FLEET FEET Flyer #24

November 1st, 2008 Issue 24

Hello, Friends!

It happens every year. Labor Day brings summer to a close, and the next thing you know, the holiday season is just around the corner-- as is brisk, chilly weather! (Apple cider, anyone?) The good news is that we've got you covered. From cozy fleece hats to the latest and greatest in running gloves (check out the Saucony Ulti-Mitt) to weatherproof, high-performance jackets, the right gear will keep you running all season long.

And, speaking of running, we are excited about our new Sunrise and Sunset Socials group runs. Starting November 4th, head out to St. Charles on Tuesday evenings, Chesterfield on Thursday evenings, or Fenton on Saturday mornings to get in a few miles with some friends. And don't forget to join the post-run fun. After each group run, the Sunrise and Sunset Socialites will head to a local eatery to grab some food. (Talk about motivation to get out and hit the pavement!)

We hope you are having a wonderful fall, and we wish you happy running!

Sincerely,

Your Friends at FLEET FEET St. Louis

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We are excited to send out the FLEET FEET Flyer, and we would love to hear back from you! Feel free to send any comments directly to me via email. Happy Running!

Sincerely,
Amy Marxkors
Editor

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Local 10 Year-Old Escapes from Alcatraz

The icy waters surrounding Alcatraz Island splashed against the ferryboat, sending bursts of salty spray into the faces of anxious athletes awaiting the signal to jump into the cold, unforgiving bay. Seasoned veterans adjusted their goggles. Nervous first-timers fidgeted with their swim caps. Nearly 2,000 triathletes formed a sea of black on the lurching ferry, a cargo of static energy, eagerly anticipating the rush of motion.

And among the crowd of competitors stood an athlete quite small in comparison to the others. His blond, shaggy hair-- usually blown in a tousled mess about his head-- was now neatly tucked away in a silicone swim cap, and the thin features of his face were focused, eyes fixed on the task before him.

At 9 years of age, Austin Hindman was the youngest person ever to compete in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon.

Escape from Alcatraz is far from a routine triathlon. After battling 1.5 miles of fierce currents and frigid temperatures in the San Francisco Bay, competitors must transition to the bike for 18 miles of hairpin turns, steep inclines, and precipitous descents. After that, there is a formidable 8-mile run across rough terrain and deep sand, the culmination of the challenge being the dreaded Sand Ladder, a series of 400 steps leading up the side of the cliff. The race is an intimidating undertaking for even an experienced athlete. So what made this local youngster want to accept the challenge of Alcatraz?

"Well, my dad has done Alcatraz four times, so he told me all about it. I thought it sounded really fun," Austin casually explains as he sits at his family's kitchen table, dressed in sweatpants and a tech shirt. "He said, 'Austin, do you want to do Alcatraz?' And I was like, 'Sure!'"

Austin, who moved to Missouri in 2006, is originally from northern California and had already completed several triathlons-- including races with ocean swims-- before he raced Alcatraz this past June. In fact, now, at the young age of 10, Austin has competed in 17 triathlons, many of them adult events. Even though Austin does occasionally race kids' triathlons, he enjoys adult races more because of the added challenge of competing against-- and sometimes beating-- older participants.

Austin's first triathlon was the Davis Kids Triathlon, the largest kids' triathlon in the country. He was just 5 years old.

"My dad told me about the Davis Kids Tri, and I got really excited. I did it, and I really liked it." He adds with smile and a sincere nod of his head, "Actually... the sport of triathlon is really addicting. Once you do it, you can't stop."

After the Davis triathlon, Austin started competing in adult events, such as the Treasure Island Sprint Triathlon and the Pacific Grove Sprint Triathlon, in both of which he was the youngest participant ever at the age of 6. That same year, he was also the youngest person to complete the Mount Diablo Challenge, a demanding bike race in which participants race 3,800 feet up California's Mount Diablo over a course of 10.5 miles.

Austin noted that having done ocean water swims from the beginning helped him feel more comfortable about the swim portion of Alcatraz. However, Alcatraz was still a bit intimidating for the youngster-- not because of the distance, but because of the cold temperature of the water.

"In the morning [of a triathlon] when I get up, I feel kind of sick because it's so early," he says pragmatically. "It's an awkward feeling. But, right after I start [the race], I start to feel more comfortable. But that didn't happen in Alcatraz! I was so cold that I didn't feel any better!"

Jeff Hindman, Austin's dad, competed in the race with Austin, staying by his side during the swim and bike portions of the race.

"Austin wanted me to jump in the water first," Jeff says, half laughing as he looks at Austin from across the table, "but I knew that if I jumped first, he might not jump in after me. So, when I jumped I kind of took him with me. We stayed together in the swim and the bike." And on the run portion of the triathlon? "He took off ahead of me and left me in the dirt!"

Alcatraz presented Austin with the longest distances he had ever raced.

"The longest I had ever run was 6 miles," he says. He adds quickly with a smile and shrug of his shoulders, "But I guess I kinda figured if I could survive a 1.5-mile swim and an 18-mile bike, I could do an 8-mile run."

In fact, the run was Austin's favorite part of the Escape from Alcatraz. Even though it was long, it "was pretty fun."

He remembers that especially during the run both the crowd and fellow participants were encouraging.

"A lot of people said stuff-- all sorts of stuff. They asked me how old I was. They asked me what my name was. They asked me how many [triathlons] I had done... how I got started. People are just really encouraging. They always say, 'Good job, Austin!' They are really nice.

"At Alcatraz, everyone was sticking their hands out and giving me high fives. [All the athletes] are really encouraging and support each other."

Austin says that when he crossed the finish line, he was so tired he "basically fell over!" His mom, Gina Hindman, laughingly adds, "Yeah, but you were ready to go swimming in the pool by the time we got back to the hotel!"

Austin says that he definitely wants to race the Escape from Alcatraz, again, next year. "And I want to run track in high school," he says excitedly.

Gina looks at her son and shakes her head.

"Austin has this amazing quality of finishing whatever he starts."

In return, the blue-eyed 10 year-old smiles modestly. He pushes a few pieces of his tousled blond hair away from his face, revealing genuine excitement and sparkle in his eyes.

"I don't do tris to win. I just do it 'cause I love 'em."

FLEET FEET Sunrise/Sunset Social Group Runs

Shorter days! Cooler weather! Crazy political times! The need for a little motivation! What's a runner to do?

Join a FLEET FEET Sunrise or Sunset Social, of course.

FLEET FEET is proud to announce a new series of group runs, the Sunrise and Sunset Socials. The Sunrise and Sunset Socials are weekly group runs designed to bring together runners of all different ages and abilities for group runs in a fun, relaxed setting. Running routes vary from 3 to 6 miles in length (depending on location), and you have the choice of running in Chesterfield, St. Charles, or Fenton. (Or, if you are feeling spry, all three!) Most importantly, Sunrise and Sunset Socialites will head out for food and drink after the run. (After all, running is all about having a good time.)

Don't let the presidential candidates do all the running this fall. Join us at the FLEET FEET Sunrise/Sunset Socials!

Both Chesterfield and St. Charles will host Sunset Socials. Sunset Socials will meet weekly from November 4th (when Daylight Savings Time ends) to March 6, 2009 (when Daylight Savings Time begins).

The St. Charles Sunset Socials will take place on Tuesday nights at 7PM from our FLEET FEET St. Charles location. There will be a 4.5-mile route and a 6-mile route from which runners can choose. After the run, the St. Charles Sunset Socialites will head to IHOP for some food and drink. The first St. Charles Sunset Social is Tuesday, November 4th. (Yes, that is election night! What better way to relieve some of the stress of politics than going for a run with a few friends?)

The Chesterfield Sunset Socials will take place on Thursday nights at 7PM. Runners will meet at the West Bridge Bank on the north side of Highway 40 at Boone's Crossing. Runners can then choose to run from 3-5 miles on the levee path. After the run, Chesterfield Sunset Socialites will head to East Coast Pizza (across the parking lot from FLEET FEET Chesterfield) for pizza and drinks. The first Chesterfield Sunset Social is Thursday, November 6th.

Fenton will be hosting the Sunrise Socials. The Sunrise Socials group runs will meet year-round. Runners will meet at FLEET FEET Fenton on Saturday mornings at 7AM. Fenton Sunrise Socialites will run a 5-mile route and then head to St. Louis Bread Company for coffee and breakfast. The first Fenton Sunrise Social is Saturday, November 8th.

If you have any questions, please contact Kristen via email.

We hope to see you there!

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Product Spotlight: Saucony Ulti-Mitt

Some products have so many cool features, you don't know where to begin. Just look at the iPhone. What other device lets you call your Aunt Betty, check your email, surf the web, download music, and pop virtual bubble wrap-- all at the same time?

The Saucony Ulti-Mitt is the iPhone of running gloves.

The Ulti-Mitt, as the name suggests, sets the standard in comfort, warmth, and practicality in the world of technical running gloves. First and foremost, the Ulti-Mitt keeps your hands dry and warm with Saucony's patented DryLete fabric that effectively wicks moisture away from the skin while providing UV protection. The full-length glove is furthered covered by a convertible SonicLite mitt that surrounds the fingers with lightweight, breathable weather repellency while adding an extra layer of warmth. If your fingers happen to get a bit toasty, the SonicLite mitten feature can be folded back and secured in a stash pocket. And, say goodbye to clumsy "glove fingers" that foil the fine motor skills needed to open gel packets. Convertible finger tips on the thumb and forefinger of each glove give you the dexterity of gloveless hands.

But wait... There's more! (I've always wanted to say that...)

Not only does the Ulti-Mitt glove have reflective accents and logos to increase your visibility, but the right glove is equipped with a removable, flashing LED light that can be pushed back in its own stash pocket. Another great feature of the Ulti-Mitt? Plush cloth wipes (read: snot wipers) on the back of each mitt. (You can tell that real runners designed these gloves.) In addition, side seam clips secure the gloves together, ensuring that your pair of gloves stays just that.

The Saucony Ulti-Mitt is available in sizes Small through X-Large. Price: $29.99.

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Racing Team Update

Team members have been busy this past month on the roads. Several FFRT members took part in the Run for the Apples 10K and 5K, with Dave Leap finishing 1st overall for the men and Rhonda Saltzman first overall for the women in the 10K. Brian Schoenholz claimed 1st overall male in the 5K. Also competing in the 10K were Luke Hofmann and Shelby Hartley, both finishing 2nd in their age groups. In the 5K, Jon Peter took 1st in his age group, and Alec Hartley claimed 2nd for his age group. Way to go!

Meanwhile, the Wild in the Woods series had its 3rd race, a nice 10-miler. Judy Dorpinghaus took home the overall honors for the women, while Sherri Schultz finished as the 4th overall woman (2nd in her age group) and Joan Bennett placed 2nd in her age group. David Bennett, James Pirkle, and John Quick also took part in the race.

        Wind greeted those who showed up for the annual Gumbo Flats 10K/5K this past Saturday. Cheryl Bergin and Scott Kane took part in the 5K race, with Cheryl taking 6th overall for the women (1st in her age group), and Scott taking 7th in his age group. The 10K saw a FFRT sweep as Chris Mizel and Judy Dorpinghaus both brought home overall victories for the men and women, respectively. Danielle Brunnworth was not far behind Judy as she took 3rd overall for the women. Andy Beckerman was 7th overall and 2nd in his age group, and Dave Leap finished 5th in his age group. Mike Maraccini, Katie Benedick, Tracy Schmidt, and Jim Yount also raced that morning in the 10K. Congrats to all who ran!

    This past Sunday was the 29th Annual Glendale Firehouse 5 Mile and 2.2 Mile run. CeCe Hartley took part in the 2.2 Mile, finishing 15th in her age group. For the 5 Mile, Andy Koziatek came away with the overall win, while Shelby Hartley and Jim Yount also competed in the race.

    Congratulations to Stephen Rechtien for finishing 2nd overall in the St. Munchin Tank 10K! Amy Marxkors competed in the Heart of Wichita Marathon, finishing 5th overall for the women. Chris Mizel, Kay McVey, and Jared Ehlers went up to the Indianapolis Marathon and Half Marathon, where Kay took 2nd in her age group and Chris took 3rd in his age group in the marathon. Jared represented the FFRT in the half marathon.

    Good luck to all those running in the Clayton Half Marathon this coming weekend! Hope to see you out there!

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Upcoming Races

Alton Great River Road Run

The 49th Annual Great River Road Run is set for Saturday, November 29th, at 10AM in Alton, Illinois. The 10-mile race is an out-and-back course that is both flat and scenic. This race is perfect for a PR or for those wanting a beautiful run. The event will also feature a 2-mile run/walk. Join us for this fun traditional event held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Every entrant will receive a long sleeve t-shirt and refreshments at the finish line. There is a new award structure for 2008! Plaques will be given to the top 3 men and women in the Open Division (39 and under) and to the top 3 in the Masters Division (40 and over). There will be an awards ceremony at the finish line. Medals will be awarded in the chute for the top 35 men and women in each division. There will be 20 medals awarded in the 2-mile run in each race (no divisions).

Race day registration and packet pickup is at the Eagles Club in Alton. Cost is $25 online, $30 mail-in, $35 race day entry. In the 2-mile race, registration for participants 17 and under is $15. You can register online or download an entry form here. For more info visit the race website, call 618-259-2261, or email Russ.

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9th Annual Chesterfield Turkey Trot
5K Run/Walk and Kids' 1K Fun Run

Join over 2,200 participants on Thanksgiving morning in the 9^th Annual Chesterfield Turkey Trot presented by the City of Chesterfield Parks & Recreation Department and sponsored by St. Luke's Hospital. The event will be held at the West County Family YMCA in Chesterfield. The event includes a 5K run and a 1K kids' run for ages 10 & under. The 5K starts 8:30AM, and the 1K follows at 9:15AM.

Long sleeve t-shirts will be given to the first 2,000 registered participants. Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 & over. Awards ceremony will begin at 9:30AM. Roads are closed to traffic for both events.

You may register by mail (download an entry form here), in-person at Chesterfield City Hall through Tuesday, November 25th, or online through Sunday, November 23rd. After that you may register in-person only on Wednesday, November 26th, until 7:00PM, at Chesterfield City Hall. No race day registrations will be available.

For more information, please visit the race website or call 636-537-4000.

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Arnold Gobble Gobble 5K

Start your Thanksgiving Day with a cool breezy 5K in scenic Arnold City Park. Join over 400 participants on Thanksgiving morning in the 2nd Annual Gobble Gobble Run/Walk presented by the City of Arnold Tourism Commission and sponsored by St. Anthony's Urgent Care, Koch Development, and Bethesda Health Group. The event includes a 5K run and a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk for ages 10 & under. The 5K starts 8:00AM, and the 1-mile follows at 9:15AM.

    Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 & under, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 & over. An awards ceremony will begin at 9:30AM. The entire course is in the park and closed to traffic.

    All participants will receive a long sleeve shirt. There will be plenty of post-race attendance prizes, Starbucks coffee, 180 energy drinks, and other refreshments available. There will also be post-race massages by Mother Earth Natural Solutions.

    You may register by downloading an entry form here, or in-person at Arnold City Hall through Tuesday, November 25th. After that you may register in-person at Arnold City Hall on Wednesday, November 26th, from 9AM-8PM. You may also register on race day (until the start of the race) for $20. Race registration is $18 before that. For more information, please visit the race website or call 636-296-2100.

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Dash To The Den 5K

Join us in celebrating the 3rd Annual Dash to the Den on Sunday, December 7th, presented by the Timberland Track and Field Team. The event will be held at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville. The 5K run/walk is for all ages and furry friends. The race starts at 9:00AM with packet pick-up and on-site registration from 7AM-8:30AM. Long sleeve t-shirts, breakfast, and water will be given to all participants.

Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 and over. There will also be a pet and stroller division to include all members of your family. An awards ceremony will begin at 10:30AM.

You may register online or by downloading an entry form here. Registration fee is $15 before November 26th and $20 after. Race day registration is available. For more information, please contact Ami Schulte or call 636-327-3988 x 27572.

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Click here for more upcoming races!

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