three at a time.  At one point we actually tried to recruit a person doing in interval workout along side of our run. We might even have a new member soon!

For many of my miles, my company was Bill Abrams.  He was just cruising around the park on his bike.  For the most part our conversation was about the benefits of being on a team.  How we do not compete with each other, we push each other.  If you look at the PPTC race results you can see who is running a little faster than you. These are the people you can run with, or just run behind them in the next race. 

We talked about running in a group; I told him how happy it makes me to meet a new member on his or her first group run, and to share the excitement of a run over the Brooklyn Bridge for the fist time.  They say things like “Oh, I don’t know if I can run 12 miles with you.” Then, they beat me in a marathon a year later.  Love it.  Really.

Somewhere on my 4^th loop I told Bill that I was going to get a Gatorade when we got to Lincoln Road.  He said “No, I will get it and bring it to you; you should keep running.  You are my teammate.”  I did not see that coming, but it really made my day.

Sometime during our run Bill said “Sometimes you best run does not come on race day.”  True.

The Miles Behind Us: Phew.

It looks like we have a fan. Look at the middle of the third paragraph.

The Miles Behind Us: Phew.: "Wow. I just looked at my Smart Coach. haha. 3:05:02? 7:03 pace? hhahahaha. What a funny little app. you are, Smart Coach. At least, it wa..."