Is That Jessica Kavoulakis in the Parade Car?

Yes, it is. And she's waving from Canton, Ohio during the parade for Art Monk's induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.
After serving as race director for the 7/30 Speed Race #6, she packed up and swooshed off to Ohio. Wow, first it was Frank DeLeo, and now Art Monk--that girl's connected.
We hosted the MAC Grand Prix last night, and "the bridges" spanned the awards podium.
Chris O'Brien was back in form as first PPTC overall in 19:33. Emily Sanderson was second woman overall, first female PPTC and first in her age group. Corre Kombol, Al Prawda and Frank DeLeo also took first in their groups.
Anjolie Nagarwalla, visiting with her dad, Neville, will take home a first place souvenir in the 10-14 category. Little sister cheered at the finish from her bike.

If you have a beef about your time, it will have to wait till Jessica gets back next Tuesday. Look, look, she waved again.

Frank DeLeo - ULTRA HALL OF FAME

Club icon Frank DeLeo will be inducted into the Broadway Ultra Society Hall of Fame this Saturday August 2nd prior to the Joe Kleinerman 12 hour ultra.

Frank's remarkable running history and longevity is probably known by few club members. Below is a sampling of his accomplishments in the world of Ultras (anything above the marathon distance). Mind you, these ultras have been laced with a myriad of marathons, and other races throughout the past 3 decades.

Three time winner of the New York Road Runners Ultra Runner of the Year

4-time champ of the NY Pioneer (3-day) 100-Mile Trek Best time – 12:25

Other notable wins:

Ted Corbitt 24- Hour – 1993 – 134.6 miles

Joe Kleinerman 12-Hour – 1990

Metropolitan 50-Mile – 1990

Knickerbocker 60K – 1991

Best 100-Mile time 14:48 – 5th place in National Championship

Make sure you congratulate Frank when you see him. You can also post your congrats by clicking "comments" below.

There will be a brief ceremony at the 12-hour run at Crocheron Park on Saturday, Aug 2 at about 7:15 AM.

Good numbers at Al G's Speed Series #5

With a bearable 80+ temperature and low humidity, we had our largest turnout of the year Wednesday night. The race, held simultaneously with Pat Meany's birthday celebration, drew 64 runners, among them a group from Team for Kids invited by Emily Sanderson. Speaking of Emily, who was sidelined after the Brooklyn Half, she's working her way back in grand style taking first woman overall in 20:23. Maggie Deschamps took first in her age group, not far behind. Frank DeLeo took first in the 55-59 age group w/ his best time this year, 21:49. Al Prawda, having finished enough Ultras for the year, took the 60-64 age group, thinking the 5K distance was just a warm up. The video highlight of the evening was Gilant Phillips, in an explosive 50 yard uphill sprint, outdistancing her nearest challenger. Proud coach, Tony Watson, and speed group members cheered wildly on the sidelines.
Next race, July 30th will host competitors in the Metropolitan Athletic Congress Grand Prix. Be there if you can and represent PPTC.

Lysistrata a la PPTC?--Pepper Martin 5Miler

While all the men seemed to be missing, our women took up the flag and carried it accross the finish line, celebrating the 4th with a first place finish for the women's masters team. The familiar triumvirate of Maggie Deschamps, Emily Sanderson and Danielle Hansen combined once again to get the gold, all of them placing individually in their age groups as well.
Hats off to Jimena Barrera, who placed 2nd in her age group w/ a 34:20!! The most impressive part, is that this gal is just learning to race. After showing her speed by setting a course record at the club picnic, this performance over 5 miles wowed everybody.
Corre Kombol, getting over a bug, still managed a 3rd place in her age group.
Frank DeLeo took fifth in 55-59, and along w/ Krishna Kumbhar was one of only 2 male PPTC runners at this race.
Irva Niles, Kathleen O'Rourke, Cristin Flanagan,Charlene Kohler-Briton and Gilant(Jill)Phillips earned their ride back in Tony's van by running well, and completing our PPTC group.

Maggie's all over the place

It seems every race you look up, Maggie Deschamps is there, hoarding sub 21 5Ks like a squirrel gathering nuts for the winter. In fact, at Good Shepherd it was just 16 seconds short of sub 20. James McFarlane was the only PPTC runner close enough to see the bridge on her back. Last night at the 4th Al Goldstein 5K, she was again first PPTC accross, and again under 21.
Let's take notice of Danielle Hansen as well, who's been storming the finish line in her age group. She liked that "most improved" trophy she got last year. Rumors are that she brings her children to the races as an incentive to run faster. "You stay right here, and don't move. Mommy will be right back..."
Frank DeLeo and Gil Torres continue their quest for bragging rights in the same 5 year age group this year, with Frank legging a 9 second edge last night. Both have been frustrated by failed efforts to negotiate discounted entry fees using their AARP memberships.

A Good Time Was Had by All - Picnic 2008

Saturday, June 28th, 2008 - 90 degree weather didn't keep some 60+ PPTC members and their families from turning out for the annual picnic.
The traditional relay featured Troy Phipps flirting w/ sub 6 miles as the fastest overall male in 10:34. There was also a passing of the torch as PPTC icon Regina Cahill acknowledged via email that her 1997 course record had been broken by newcomer Jimena Barrera by 1 second in 11:05.
Along with a Cornucopia of food and desserts, the picnic boasted live entertainment with tap dancing from Amy Duquette, mime by Gil Torres, salsa and merengue lessons from Jimena Barrera, and juggling from Zoe Prawda.
Thank you to Richard Weaver, and his team of volunteers for a terrific day in the park, and to Doug Olney and Al Goldstein for their handling of the relay.
Extended coverage will follow in this month's newsletter.

Carbo loading redefined

Thursday night, Amy Duquette spearheaded a PPTC carbo loading foray at the Dram Shop in the Slope. The age group spectrum was well represented and there were no DNFs.
Highlights and news of the evening:
--Krishna and Cristin got married in an intimate ceremony in Massachussetts 2 months ago.
--6-week-old Oliver Strobel used a fake ID, and showed up w/ mom Sonia to say hi to the buds.
--Gilant Phillips was shocked to learn that Gil Torres doesn't dye his hair.
--Cristin beat Amy in an arm-wrestle, sending a subliminal message to Krishna. Amy then beat Cristin left handed (with Krishna taking note of the weak side).
--Geoff elicited male admiration for being on a night out while wife Bunny stayed home w/ 4-year-old Michael.
--Gil and Irene's son, Keith, made a rare appearance to hoist a few w/ the club.
--Carolyn joined us solo, while David ostensibly stayed home waiting for a phone call from her sister (this is the layman's version of having to tie your shoelace).
--Sandy joined us after her "roller" class, and fortunately didn't have to be "rolled" home at the end of the night.
--A couple of beers and good company make for a good time out.

Row vs. Wade - make your choice

Three races and 3 downpours into the Al Goldstein Speed Series, the diehards keep turning out Weds. nights and enjoying the soaking. Well deserved thanks to our race staff for their unflinching efforts in spite of the weather.
June 18th, with most of our elite women missing, Carolyn Kubitschek took her age group, and Gilant Phillips was 7th as the only other PPTC woman.
Among the men, Gil Torres and Tyrone Sklaren took their age groups. Geoff Vincent and David Lansner placed 2nd, Michael Ring and Troy Phipps showed 4th, with Troy setting another PR with a 19:29.

Helen Dole PRs in the rain

Raindrops kept falling on her head, but they only made Helen run faster for cover. She set an all time PR for her 5K with a 19:38 last night at the speed series, netting her first woman overall. She was concerned that she hadn't run for 3 days prior to the race. Maybe there's something to those rumors about rest being good for you. What do you think, Tony? It looks like this year's top runner award is shaping up to be a heated contest on both the men's and women's side.

TROY

What a great showing by PPTC at the Dolan Race! We took home first place in both the men and women's Masters Team competition, third in the women's Open Team competition, and a bunch of individual awards, all of which I can't recall without looking at the results.
But the big news today was TROY PHIPPS bettering his former 5K PR by over a minute and a half, running a 19:33. No wooden horse here if you've been watching Troy at the speed workouts. He's been getting stronger by the week, and realizing that he's a lot faster than he knew. I predict there's a lot more to come before the year is over.
Troy's job with OXO takes him regularly to China, and he was looking for local races when he's in the region. I think there's something coming up in Beijing soon, although entries might be closed at this point...
Outstanding performance, PPTC.

Wang and Dole Rock the Speed Series

The Al Goldstein Speed Series 5Ks got off to a wet start on 5/21, but it didn't dampen the times of Gary Wang (19:02)and Helen Dole (20:09) who led PPTC runners accross the finish. Brad Skillman,Jed Stiles, Jill Merenda, Frank DeLeo, David Lansner and Carolyn Kubitschek also wrung out the leading times in their age groups.
Be there in 2 weeks to celebrate a special "Bring-A-Buddy" race. If you are a PPTC member, you can bring a friend to run for free. Let's see what kind of excuse they give you now.

2nd Place for PPTC 40+ women at Bklyn Half

Awesome performance by our women's team, finishing in 2d Place in the 40+ group at the Bklyn Half.
The team was comprised of Emily Sanderson, Maggie Deschamps and Danielle Hansen. Emily bested ALL PPTC finisihers with a 1:30:18. And get this, that was her exact finishing time as in 2007. Emily is running this race on automatic pilot.
Brad Skillman led our PPTC men in 1:34:43, followed by Chris O'Brien (who forgot to enter his team affiliation, but did wear his colors), and Troy Phipps.

The Stork Nears for the Strobels

Sonia is due May 15th!
A regular at the speed workouts, and former collector of shoes for Africa, she's been off the loops since March, as she nears the finish line. Sonia stays fit by walking, tai-chi-ing, and swimming these days.
She and husband Sean plan to formally introduce the baby to the club at the picnic, June 28th. At one month old, will tot Strobel be in shape to do a lake loop?

Welcome back, Tyrone, and Marvlyn

To my knowledge our only representatives from PPTC in Boston were Tyrone Sklaren, who ran, and Marvlyn Baptiste, who cheered. Our friend Ralph Yozzo was also there, posting a 3:05.
The new pale blue w/ yellow lettering tech shirts were praised for their quality.
If any other team member was there please let me know. If you didn't finish in the top 1,000 good luck finding your results.

Keeping an Eye on Gary Wang

If you browse through our database, you couldn't miss the big improvement in Gary Wang's times. He's knocked off nearly 10 seconds a mile in his 5Ks since the beginning of the year. Keep it up Gary, you are on the fast track for an award nomination. I hope you are wearing your PPTC singlet out there. We want people to see that bridge on your back.

More News

Emily Sanderson blazed through the More Half in 1:31:31 leading the 10 women who represented PPTC. She placed 8th in her age group.
In the full marathon, Danielle Hansen and Veronica Antoine went the distance, placing 13th and 12th in their age groups respectively. Danielle finished confortably under 4 in 3:54+. Both ladies were witnessed moving gingerly at meetings following the race, and coincidentally both announced they were going on vacation.

Speed workouts finish...ready for more

The final workout of the Winter 08 session ended Tues. night after 15 short-hill sprints on a cool night.
Chris O'Brien kept ahead of the pack all winter, while Troy Phipps is gaining confidence right behind him. Danielle Hansen kept getting stronger every week, and Geoff Vincent looks ready for a great season. Charlene Kohler-Britton continued the smooth form and speed that keeps her placing at every race, and vets Frank DeLeo and Gil Torres kept a close eye on each other looking to battle it out in the same age group in '08. Andrew Davenport is not letting up in spite of being a new dad. Chi has battled past the hump,dropped the pounds and gotten faster, and newcomers Dan Slotwiner and Irva Niles have really improved their conditioning, and are poised to take it to the next level.
In 2 weeks, we go for speed again. The Spring 08 session starts Tues, April 22 at 7pm. Look it up on the home page and sign up. I love being part of these groups. The comraderie, the friendly competition and the palpable improvement make it a great way to spend a week night.

Election Results Are In

Welcome to our newly elected directors, Richard Weaver and Susan Tomasi,as well as our new Secretary, Michael Rieman. Only one vote separated Richard and Susan in the final count.
Thanks also to Charlene Kohler-Britton who finished a close 5 votes behind.
We look forward to a great year with the help of our new board members, and we are glad to see the large voter response the race elicited.

The Board consists of the following:
Pres.-Tom Meany
V.P.- Gil Torres
Treasurer- Doug Olney
Secretary- Michael Rieman
Directors- Sandra Ferrari, Luis Figueroa, Michael Ring, Susan Tomasi and Richard Weaver

Happy 10th Anniversary

This Friday Chris and Karen O'Brien will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary followed by plans to relax on the beaches at St. Bart's. I don't know if this qualifies as entering a new age group, but we wish them our best, and may their relationship grow ever stronger and more meaningful.

Robin on the Mend

We wanted to share this email from Robin Mishik-Jett:

hi -- just wanted to say a big thank you for the get well soon
mention in "The Inside Loop;" the lovely get well card from "The
Sunshine Committee" and emails and calls from Tom Byrnes and Gil
Torres following that cab hitting me in December.

My lower right quad/knee/upper right calf has improved but no running
yet as I go for arthroscopic shoulder surgery on Monday March 31st
for a torn rotator cuff and other injuries from the aforementioned
cab accident.

I feel that I am in very good hands with my surgeon, Dr. Drew Stein
from NYUHJD who is also a sports medicine specialist, so hopefully
I'll be out there running and biking by mid-May.

Looking forward to seeing you all out there on the park loop real soon!

Best,

Robin Mishik-Jett

When in Rome...

Last year it was Tom Byrnes, Marilyn, Irene and I in Rome celebrating Easter Sunday at St. Peter's Square.
This year, it was Ralph Yozzo running the Rome marathon and cursing those "San Pietrinos" (cobblestones). Fortunately, Ralph had a week before Easter to get to the confessional and fess up that he ran without a number. Intending to be a spectator, he got at the back of the crowd, and ran along. Nobody pulled him out, and he just kept going...all the way to the end. He says his unofficial time was around 3:10. The official time will remain in the confessional.

Where the %$# is Tecolote Shores?

I don't know, but it must be fast. Geoff Vincent scorched through the Susan Krenn 15K in 1:13:37. He surprised himself at the Cherry Tree w/a 1:19:16, and now followed up w/ a 7:55 pace!
It's either doing loops pushing his son Michael in the stroller, or Tony's speed workouts that have Geoff on warp drive. Way to go, Geoff.

Colon Cancer Challenge 15K and 4M...and the Bronx Half

Our PPTC women's team comprised of Emily Sanderson, Mary Killeen, Rosemary Bezuidenhout, Carlyn Kolker and Jeanne Im took 3rd place in the NYRR Colon Cancer Challenge 4M on Sunday in Central Park.
Emily led the pack placing 2nd in her age group and 4th female overall. Anne Perzeszty also placed 2nd in her age group.

In the 15K, Chris O'Brien, who was first PPTC finisher at the Cherry Tree, duplicated his feat w/ a 1:05:15. Arthur Gonzalez ran an impressive 1:15:09, and PPTC founding member Jack Stetch took 3rd in 70-74.
Amy Duquette was first female PPTC finisher w/ a 1:15:31

A belated mention of Emily's performance at the Bronx Half,which netted her 4th in her age group, and Elba Rodriguez quietly posting another solid run, placing her 8th in the age group.

What's in the bag?

Late Sunday morning Tyrone Sklaren was striding downhill in the park headed for the Park Circle exit. Wearing a water belt,and with his pace on automatic pilot,he was on the home stretch of a 20 miler that took him on Ocean Pkwy to Coney Island, and then to Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge, back to the park and home. Ostensibly braving the cold and sobering wind in preparation for the upcoming Boston Marathon, his true motivation was the cinnamon rolls he carried in a plastic bag tucked under his arm. He had been fantisizing about these treats, and the semolina bread from the Union St. market for hours. And now he was so close... Tyrone is one of PPTC's best kept secrets in spite of running a marathon PR of 3:43in Philly last year at AGE 60!!! He also placed in the top 10 in his age group in every half he ran. 2007 marked his second straight nomination for the Bob Muller Award. The plus side to his low profile is that he doesn't have to share those rolls.

Tri, Tri and Tri Again

The day after the Cherry Tree, Tom Byrnes took part in the Park Slope Y's indoor triathlon. At age 61, he beat every male over 45!!! In fact, so good was he that based on that performance he got an invite to Jack Rabbit's indoor triathlon CITY CHAMPIONSHIP event next Sunday, March 9th at Asphalt Green in Upper Manhattan. We'll keep an eye on this emerging AARP tri wunderkind and report back on his performance.

Barbados Nuptuals for the Lansners

Carolyn Kubitzchek and David Lansner headed yesterday for Barbados to attend the wedding of their son Noah to CPTC women's coach Devon Martin. Given a surprise short notice of 2 weeks about the couple's wedding plans, David cancelled all dinner and luncheon engagements to more comfortably sport his tropical suit. Carolyn had no such issues. In an ecumenical gesture, PPTC wishes the CPTC Lansners a long and blessed marriage.

Why wasn't Chi at the Cherry Tree?

Because she went to spend the weekend at Martha's Vineyard w/ boyfriend Liam and his family.
Was it a good choice?
You bet.
Liam proposed!!!
Chi Iregbulem was a nominee for 2006 new member of the year. She's often seen volunteering at PPTC events, or huffing and puffing at the speed workouts. Liam McGrath, her fiance, usually volunteers along w/ her at our events, as a value-added bonus, but stops short of joining the workouts.
Best of luck to the two of you.

Pistol Pete Remembers Pat Heany

From his home in Port Jervis, Pete Tomasi writes , "You know I liked Pat especially for the quiet, modest way he conducted himself. Not shy but...modest.

I will remember him for that and for being a sports fan and I mean an anything sports fan. Did you know I once ran into him at the Westminster Dog show? It's true! I said "I didn't know you were into dogs" and he says "I have been coming for years, I like sports, all kinds of sports".

Cherry Tree 2008 - Pick of the Crop

On a crisp and sunny winter day, over 40 hard core PPTC volunteers pitched in to put on an outstanding Cherry Tree event. Many new faces were noted this year working alongside seasoned veterans from past years.
Our running cadre distinguished itself on its home turf with notable performances so early in the year.
In the relay, PPTC took 2nd in the coed relay, showcasing 2007 Runners of the Year, Emily Sanderson and Tony Watson, and 2007 New Member of the Year, Helen Dole.
Placing in the age groups were Danielle Hansen (2007 Most Improved), Maggie Deschamps, Jacquie Callender, Charlene Kohler-Britton, Tyrone Sklaren (Bob Muller Nominee), Denis Sivack, and founding club member Jack Stetch.
First PPTC finisher was Chris O'Brien (2007 Most Improved Nominee). Maggie Deschamps (who missed first in her age group by less than 1 second)was first PPTC woman accross.

Amy PRs at Valentine's Day 5K

Amy Duquette posted a big PR, finishing 2nd woman overall at last Sunday's Valentine's Day 5K in Prospect Park. Even without the aid of those cute little cupid wings, she flew to the finish in 22:15. Amy was surprised by her time, given that she's been running mostly halfs and other longer distances for a while. Let's hope 2008 will be one big surprise party!

Better Late than Never...

With my apologies to all the 2007 award winners, I offer this as an example of not seeing the forest for the trees. Having been immersed in the awards selection as committee chairman, and after writing a newsletter article covering the festivities on Jan.25th, I completely forgot to make mention of it on our website. Albeit 2 weeks late, here's a quick summary of all our 2007 award winners who made it a such a memorable year.

New member-Helen Dole
Most Improved-Danielle Hansen
Bob Muller Award-Arthur Gonzalez
Outstanding Single Contribution- Krishna Kumbhar, Ralph Yozzo
Comeback Runner- Tom Byrnes
Ultra- Al Prawda
Most Races(M/F)- Paul Soskind/Gilant Phillips
Most Miles (M/F)- Andrew Davenport, Tom Tobin (tied)/Sandra Ferrari
Top Runner (M/F)- Anthony Watson/Emily Sanderson
President’s Award- Veronica Antoine
Anne Perzeszty Elite Volunteer Corps- (5 or more volunteer assignments)
Antoine, Veronica
Bezuidenhout, Rosemary
Boutross, Christine
Bucich, Marilyn
Byrnes, Tom
Clark, Roland
Deliz, Evelyn
Duquette, Amy
Ferrari, Sandra
Figueroa, Luis
Goldstein, Al
Hammerman, Craig
Kohler-Britton, Charlene
Kumbhar, Krishna
Meany, Tom
Meany, Pat
Mooney, Kathy
O'Brien, Doug
Olney, Doug
Perzeszty, Anne
Phillips, Gilant
Rieman, Michael
Rieman, Lila
Ring, Michael
Skillman, Brad
Soskind, Paul
Tomasi, Peter
Tomasi, Susan
Torres, Gil
Watson, Tony
Weaver, Rich
Yozzo, Ralph
Zavala, Julio

Point races

Here are the NYRR Club Point Races for 2008:

February 23 Al Gordon Snowflake 4M M/W
March 9 NY Colon Cancer 15K M/W
April 13 Run as One TGL Classic 4M M/W
April 26 Brooklyn Half Marathon M/W
May 17 Healthy Kidney 10K M/W
June 7 New York Mini 10K W
June 15 WABC...vs Prostate Cancer 5M M
July 19 CPC Run for Central Park M/W
August 16 Club Team Championships M/W Double Points
September 6 Fitness Mag M..,B..,S..Games 4M M/W
October 4 ...Grete’s Great Gallop Half M/W
November 2 NYC Marathon M/W
December ?? Joe Kleinerman 10K M/W

Do you know that at least 4 runners being considered for Runner of the Year in their age groups can be seen training and racing in Prospect Park? Justin Canna, Felipe Vergara, Jose Santiago and Debbie Barchat all made the list. We wish them the best.

NY Giants Rock On!!

PPTC congratulates the Super Bowl XLII Champion NY Giants, and their fans for their thrilling upset of the New England Patriots.
Our hearty thanks also to David Lansner and Carolyn Kubitschek for getting a 42" HD TV for this year's party--in past years, both teams had to drop a player to adapt to the screen format.
Special recognition to club treasurer, Doug Olney, who sat unflinching as the sole Patriot fan amid the screaming Giants following. He warned prior to the game that the club accounts would not be released if he didn't return safely to his home that night.
We cordially invite both teams to join us on Saturday, February 16th, for a head to head relay competition at the Cherry Tree 10 Miler.

Welcome Bijs

Our congratulations to Andrew and Lauren Davenport on the birth of their daughter, Bijs, born on Tues., Jan. 22nd. All are doing well. With the installation of our website photo gallery, we look forward to seeing pictures of this latest addition to PPTC, The Next Generation.

Can you feel those fast-twitch cells twitching?

The speed workouts coached by Tony Watson are just around the corner once again. The first of 10 Tuesday night sessions will be held on February 5th at 7 pm. The group meets at the park entrance at Bartel Pritchard Sq (accross from the Pavilion movie theater).
The club is again subsidizing the cost of the sessions. The cost to club members will be $55 for all 10 workouts. A runner has to be a member for 2 months prior to the start of the sessions to qualify for this price. Non club members, or members w/ less than 2 months may sign up for the very reasonable cost of $100. Checks can be mailed to the club address, and must be received by Friday the 1st. Otherwise bring it with you on the first night, but the group is limited to 20 runners so mail the check in tonight.
If you wonder if these workouts are worth it, ask prior participants. Most of them can be found on the awards ballot after taking their running to the next level. We'll be posting printable registration forms on the website, but you don't have to wait for them to mail your check in.

Gilant Phillips shatters 11

At the Holiday 4M in CP, Gilant Phillips (Jill) made a major breakthrough, finally shattering the 11 minute mile pace with a time of 42:19 (10:34 pace). Currently "the voice of PPTC", Jill may yet come to be remembered as "the legs" as well.

It's Hammertime!!

This past Saturday, Craig Hammerman, former PPTC board chairperson, was inducted into the NY City Hall of Fame in the category of Volunteerism. The Hall of Fame honors remarkable New Yorkers who have contributed to the betterment of our city and who will serve as role models for our youngsters. PPTC extends its congratulations to Craig and his family for his well deserved recognition.

Nominations and Turkey Trot Reporting

Don't forget to send in your nominations this week for member awards!! The nomination sheet can be found in last month's newsletter. If the dog ate it, request another one from contact@pptc.org. We have a lot of members deserving of your recognition; don't let them go unheralded.
Also, I urge you to record your Turkey Trot results on the database. There was no team affiliation recorded on the race applications, and because of the large number of participants, it's not likely that the results will be entered on your behalf.
And while you are doing your holiday shopping, pick up something nice to wear to the Awards Dinner on Friday, January 25th.

Say Cheeeeeze: Updated

Kudos to our webmaster, Krishna Kumbhar, for his latest addition to the site. Visit the "Photo Gallery" and knock yourself out with PPTC photos going back several years, and including the latest taken by Ralph Yozzo at this year's Turkey Trot.

Krishna asks that you send any photos you wish to share to photos@pptc.org However, if you have a lot to send, it's requested that you send a CD to the club address rather than overwhelm the system. Those pictures can take a while to download.

Turkey Trot Huge Success

All the preparations of the last 6 months yielded a hugely succesful Turkey Trot 5M on Thanksgiving Day. On a bright and sunny 60 degree day, 1,200 runners started their holiday celebration with a 5 mile romp through the loops of Prospect Park. Over 50 PPTC volunteers and another 25 students from Bishop Ford High School pitched in on race day to stage this annual Prospect Park tradition.
Registration, and preregistration pick up was handled smoothly, split callers and water stops performed well,and electronic chip timing allowed for quick posting of results. Although we ran out of water and medals at the finish due to the unexpected turnout, most runners were understanding and still thanked us for a great race.
Profits from this race allows us to subsidize the membership events we support throughout the year, such as the coached speed sessions, Harry's Handicap, marathon support activities,awards, the picnic, and website and newsletter services. We also make a donation to the Bishop Ford H.S. track teams, and the Prospect Park Alliance for support of our efforts.
PPTC congratulates the organizing committe of Veronica Antoine, Luis Figueroa, Tom Meany, Anne Perzeszty and Gil Torres plus the countless members who donated their time and effort to this resounding success. Without such widespread volunteer participation none of this would have been possible.

See Tom Run, See Tom Bike, See Tom Run

No, it wasn't Deja Vu all over again. It was Tom Byrnes triumphantly wrapping up his season with a first place age group win in the Prospect Park Duathlon last Sunday. Tom ran a 5K, biked 4 loops, and ran another 5K. Turning on the jets, he caught the second place finisher with a half mile to go, and took home the medal.
This was Tom's second duathlon this year, and along with 3 tris, a half marathon, and the Cherry Tree 10 miler, it marks a very positive comeback season.
Since being diagnosed w/ skin cancer 7 years ago, and undergoing the ravages of chemotherapy, Tom has steadily worked himself back into shape with single minded resolve. His tenacity and triumph in the midst of a life threatening crisis has set a truly inspirational example for us all.
Feel free to copy this in "The Inside Loop", Tom. You've earned it.

Post Marathon Wrap Up

33 PPTC marathoners finished the ING NYC Marathon on Sunday.
They were led by Denise Frazier (3:25+) and Frank DeLeo (3:29+). Making their marathon debuts also were Helen Dole in a promising 3:31+, Amy Duquette in 4:27+, and Gilant Phillips in an epic effort (6:44+)where the time didn't tell the whole tale of the determination and discipline that went into getting her ready to complete the distance.
The post race reception, as usual, was bursting with comraderie as we greeted our runners w/ food, and a place to unwind and exchange stories.
Andrew Davenport headed home to Lauren's chocolate waffles. Veteran runner and ex-president Michael Rieman declared it his last marathon, and bemoaned forgetting sweat pants to wear home. Veronica Antoine will run 2 more to reach 15 overall. Michael Ring finished his 15th, and is weighing if it will be his last. Frank DeLeo pushed hard in the last half to finish under 3:30. Sandy Ferrari ignored the pain from a callous at mile 17. Amy changed her running bra in the midst of a crowd without taking off her shirt or exposing any part of her anatomy. Frank Canzannella shared a childhood regret that his birthday was on Sept. 1st, and he never got to celebrate it in school. And missed by his absence was Al Prawda who unfortunately fell while dancing to the drums in Harlem and broke his wrist, but finished nonetheless.

The December issue of the newsletter will contain extensive coverage of the marathon, and we want you to be part of it. If you ran New York, Chicago, Philadelphia or any others, Around the Park wants to hear your fall marathon stories. Drop an e-mail to Brad Skillman (our copy editor) at brooklynbridgerunner@yahoo.com and vent, praise, discuss what happened. What was the one thing that you didnʼt expect? What was the point on the course that you realized your race goal was won/lost -- and why? What unique thing from this yearʼs race did you learn? Let us know by Dec. 1 so we can print your comments in next monthʼs issue.
Congratulations to our runners,and thanks to Al Goldstein, Anne Perzeszty, Julio Zavala, Cecil Burgin, Diana Ortiz and all others who volunteered their time to organize the Last 10 Miles, marathon bus, and reception for us.

Meet the Members

Amy Duquette has been conducting interviews of PPTC members for the newsletter - and getting lots of appreciative feedback for her work! Do you know someone who would be a candidate for her to write about? How about you? Don't be shy. Send the names and contact information of people you would suggest for her to interview to contact@pptc.org and we'll relay it to her. Amy says it usually takes about an hour for her to conduct the interview.