|
Back to FLEET FEET
Runner's Club Home Page
FLEET FEET Runners Club Movie night
(Posted 2/16/10)
Movie night is 2/20/10 at the St Charles police
station at 6pm. You can bring food. The movie is "Run The Sahara" a story
about three guys that where down in life and decided to do something CRAZY.
Dave
FLEET FEET Runners Club News Years Day Run
(Posted 12/02/09)
I know alot of you are making New Years eve plans, but don't pass up the
Lost Valley run @ 10:00 am on New Years Day. I think that's plenty of time
to sleep in and still get to come out and run with friends. Afterwards, we
will go to Panera Bread.
6185 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
St. Peters MO 63304
FLEET FEET Runners Club Christmas Party
(Posted 12/02/09)
The Christmas party is set for Dec. 5th at 7:00pm at the St Charles coffee
house on 3821 McClay Rd. This year we will be down stares in the newly
opened banquet room, it will give us alot more room so don't hesitate to
come over and have a great time. Food is free, alcohol you have to pay for [
I've seen you drink].Please RSVP me via
email
so I can make sure we have enough food.
Thanks! See you their Dave
REGISTER NOW AND $AVE - McNair Cross Country
5K & 1M
(Posted 11/06/09)
I just want to remind everyone that the registration deadline for the McNair
Cross Country race is this weekend. I have
attached a flyer for
your reference. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this file. You
can download it for FREE at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. Mail in your
registration form today or tomorrow and $AVE!
Have a great weekend,
Chris Heupel
314-540-7283 - Mobile
c-heupel@sbcglobal.net
Recognition & Thank You
(Posted 11/04/09)
I’m coming to the end of my second term as the President of the club. I will
be stepping down on Sunday. Over the past two years I have received a lot of
praise and credit, most of which is undeserved as there are numerous club
members that have helped me along the way. I would like to recognize a few
of the people that have made major contributions over the past couple of
years:
Manoj Sood (2008 & 2009 Vice President) – Manoj has been a true right hand
man. I cannot think of anyone I have relied on more over the past two years.
He has done a good deal of heavy lifting. He put together the 2009 Wall
Calendar, determined the rotation, location and courses for our Saturday
morning runs, has been integral in the club charitable giving and has put
together an entertaining slide show for the last two Christmas Parties. His
advice and hard work were integral to the operation of the club.
Bob Rogalski (2008 & 2009 Treasurer) - Bob is the most dependable member of
my team. Not only is he a terrific accountant, but he shows up at virtually
every club event ready to lend a hand. He is a positive person who has also
been a sage advisor.
Vicki Vojak (2009 Secretary) – Vicki is always willing to get her hand dirty
and help. She has helped me get bagels, paint the McNair cross country
course and time races. In the past, she kept the roster and was the editor
of our newsletter. She has been a good advisor and a reliable person for me
to turn to when I needed help.
Brain Wies (Beverage Meister) - Brian has brought water, coffee and soda to
virtually every event. This is a difficult job that most people don’t
appreciate. In addition, Brian is a true ambassador for the club. I cannot
tell you how many new members he has brought to the club. He is always
willing to lend a helping hand to do jobs that most people don’t notice or
take for granted.
Amanda Robinson (Web Master and Graphic Artist) - Amanda has an infectious
personality. She is a great ambassador, as she makes those around her feel
welcome and comfortable. Most members probably don’t understand how involved
and how valuable she is to the club. Most only see her as an employee of
FLEET FEET Sports. This would be a huge mistake, as she is also a club
member that donates her time to help promote the club. She is at virtually
every club event, camera in hand, trying to catch all of you having fun. She
designed our current logo, manages the club web site and has been integral
in most of our marketing material. Currently, she is working on the 2010
Wall Calendar and a new logo for the club.
Dave Bennett (Yahoo Group Email Guru) – Without Dave you would not be
getting this email. He is constantly adding members to our group email list
as well as fixing the rare glitch. The group email is integral in our day to
day communications.
Dave & Debby Spetnagel (Administrators, Race Directors & Sponsors) –
Originally, I was going to separate Dave and Debby and extol their virtues
separately; however it’s difficult to separate their contributions. The
value they provide is staggering. They provide us with web hosting, a
mailing address and storage. In addition, we can always borrow gear we don’t
have; tables, tents and water coolers. David has been the FLAT FIVE Race
Director for the past two years and has revived it to its former glory. The
Flat Five has been a huge revenue source for the club and has funded most of
our activities. Debby has worked closely with Bob Rogalski on the club
accounting, banking and insurance issues. In addition, she gave the club
socks to give away at the spring fashion show and a discount on the
merchandise the club purchased for the fall fashion shows.
Kelly Zeier (2008 Secretary) – Kelly is always willing to lend a hand to
help. She is also a great idea person. During my tenure she suggested the
Spring Fashion Show and the Wall Calendar.
Glenn Ezell (Former Club President) – I had the opportunity to work with and
learn from Glenn while he was the President of the club. When I was elected
he became a valued advisor and resource. He is also a great idea person. He
suggested and organized a number of tailgates during my tenure.
Jake Goldsborough (Race Timer & Equipment Manager) – Jake is an employee of
FLEET FEET Sports and not a member of the club but he does do a lot for the
club. He times the Flat Five and McNair Cross Country races as well as
rents, stores and maintains the clubs timing equipment. It is a job I’m glad
he handles for the club.
Kristen Murphy – Kristen is also an employee of FLEET FEET Sports and not a
member of the club. I have worked closely with her to promote the club at
the programs that FLEET FEET Sports offers, No Boundaries and FLEET FEET
Training Team. We have picked up a number of new members from both of these
programs. It is exciting to work with someone as dedicated as Kristen to
promote running in our community.
Lord knows that there are dozens upon dozens of members that have
volunteered at our events and races over the past couple of years. I truly
appreciate your service to the club and hope that you stay involved. I have
enjoyed serving the club and have learned a lot along the way.
Thank you all,
Chris Heupel
President
FLEET FEET Runners Club
FLEET FEET Runners Club
Peggy Jackson & Al Iffrig Awards Nomination - Please Vote! (Posted 11/04/09)
Peggy Jackson and Al Iffrig were
members of the FLEET FEET Runners Club (formerly the St. Charles County YMCA
Runners Club) before they passed away. They displayed determination, a zest
for running and were selfless examples to us all. Each year the club gives
an award to one woman, Peggy Jackson Award, and one man, Al Iffrig Award in
recognition of their contributions of time and talent to the FLEET FEET
Runners Club. Please vote for a club member that has embodied Peggy’s and
Al’s spirit.
Peggy Jackson Nominee: __________________________________________________
(Female Club Member)
Al Iffrig Nominee: ________________________________________________________
(Male Club Member)
You can email your vote to jzstl-run@yahoo.com or
print and mail this form to
the following address. The votes will be counted on Saturday, November 28th.
FLEET FEET Runners Club
Peggy & Al Awards Nomination
3813 Mexico Road
St. Charles, MO 63303
Past Winners
2008 – Kelly Zeier & Chris Heupel
2007 – Vicki Vojak & Glenn Ezell
2006 – Vicki Vojak & Glenn Ezell
2005 – Kay McVey & Terry Simmering
FLEET FEET Runners Club Holiday Party
(Posted 11/04/09)
Who: All Club Members
When: Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 7 PM
Where: St. Charles Coffee House
3821
McClay Road
St.
Peters, MO 63376
(636)
922-1566
Food & Drink: The club will provide finger foods, desert,
coffee and tea. There will be a cash bar if you want to drink beer, wine or
specialty drinks (espresso drinks or Italian sodas).
Entertainment: A player piano will be belting out some of
your favorite holiday music throughout the evening. In addition, there will
be a short slide show presentation
featuring several of our members and club events from the past year. Please
send us your pictures from this year to Manoj Sood so he can include in this
presentation. Manoj can spice up your pictures with some captions and
animations. Just give him some information about the pictures you send him.
Send the pictures to MANOJCSOOD@hotmail.com.
Dress: Casual & comfy!
Cost: Free.
November Meeting, Elections & Fall Fashion
Show
(Posted 11/04/09)
I want to remind everyone that the club is having a meeting at 6:00 PM on
Sunday, November 8, 2009 at FLEET FEET Sports 3813 Mexico Road Saint
Charles, MO 63303. I have attached the
meeting agenda
as well as a
current
roster. This is one of the more important meetings of the year. In
addition to electing your leaders for the next year you will be treated to
the latest and greatest in running shoes, apparel and gear. The club will
have a give away at the conclusion of the fall fashion show but be sure to
get to the meeting before the board elections as that will be the cut off
for putting your name in the hat for the free swag at the conclusion of the
fall fashion show. If you come after the elections start then you will be
invited up to pick out your swag after all the names have been drawn. I look
forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.
Chris Heupel
314-540-7283 - Mobile
c-heupel@sbcglobal.net
The Human Race - Creve Coeur Park (Heldman
Shelter)
(Posted 10/23/09)
I know tomorrow is a busy racing day with the Gumbo Flats Pumpkin Run 5K &
10K and the Wild in the Woods 10M, but if you are not planning to
participate in either of these races. FLEET FEET Sports is hosting “The
Human Race 10K” a Nike marketing event being held at Creve Coeur Park’s
Heldman shelter (about ½ mile from Sailboat Cove if you run clockwise on the
other side of Marine) at 8:00 AM. This is a self-timed race. No registration
is required. For individuals looking to do a long run on Saturday, you might
consider starting with the Club at 7 AM at Sailboat Cove and meeting up at
the Heldman shelter a few minutes before the 8:00 AM to run 6.2 more miles.
Chris Heupel
314-540-7283 - Mobile
c-heupel@sbcglobal.net
Pictures For the 2010 FLEET FEET Runners Club
Wall Calendar
(Posted 10/14/09)
Good afternoon. I am looking for pictures of club members, preferably
participating in one of the club events held this year, for the 2010 wall
calendar. Please email your high resolution pictures (one at a time) to
c-heupel@sbcgloabal.net. Just to jog the memory following is a list of
events we’ve held so far in 2009:
New Years Day Run at Lost Valley
FFRC Club Meeting & Chili Supper
Movie Night
St. Patrick’s Day Run & Tailgate
FFRC Club Meeting & Spring Fashion Show
Pancake Trail Run
Run For The Stars 10K, 5K & Fun Run Tailgate
Ice Cream Run & Social
Firecracker 10K, 5K & Tailgate
FFRC Meeting (July)
Pre-Flat Five Run & Picnic
Flat Five Race
Presidents Pool Party
Thanks,
Chris Heupel
314-540-7283 - Mobile
c-heupel@sbcglobal.net
Henderson Cross Country 5K - October 31, 2009 Henderson Cross Country 5K -
October 31, 2009
(Posted 10/06/09)
Good afternoon.
Attached is a race flyer for a 5K Cross Country Run at
Henderson Elementary on October 31, 2009. The FLEET FEET Runners Club has
sponsored the Henderson Elementary Runners Club with proceeds from the 2008
Flat Five. Laura Scherff is has spearheaded an effort to get elementary and
middle school children interested in the sport of running. I encourage
everyone in the club to participate in the inaugural Cross Country 5K & 1
Mile Run on October 31st. The proceeds will benefit the Henderson Physical
Education Department. Their goal is to put a paved running/walking path that
the students can use year round.
Chris Heupel
President
FLEET FEET Runners Club
McNair Cross Country 5K and 1M Fun Run
(Posted 09/29/09)
Good morning. I have
attached the race flyer for the McNair Cross Country 5K and 1M Fun Run.
The race is only 7 weeks away. The cross country course is the same that
many local high school and college athletes run each year. There will be
awards for the first, second and third place overall and for each age group
for both men and women. All 1M fun run finishers will receive a ribbon.
FLEET FEET Sports will time the race. You get all of this for $10 if your
registration is postmarked before November 8th. Please forward this flyer to
your coworkers, friends, family and students and encourage them to
participate. Please call if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Chris Heupel
314-540-7283
Saturday Morning Runs Moving to Creve Coeur
Park on September 5th (Posted 09/04/09)
Good afternoon. I just want to remind everyone that the Saturday morning run
is moving to
Creve Coeur Lake Park for the last four months of the year. Starting
this Saturday (September 5th) we will start running from Sailboat Cove (off
Marine Avenue) at 7:00 AM sharp rain or shine. There are a variety of
courses to choose from. There is a flat 5.5 mile loop around follows the
shoreline of the two lakes. You can run it again or opt to finish with the 4
mile loop. You can add 6 miles (3 out & 3 back) to any of your runs by
following the paved trail from the park along the Paige Avenue extension to
the Paige Bridge parking lot and back. Finally, for a more challenging run,
consider the roughly 10 mile “ Hill
Course” which leaves the paved trails and heads into the woods and
neighborhoods surrounding the park. There are bathroom facilities available
year round at Sailboat Cove.
As always, please join us after each run for coffee and bagel at the
Westport Plaza Panera
Bread located at 147 Westport Plaza, Maryland Heights, 63146. It is a
short drive from Sailboat Cove, just turn right out of the parking lot and
follow Marine Avenue all the way to Westport Plaza.
Always keep in mind that thieves know where runners hang out and that we’ll
be away from our cars for a while after we start. Always lock your valuables
in your glove compartment or trunk and take your key with you.
Saturday August 29th Run (Posted
8/18/09)
The FLEET FEET Training Team is going to join the FLEET FEET Runners Club’s
Saturday morning run on Saturday, August 29th. The club run will start a
half hour earlier that normal at 6:30 AM. Please come out to welcome and run
with the FLEET FEET Training Team. All of the people participating in the
FLEET FEET Training Team are prospective members of the FLEET FEET Runners
Club. The club will be hosting a tailgate after the run in the parking lot
at the trail head. So put on your FLEET FEET Runners Club apparel and let’s
show the FLEET FEET Training Team a good time.
Saturday Morning run is Moving - Sat. Sept.
5th (Posted 8/18/09)
Good afternoon. The FLEET FEET Runners Club will say good-bye to the Rec
Plex Trail at the end of August! It has been a nice place to train during
the dog days of summer. Starting on Saturday, September 5th we will start
running from Sailboat Cove (off Marine Avenue) at
Creve Coeur Lake Park. The course is flat and has a variety of distances
you can choose from. Most members start with the 5.5 mile loop and then
either run it again or opt to finish with the 4 mile loop. You can add 6
miles (3 out & 3 back) to any of your runs by following the paved trail from
the park along the Paige Avenue extension to the Paige Bridge and back. For
a more challenging run, consider the roughly 10 mile “ Hill
Course” which leaves the paved trails and heads into the woods and
neighborhoods surrounding the park. There are bathroom facilities available
year round at Sailboat Cove.
As always, please join us after each run for coffee and bagel at the
Westport Plaza Panera
Bread located at 147 Westport Plaza, Maryland Heights, 63146. It is a
short drive from Sailboat Cove – just turn right out of the parking lot and
follow Marine Avenue all the way to Westport Plaza.
REMINDER: Always keep in mind that thieves know where runners hang out – and
that we’ll be away from our cars for a while after we start. Always lock
your valuables in your glove compartment or trunk and take your key with
you.
President’s Pool Party (Posted
7/28/09)
Who: FLEET FEET Runner’s Club Member’s (Remember your wife
and children are considered members under our household membership policy.)
What: Food, Games (washers, ladder golf etc.) and Swimming.
Life guards will be on duty at the pool and there is small play ground just
out side the pool deck. There is a kiddy pool for very young children. The
club house is air conditioned and has a full kitchen. The bathrooms are
available just off of the pool deck in the basement of the club house.
Please bring a snack or desert to share. The club will provide water and
soda. Please bring any adult beverages that you wish to consume. NO GLASS IS
ALLOWED ON THE POOL DECK!
When: Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 7:00 PM
to 10:00 PM.
Where: The swimming pool and club house is at the corner of
Pond Hollow Drive and Clarkson Park Drive.
Click here for the exact location.
If you have any questions, please
email Chris.
Flat Five, 1Mi Fun Run & 50 Yard Toddler Trot
- Sun., Aug. 2, 2009 at 7AM (Posted 7/28/09)
Good afternoon. The FLEET FEET Runners Club (FFRC) is proud to present the
28th running of the Flat Five on Sunday, August 1st at 7:00 AM. There will
also be a 1 mile fun run at 8:00 AM and a 50 yard toddler trot at 8:30 AM.
Ameren UE has given the FFRC a generous grant to help promote this year’s
race! A portion of the proceeds from last year’s race benefited the
Henderson Elementary Runners Club, 2000 Feet and the Disabled Athlete Sports
Association. The FFRC is committed to supporting local charities that are
aligned with our stated mission of promoting and encouraging running in our
community. Please print off the
attached race flyer
and give it to your friends and family and encourage them to participate in
this great race. All 5 mile and 1 mile finishers will receive trophies!
There will be special awards for the toddler trot participants. I encourage
you to participate or volunteer to help put on this great race!
Chris Heupel
President
FLEET FEET Runners Club
314-540-7283
Pre-Flat Five Run & Picnic - Thursday, July
30, 2009 at 6:00 & 7:00 PM
(Posted 7/28/09)
The Pre-Flat Five run is on Thursday, July 30th at 6:00 PM. We will meet at
the Grand Stand in Frontier Park. This is your chance to run the Flat Five
course before all of the racers on Sunday! Following the run the FLEET FEET
Runners Club will be hosting a picnic in Frontier Park at 7:00 PM. The club
will provide hot dogs with all the accoutrements, soda and water. Please
bring a side dish or desert to share. I look forward to seeing everyone on
Thursday evening!
Chris Heupel
President
FLEET FEET Runners Club
314-540-7283
Flat Five Race - Sunday, August 2, 2009
(Posted 6/16/09)
Good afternoon. Our flagship race, the Flat Five, is less than two months
away. The 28th running of the Flat Five will be on Sunday, August 2, 2009
and is the main vehicle for the club to raise funds for local charities.
Last year the some of the proceeds from this race benefited 2000 FEET, the
Henderson Elementary Youth Running Program and the Disabled Athlete Sports
Association. The club is looking to expand its support of running programs
in local elementary and middle schools. Please help us accomplish this goal
by filling out an entry form or by volunteering to help at this race. ALL 5
MILE & 1 MILE FINISHERS WILL RECEIVE TROPHIES! I have attached the
race flyer. Please
distribute the flyer to all of your friends and (slower) enemies. You will
need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this attachment. If you do not have this
program you can
download it for free.
I look forward to seeing you all on August 2nd!
Chris Heupel
President
FLEET FEET Runners Club
314-540-7283
O’Fallon Firecracker 10K, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
& Tailgate (Posted 5/28/09)
A USATF Certified Race
Who: All FLEET FEET Runner’s Club Member’s
What: 25th Annual Firecracker 10K, 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run.
Register online
here.
When: Saturday, July 4th, 2009 at 7:00 AM. The tailgate
will start after you cross the finish line.
Where: Bank of Old Monroe at 401 T. R. Hughes Blvd.,
O’Fallon, MO 63366.
Directions: Highway 70 to T.R. Hughes Blvd. North on T.R.
Hughes Intersection of T. R Hughes and Tom Ginnever (by T.R. Huges
Ballpark).
ICE CREAM RUN (Posted 5/28/09)
The FLEET FEET Runner’s Club is hosting an Ice Cream Run on Saturday, June
13th, 2009. The run will start at 7:00 PM at
Fritz’s Yogurt Stand (506 Jungermann Road, St. Peters, MO 63376-2730).
Look for the FLEET FEET Runners Club banner. Click
here to see the course. (Long-time area runners will recognize it as the
old Haley's Run course.) The club will provide ice cream and water after the
run. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket you’re your comfort.
No Boundaries & FLEET FEET Runners Club
Run for the Stars Run & Tailgate (Posted 5/28/09)
Who: All No Boundaries Participants and FLEET FEET Runners
Club Members
What: The Saint Louis Science Center’s 11th Annual Run For
The Stars 5K, 10K & ½M Kids Run and NoBo/FFRC Tailgate. We will have bagels,
fruit, coffee and water available at the tailgate.
When: Saturday, June 6, 2009
Where: The 5K & 10K runs start at 8:00 AM and the ½ Mile
Kids Run starts at 9:30 AM in front of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium
Building in Forest Park. We are waiting to get the tailgate location from
the race director, but we will be set up near the finish. Look for the FLEET
FEET Runners Club banner when you finish! Please note that the Highway 40/64
is closed from I-170 to Kingshighway Boulevard. In addition, the Hampton
Avenue entrance into Forest Park, just off of Highway 40/64, is also closed.
Run Info & Registration: Click
here for more information about the run. Click
here to register now.
Map of Forest Park: Click
here
for a map of Forest Park.
Pancake Run - May 23rd
(Posted 5/12/09)
The FLEET FEET Runner’s Club is hosting a Pancake Run on Saturday, May 23,
2009. The run will start from the
Lost Valley trailhead at 7 AM. To get to the trail head take Highway 94
South past Highway 40/64 5.9 miles. Turn right into a gravel parking lot.
Pancakes will be served at the conclusion of the run, roughly between 8:30
and 9:00 AM. The Lost Valley Trail is an eight mile loop in the Weldon
Springs Conservation Area. Club members who are looking to run or walk a
shorter distance can do an out and back to your desired mileage. Mile
markers are posted along the trail.
Bix 7 Bus Trip
(Posted
5/4/09)
The Bix 7 Bus Trip has been canceled due to the lack of interest. The club
needed to fill 45 spots to make the trip economically feasible and
unfortunately we fell short of this requirement. I appreciate everyone’s
interest, maybe I will attempt to put a scaled down version of this trip
together in the future.
Chris Heupel
Rec-Plex Trail Kick Off Party
(Posted
5/1/09)
Good morning! Please join us this Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 7:00 AM for the
inaugural Saturday morning run on the
Rec-Plex Trail. We will leave from
City Centre
Park located on the south side of Mexico Road just west of Saint Peters
City Hall and the Rec-Plex. The trail winds through several small parks in
St. Peters. The trail crosses several streets and is mostly flat until it
gets near Laurel Park. The course will pop out onto some lightly traveled
neighborhood roads for a couple of miles, but is otherwise a very scenic 10
mile course. The trail is shaded and has several water fountains and
restrooms along the trail and in Laurel Park. Just follow the directional
arrows and mile marks with the initials “FF” next to them to stay on course.
After the inaugural run the club will provide a light breakfast at the
pavilion near the start. Starting on May 9th please join us after each run
for a cup of coffee and a light breakfast and good company at the
Saint
Charles Coffee House located at
3821 McClay Road in St. Peters, MO 63376. I look forward to seeing all
of you this Saturday!
Chris Heupel
President
FLEET FEET Runners Club
314-540-7283
GO!St. Louis Post Race Party
(Posted
4/14/09)
Ladies & Gentlemen,
FLEET FEET Sports has invited the members of the FLEET FEET Runners Club
that are running or volunteering for the GO! St. Louis Marathon & Half
Marathon on Sunday, April 19th to a post race party. FLEET FEET Sports will
have several tents and a FF box truck set up near the finish (20th &
Market). Be sure to wear a FLEET FEET Sports top! (A FLEET
FEET Runners Club top or a FLEET FEET Racing Team top will work as well.)
There will be water, beer, GU2O, give-aways and music. Amanda Robinson,an
employee for FLEET FEET Sports and club member, will be running the half
marathon. Please thank her and all of the FLEET FEET Sports staff for their
hospitality.
Chris Heupel
FLEET FEET Runners Club Business Meeting &
Spring Fashion Show
Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 6 PM (Posted
4/14/09)
The April business meeting and spring fashion show will be held on Sunday,
April 19th at 6:00 PM at FLEET FEET Sports located at 3813 Mexico Road in
St. Charles, MO. The business meeting will start promptly at 6:00 PM.
Attached are the meeting
agenda and the
treasurers 1st
quarter report. The fashion show will follow the business meeting. There
will be a small gift for everyone how attends. Beverages will be provided.
Email
Chris if you have any questions.
 (Posted
4/13/09)
Ameren UE has supported the FLEET FEET
Runner’s Club for a number of years. This year, Ameren UE gave us a
generous grant of $150 for our flagship race the Flat Five. The Flat
Five is the FLEET FEET Runners Club major fundraising event for a number of
running-oriented charitable causes. A portion of the proceeds from the 2008
race benefited the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA),
2000 Feet, Henderson Elementary Running Club Program and the
Hollenbeck Cross Country Team. The FLEET FEET Runner’s Club will use the
Ameren UE grant to attract additional entrants to this year’s race. The
FLEET FEET Runners Club thanks Ameren UE for their continued support and
look forward to seeing lots of walkers and runners at the 28th
Annual Flat Five that will be held in August of 2009!
(Posted 4/13/09)
Ladies & Gentlemen,
As many of you know the FLEET FEET Runners Club decided to hold the Saturday
morning run at three different locations in 2009. I hope you have enjoyed
running in downtown Saint Charles and meeting up at the Crooked Tree Coffee
House. Starting on May 2nd until the end of August we will be running the “ Rec-Plex
trail.” The trail winds though several small parks in Saint Peters. The
trail crosses several streets and is mostly flat until it gets near Laurel
Park. The course will pop out onto some lightly traveled neighborhood roads
for a couple of miles, but is otherwise a very scenic course. We will start
from City
Centre Park located on the south side of Mexico Road just west of Saint
Peters City Hall and the Rec-Plex. The trail is shaded and has several water
fountains and restrooms along the trail and in Laurel Park. Manoj and I have
marked about 80% of the course. We will have the course 100% marked by May
2nd. The initials FF will appear next to directional arrows and mile marks.
Please join us after each run for a cup of coffee, a light breakfast and
good company at the
Saint
Charles Coffee House located at
3821 McClay Road in Saint Peters, MO 63376.
Chris Heupel
FLEET FEET Runners Club
(Posted 3/21/09)
St. Pat Pictures!!
St. Charles Cyclones
(Posted 03/10/09)
Good afternoon. I want to let everyone know about the St. Charles Cyclones.
The Cyclones are a youth track and field club for boys, girls, young men and
young women from the age of 6 through the age of 18. The Cyclones are AAU
and USATF affiliated and will participate in sanctioned meets though out the
St. Louis area. Practices start on Wednesday, April 1st and are held Monday
though Thursday evenings from 6 – 7:30 PM at Francis Howell North High
School. Some practices will be held at Henderson Elementary School on the
FHN Campus. Both of
my daughters, Joe and Sam, have run with the Cyclones in the past. The
coaching staff is truly exceptional. If you think your child might be
interested check out the attached information ( 2009
Track Flyer, 2009 Team Info,
2009 Meet Schedule, and
2009 April Practice
Schedule.) and consider coming to the
registration sessions. Registration for the 2009 track and field season will
be held at the St. Peters City Hall (next to the Rec-Plex) from 6:30 to 7:30
PM on Thursday, March 19th and Monday, March 30th. Please bring a copy of
your birth certificate. You can also register after practice starts on
Wednesday, April 1st. If you have any questions or need any additional
information, please call Carol Travis at 636-441-7438, Chuck Gendron at
636-443-0792 or Kenneth King at 636-441-8077.
BEAR Club Joining FFRC
(Posted 2/20/09)
I just want to remind everyone that the Boeing Employees Adventure Runners
(BEAR) Club will be joining us tomorrow morning on our regularly scheduled
Saturday morning run at 7:00 AM in downtown St. Charles. Please come out in
your FFRC Gear to welcome and run with the members of the BEAR Club. After
the run please join us for a cup of coffee and good company at the Crooked
Tree Coffee House located at 559 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles, MO.
Movie Night
(Posted 2/20/09)
I just want to remind everyone the FFRC will be showing “Dean Karnazes is ‘UltraMarathon
Man’, 50 Marathons – 50 States – 50 Days” tomorrow night at 6:00 PM at the
St. Charles Policed Department Meeting Room located at 1781 Zumbehl Road in
St. Charles, MO. The movie has a running time of 110 minutes. Please bring a
snack to share. The club will provide water and soda.
Bix 7 Bus Trip
(Posted 02/17/09)
Good afternoon. I know it is early in the year to talk about a bus trip
in July, but we do need to know if we are going to have enough people to
fill a bus! So, if you are considering going on “The Quad City Times Bix
7 Bus Trip” please fill out the
this form and return it with a deposit of $35.00 to FFRC – Bix 7 Bus
Trip 3813 Mexico Road St. Charles, MO 63303. The first payment of $100
is due on March 1st and the second payment of $100 is due on May 1st.
All deposits and payments are per person and are fully refundable until
May 1st, 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Heupel
via email
or at 314-540-7283.
Posted 02/10/09
The FLEET
FEET Runners Club (FFRC)
is proud to welcome the members of the
Boeing
Employees Adventure Runners (BEAR) Club
to join our regularly scheduled Saturday morning run on February 21, 2009 at
7:00 AM in downtown St. Charles. The run will start at the intersection of
South Main Street and McDonough Street and follow our regular 10 mile
course. Please come out in your FFRC Gear to welcome and run with the
members of the BEAR Club. After the run please join us for a cup of coffee
and good company at the Crooked Tree Coffee House located at 559 First
Capitol Drive in St. Charles, MO.
Movie Night
(Posted 02/10/09)
Who:
All FLEET FEET Runner’s Club Member’s
What:
Dean Karnazes is UltraMarathon Man 50
Marathons - 50 States - 50 Days
When:
Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Running Time:
110 Minutes
Where:
St. Charles Police Department Meeting Room
1781 Zumbehl Road
St. Charles, MO
Misc. Info:
The St. Charles Police Department can seat about 30
to 40 people comfortably. Please bring a snack
(salty or sweet) to share. The club will provide water and soda.
Map:
This link will take you to Google Maps and show you the
location of the St. Charles Police Department.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run & Tailgate
(Posted 02/10/09)
Who:
All FLEET FEET Runner’s Club Member’s
What:
St. Patrick’s Parade 5 Mile Run & FLEET FEET Runner’s Club Tailgate
When:
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Where:
The run starts at 9:00 AM at the corner of 9th
& Market Streets. The tailgate will
start just after you cross the finish line. The tailgate will be located
near the finish line in the Anthem parking lot just off of Chestnut Street
between North 18th
and North 20th
Streets.
Run Info & Registration:
Click
here for more
information about the run!
Click
here to register now!
Maps:
This link will take you to Google Maps and show you the
location of the tailgate:
FFRC Club Meeting & Chili Supper
Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 6PM (Posted
01/06/09)
The January
business meeting and chili supper will be held on Sunday, January 11th
at 6:00 PM at the St. Charles Police Department Meeting Room located at 1781
Zumbehl Road in St. Charles, MO. The business meeting will start promptly at
6:00 PM. Attached is
the meeting agenda. The chili super will follow the business meeting.
Please bring a side dish or desert to share. Chili, hot dogs and beverages
will be provided. Email
Chris if you have any
questions.
The FLEET FEET Runners Club Presents
The Quad City Times Bix 7 Bus Trip
July
24th
tto July 26th
(Posted 12/23/08)
The
Bix 7 is a USATF Certified 7 mile course that starts
and finishes in Davenport, IA. The race will be held on Saturday,
July 25 the at 8:00 AM. This will be the 35 the anniversary
of one of the most prestigious and challenging races in the
United States. Last year participants received: a race shirt, poster, free admission to the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Fest, award pin for 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 year participants, publication
of name and official finish time in the Quad-City Times, post card confirmation of official
finish time and ranking, and the greatest Schnucks’ Post Race Party. The Bix 7 has not posted
their 2009 race application. I will notify everyone when the 2009 race application has been posted.
In past years, all Bix 7
participants were invited to attend Saturday night’s
Bix
Beiderbecke Jazz Festival FREE. All you needed was
your race number to be admitted into LeClaire Park. You will be given the opportunity to order additional
tickets once the 2009 race application has been posted.
The FLEET FEET Runners Club will take 47 people to this
race. We will depart on Friday, July 24 th
for
Davenport, IA on a motor coach. The coach will be at the group’s disposal
for the entire trip. It will not be available as a taxi for
individuals or small groups.
We will stay at the
Hampton Inn & Suites in Davenport,
IA for two nights. The Hampton Inn has a pool, fitness room, coin laundry and on-site
convenience store. Each room has 2 double beds. You will be able to request your roommate. If you
choose not to request a roommate we will match you with someone from the same gender.
Each person will be responsible for their race
registration, entertainment and meals. The trip will cost $235 per person assuming double occupancy. If
you desire your own room the cost will be $400. Space is available on a first come first
serve basis. To reserve your spot please fill out the
following form and send it with a $35 check
payable to FLEET FEET Runners Club by March 1 st.
Half of the remaining balance, $100 ($182.50 for a private room) will be due on March 1st
and the final
payment of $100 ($182.50 for a private room) will be due May 1st.
The trip is fully refundable up to May 1st.
No refunds will be given after May 1st.
To reserve your spot please
fill out the following form
and send it with a $35 check payable to FLEET FEET Runners Club to:
FFRC – Bix 7 Bus Trip
3813 Mexico Road
Saint Charles, MO 63303
New Years Day Run (Added
12/18/08)
Who:
All Club Members & Prospective Members
What:
An 8 mile loop trail run or out & back as far as
you want to go.
When:
Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Where:
Lost Valley Trail
Directions to Lost Valley
Trail: Take Hwy 94 West past Hwy 40/64
about 5.9 miles. There will be a gravel parking lot on your right.
Click this link to go to Google Maps with the precise location of
the Lost Valley trailhead.
Post Run Fun:
Who:
All Club Members & Prospective Members
What:
Conversation, Coffee & Bagels,
Where:
Panera Bread (St. Louis Bread Company) at 6185
Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters, MO 63304.
When:
11:00 AM(ish) (or as soon as you are done
running.)
Directions to Panera Bread:
Take Hwy 94 East, in 9.7 miles turn left onto Mid Rivers Mall Drive, in
1/8th
of a mile turn left into Panera Bread’s parking lot.
Click this link to go to Google Maps with the precise location of
Panera Bread.
Contact Manoj Sood, the FFRC
Vice President, via
email if you have any questions.
Click here
for a printable version of the New Years Day Run information.
2008 AL IFFRIG & PEGGY
JACKSON AWARD WINNERS
Peggy Jackson and Al Iffrig were members of the FLEET FEET Runners Club
(formerly the St. Charles County YMCA Runners Club) before they passed
away. They displayed determination, a zest for running and were selfless
examples to us all. Each year the club gives the Peggy Jackson and Al
Iffrig awards to two club members in recognition of their contributions
of time and talent to the FLEET FEET Runners Club. At this year's
Holiday Party, Chris Heupel and Kelly Zeier won these awards.
FLEET FEET Runners Club Holiday Party
(Added 11/17/08)
Who: All
Club Members
When:
Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 7 PM
Where: St.
Charles Coffee House
3821
McClay Road
St.
Peters, MO 63376
(636)
922-1566
Food & Drink:
The club will provide finger foods, desert, coffee and tea. There will be a
cash bar
if you want to drink beer, wine or specialty drinks (espresso drinks or
Italian sodas).
Entertainment:
A player piano will be belting out some of your favorite holiday music
throughout
the evening. In addition, there will be a short slide show presentation
featuring several of
our members and club events from the past year. Please send us your pictures
from this
year to Manoj Sood so he can include in this
presentation. Manoj can spice up your
pictures with some captions and animations. Just give him some information
about the
pictures you send him. Send the pictures to
MANOJCSOOD@hotmail.com.
Dress:
Casual & comfy!
Cost: Free,
but you must RSVP so the club can make sure there is enough food for
everyone!
Please
email,
c-heupel@sbcglobal.net, the
number of people that will be attending the
party
by Saturday, November 22nd. If you don’t have
email, please RSVP by calling Chris
Heupel
at 314-540-7283.
FLEET FEET Runners Club Peggy
Jackson & Al Iffrig Awards Nomination
(Added 11/17/08)
Peggy Jackson and Al Iffrig
were members of the FLEET FEET Runners Club (formerly the St. Charles County
YMCA Runners Club) before they passed away. They displayed determination, a
zest for running and were selfless examples to us all. Each year the club
gives an award to one woman, Peggy Jackson Award, and one man, Al Iffrig
Award in recognition of their contributions of time and talent to the FLEET
FEET Runners Club. Please vote for a club member that has embodied Peggy’s
and Al’s spirit.
Peggy Jackson Nominee:
__________________________________________________
(Female Club Member)
Al Iffrig Nominee:
________________________________________________________
(Male Club Member)
You can email your vote
to
manojcsood@hotmail.com or
print and mail this
form to the following address. The votes will be counted on
Saturday, November 29th.
FLEET FEET Runners Club
Peggy & Al Awards Nomination
3813 Mexico Road
St. Charles, MO 63303
FLEET FEET Runners Club meeting
At the July 13, 2008 FLEET FEET Runners Club meeting
it was proposed that the Board of Directors send out a survey to its
members. This was done primarily to find out how to increase participation
at the Saturday morning club runs. In addition, the Board asked questions
about club events/meeting and about the clubs communication network (web
site, yahoo group email and newsletter) to see if improvements could be made
in these areas. The survey comprised of several closed end questions and a
few open ended questions that gave each member the opportunity to offer
suggestions and or detailed responses. The survey was sent out on August
18th and was open for all members to respond until August 29th.
Click here to
view a summary of the survey results. The summary does not contain the
answers to the open ended questions. The answers to the open ended questions
were provided in the raw survey data and were reviewed by the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors has already made some changes as a result
of this survey and you will notice some big changes in the coming months.
The survey was only one of the several factors that the Board considered in
our decision making process. We hope these changes result in more
participation by the members. Please call one of the Board members if you
have any questions, comments or concerns.
The Pedal & Pound Race Results
Click here
to view the race results from Pedal & Pound.
The FLEET FEET Runner’s Club Presents
The Pedal & Pound and Club Picnic
The FLEET FEET Runners Club is
bringing back the Pedal & Pound, a team race consisting one runner and one
cyclist. The race is only open to FFRC
members, so if you are not a member and want to participate please fill out
a membership
application. The runner and cyclist may
switch places as many times as they would like but must finish together.
Hint: Do something to make your bike stand
out. PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A HELMET WHEN ON THE BIKE!
The race will be followed by a picnic. The club will
provide water, soda, hot dogs, hamburgers and all of the fixings. Please
bring a side dish or desert to share. Please
note, NO GLASS CONTAINERS ARE ALLOWED IN THE
PARK.
Date/Time:
Sunday, October 12th, 2008. Number pickup and race day
registration will be from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. The race will start at 10:00
AM and the Picnic will start at Noon.
Location:
Indian Camp Creek Park, Shelter #1, in St. Charles, MO.
Directions:
From Interstate 70, go north on Highway 40/61 for
approximately seven miles to Dietrich Road. Turn west on Dietrich Road to
the park entrance (on right). Shelter #1 is the first shelter (on right) you
will see after you turn into the park. Bathrooms and a playground are right
next to the shelter.
Cost:
The race and the picnic are free! Membership has its
privileges. Please mail your
registration form by October 6th. After
October 6th plan to register the morning of the race.
Please bring a side dish or desert to share to the
picnic.
Course:
The race will be held on the paved roads inside Indian Camp Creek Park. The
course is mostly flat but does have a few rolling hills on the loop section
of the course. The roads will be open to traffic so please use caution at
all times. There will be no aid stations on the course, so arrange to carry
water if so desired. The race will start at Shelter #1 and will consist of a
short out and back section (1.2 miles) and 3 loops (2 miles/loop) on a
one-way road for a total of 7.2 miles.
Click here for registration form.
President’s Pool Party
Who: FLEET FEET Runner’s Club Member’s
(Remember your wife and children are considered members under our household
membership policy.)
What: Food, Games (washers, ladder golf etc.) and Swimming. Life guards will
be on duty at the pool and there is small play ground just out side the pool
deck. There is a kiddy pool for very young children. The club house is air
conditioned and has a full kitchen. The bathrooms are available just off of
the pool deck in the basement of the club house. Please bring a snack or
desert to share. The club will provide water and soda. Please bring any
adult beverages that you wish to consume. NO GLASS IS ALLOWED ON THE POOL
DECK!
When: Saturday, August 23, 2008 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Where: The swimming pool and club house is at the corner of Pond Hollow
Drive and Clarkson Park Drive.
Click here for the exact location.
If you have any questions, please
email Chris.
O’Fallon Firecracker 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run &
Tailgate
A USATF Certified Race
Who:
All FLEET FEET Runner’s Club Member’s & Prospective
Member’s.
What: 24th Annual Firecracker 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run. Register
Online Here or
print the entry form.
When: Friday, July 4th, 2008. The 5K starts at 7:00 AM the 1 Mile
at 7:05 AM. The tailgate will start after you cross the finish line.
Where: Bank of Old Monroe at 401 T. R. Hughes Blvd., O’Fallon, MO
63366.
Directions: Highway 70 to T.R. Hughes Blvd. North on T.R. Hughes
Intersection of T. R Hughes and Tom Ginnever (by T.R. Huges Ballpark).
FLAT FIVE (added
6/20/08)
The FLEET FEET Runners Club is
proud to host the Flat Five on August 3, 2008, in St. Charles' historic
Frontier Park. Held annually since 1982, the Flat Five offers something for
everyone! The race begins at 7:00AM and consists of a 5-mile run, a 1-mile
fun run/walk, and a 50-yard Toddler Trot. Both the 5-mile run and the 1-mile
run feature numbered trophies for all finishers, while special awards are
given to Toddler Trot participants (giving youngsters a chance to feel like
superstars)! This fun event is the perfect way to support the local running
community, benefit area charities, and spend quality time with family and
friends.
The Flat Five is the Runners Club's primary
fundraiser, and a portion of each entry fee is donated to local charities.
"The proceeds from last year's race benefited 2000 Feet and the Disabled
Athlete Sports Association, two groups the club is very proud to support.
This year, Ameren UE gave the club a grant to help put on the race. Our goal
this year is to put on another great event and to generate even more funds
to support local charities that are closely associated with our passion--
running!" said Runners Club President Chris Heupel, who has both run and
volunteered for the Flat Five.
The 5-mile course is a general
out-and-back, with the first three miles on the streets and the last two
miles on the Katy Trail. Split times will be provided every mile. Water will
be available twice along the way. The 1-mile course is an out-and-back on
the Katy Trail, while the Toddler Trot-- which is limited to children ages 3
and under-- will be a short run near the Start/Finish area. All events are
open to wheelchair athletes. Numbered trophies will be given to all 5-Mile
and 1-Mile finishers. There will also be special awards for Toddler Trot
participants.
Packet pickup will be at FLEET FEET Sports in St. Charles (located at 3813
Mexico Road, St. Charles, MO, 63303) from 10AM-5PM on Saturday, August 2nd,
or on race morning beginning at 6AM. Entry fees are as follows: $17
(5-Mile), $12 (1-Mile), and $5 (Toddler Trot). Online registration closes on
July 31st. You can register
online here or download an entry
form
here. A map of the 5-Mile course
can be downloaded here.
Saturday's Club Run (added
6/18/08)
Good afternoon,
The St. Louis Drag Boat Association is racing this weekend in Creve Coeur.
There is a group that is going to run Forest Park this Saturday. They are
going to meet in front of the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education
Center at 7 AM. A separate group is going to run the old FFRC course in
downtown St. Charles at 7:00 AM. You can meet up with this group at the
intersection of South Main Street and McDonough Streets.
See you back at Creve Coeur Park on Saturday, June 28th!
Chris Heupel
President
Drag Boat Races - June 21st & 22nd (added
6/16/08)
Good afternoon,
The St. Louis Drag Boat Association is racing this weekend in Creve Coeur.
Here is a link to their
web site. I
know a couple of club members have suggested we run Forest Park this
weekend. That sounds good to me so let’s meet in front of the Dennis &
Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center at 7 AM.
Click here
to see a map of Forest Park. I look forward to seeing you this Saturday.
Chris Heupel
314-872-8850
ALTERNATE SATURDAY MORNING RUN LOCATION ON 6/7 (added
6/3/08)
There will be Dragon Boat races at
Creve Coeur Park this upcoming weekend. In order to avoid any issues,
the Saturday morning run will be held on the old club course at 7:00 AM.
The start of the old club course is at the
intersection of South Main Street and McDonough Streets in downtown St.
Charles, MO.
Click
here for a link to Google Maps that will
show you the starting location. - Chris Heupel, President
PANCAKE RUN (added
5/8/08)
The FLEET FEET Runner’s Club is
hosting a Pancake Run on May 24, 2008. The run will start from the
Lost
Valley
trailhead at 7 AM. To get to the trail head, take Highway 94 South
past Highway 40/64 5.9 miles. Turn right into a gravel parking lot.
Pancakes will be served at the conclusion of the run, roughly between
8:30 and 9:00 AM. The Lost Valley Trail is an eight mile loop in the
Weldon Springs Conservation Area. Club members who are looking to run
or walk a shorter distance can do an out and back to your desired mileage.
Mile markers are posted along the trail. Please RSVP by email to
Chris by
midnight on May 22nd to make sure we have enough pancakes for
everyone!
ICE CREAM RUN (added 4/29/08)
The FLEET
FEET Runner’s Club is hosting an Ice Cream Run on Saturday. June 21, 2008.
The run will start at 7:00 PM at
Fritz’s Yogurt Stand
(506
Jungermann Road,
St. Peters,
MO
63376-2730).
Click
here to see the
course. (Long-time area runners will recognize it as the old Haley's
Run course.)
If you have a friend that you
think might be interested in becoming a member, please invite them to join
us! The club will provide ice cream (frozen yogurt, really) to all
club members and friends at the conclusion of the run.
FLAT FIVE EVENT RECEIVES AMEREN UE GRANT
(added 4/18/08)
Ameren UE gave the FLEET FEET
Runner’s Club a $150 grant to sponsor the 2008 Flat Five.
The majority of the proceeds from this race are
donated to running-oriented
charitable causes.
The proceeds from the 2007 race benefited the
Disabled Athlete Sports Association and 2000 Feet.
The FLEET FEET Runner’s
Club will use the Ameren UE grant to attract additional entrants to the 27th
Annual Flat Five that will be held in August of 2008.
MARCH 2008 NEWSLETTER
(added 3/13/08)
Click here to
download the March newsletter.
CUIVRE RIVER STATE PARK RUN
(updated 3/6/08)
Saturday, March 1st, 2008
A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN
(added 2/12/08)
It was a cool day last winter when I spotted a man in
the checkout line at Schnucks. This was nothing out of the ordinary
except for the fact that he was wearing a
Boston
jacket. I couldn’t resist striking up a conversation with him. I
asked him his name and he said, “I’m Lou Berra and this is my wife, Lori.”
I said, “My name is Mike McNicholas and this is my daughter, Katie.”
Little did I know a friendship began that I will cherish as long as I live.
The conversation was short, but we exchanged numbers and started to train
together soon thereafter. It only took one run for Lou to tell me that
I was crazy. He had a habit of letting you know what he thought.
That first run together was a six miler. At about the
five mile point, I cranked it down and finished hard. He stayed on my
heels because you couldn’t drop Lou. The first thing he asked was, “Do
you always run like this?” I said, “I’m not really sure, but how fast
was that last mile?” The fact that I didn’t wear a watch and didn’t
keep track of mileage drove him nuts. You see, Lou was scientific and
methodical about his training and I didn’t have a clue about mine. He
forgot more about running than I will ever know. During many of our
runs, the topic of conversation was his knowledge and preparation versus my
lack of either. I remember him shaking his head at me a lot. He
had all the hi-tech gear and knew how to use it, but I would give him
trouble and tell him that all that extra weight just slowed him down.
I said, “That Garmin must weigh an ounce or two and that converts to about
45 minutes lost in a marathon.” Again, he would just shake his head.
In a moving moment at the funeral home, Lori handed me a box containing
Lou’s Garmin Forerunner and said she would like for me to have it. He
will always run with me and it will be impossible to drop him now.
Everyone who knows us knows that Lou’s getting a big kick out of this.
“Thanks, Lori.” “You can’t imagine what an honor this is.”
But seriously, his
favorite thing to talk about was his family. He was a loving husband
and father and talked constantly about his wife, Lori, and kids, Tory and
Alexis. They were his world and he was truly dedicated to their happiness.
He was a top-notch
firefighter and in any aspect of life you wanted Lou on your side. One
thing was for sure, you wouldn’t be let down. He once received the
Medal of Valor for diving into a frigid swimming pool to attempt saving a
child’s life. Not even his closest friends knew. That’s just the
way he was, humble and selfless.
Lou taught me so much in a short period of time.
He taught me a lot about running, but even more about what it is to be a
truly good man. I will carry these lessons with me as long as I live.
In closing, I thank the Lord for putting a chill in the air that day last
winter that forced a man to pick up his
Boston
jacket on the way to the grocery store with his wife. You are dearly
missed, but never forgotten.
Love you man,
Mike
I received this tragic news Saturday, January
19th – our friend and training partner Lou Berra died suddenly in
his sleep at work at West St. Louis County Firehouse.
Lou was a paramedic there.
He was 49.
It’s presumed that he died from a heart attack,
but we don’t know for sure yet. There was an autopsy done but we don’t
know the results. I’m not sure many of you guys got to meet Lou.
I met Lou thru Mike. Lou, Mike, & Lou’s Australian friend Pete and I
were planning on going to St George’s marathon in Utah this fall.
Lou’s wife, Lori had the full fireman’s
funeral.
I went to the visitation that Saturday evening which
was well done. Lori had 2 easels full of race medals, race
certificates, race pictures, and lots of pictures with Lou on his road bike
on display at the funeral home. Lou did lots of Crit bike races.
She also had his bike, running shoes, shorts and favorite singlet on
display. Lou did a lot of riding although I didn’t get to ride with
him. You might have seen Lou running at CC Lake. He lived and breathed this running stuff –
just like you and I. He 1st started doing marathons in
2000. His PR was 3:10
at Boston,
in 2002. He was training for
New Orleans, which is the end of February, and was
just getting to the taper portion of his training. He was hoping to
match his effort from Boston 2002 at
New Orleans, then get a PR at St George, or even
break 3 hrs. He was really excited about the prospect of doing St
George, based on the race reports about it via all you FF runners club
members that have done it before.
I only met Lou 6 months ago, but I did training
runs with him over that time. The last time I saw and spoke to Lou was
in the parking lot at CC Lake 2 weeks prior
to his passing – a fairly nice day for running. A bunch of us had done
the 10 mile hilly route run that day. He told me he had seen us coming
back down the hill out of the park back on to the lake trail at the end of
our run. He had just gotten off work, and had just finished doing 2
flat loops – 11 miles - around the lake. He had hammered the last
couple of miles of course – doing the last one at around 6:30. Lou was driven to succeed.
While we were talking on the parking lot, he drew out this training plan
that he’d been following that called for a few 70 plus mile weeks, and a few
2 a days, and was telling me he was really feeling confident about New
Orleans.
He was a really quiet guy, and did not like to
draw a lot of attention to himself, although he had accomplished so much –
at home & at work and at play. He lived life to the fullest and never
hurt anybody, and was a great example to us all.
Below is a photo taken Sept 12th
2007. This is along side of
Jung Station Rd waiting for the Tour de Missouri Pella ton to come racing
by. Lou is on the right.
Lou you are missed but never forgotten!
Randy
AL IFFRIG & PEGGY JACKSON AWARD WINNERS
(added 11/11/07) Peggy
Jackson and Al Iffrig were members of the FLEET FEET Runners Club (formerly
the St. Charles County YMCA Runners Club) before they passed away.
They displayed determination, a zest for running and were selfless
examples to us all. Each year
the club gives the Peggy Jackson and Al Iffrig awards to two club members in
recognition of their contributions of time and talent to the FLEET FEET
Runners Club. At this year's Holiday Party, Glenn Ezell
and Vicki Vojak won these awards for the second straight
year.
HOLIDAY PARTY PHOTOS
(added 12/11/07)
Click here to view Chris
Heupel's photos from the December 8th Holiday Party.
"2007 YEAR IN REVIEW" SLIDESHOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
(updated 12/10/07)
Click here to watch Manoj's
"2007 Year in Review" slideshow, which premiered at the Holiday Party.
NOVEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER & MEETING MINUTES
(updated 11/12/07) Click
here to download the November
newsletter and here to
download the minutes from the November meeting.
AL IFFRIG MEMORIAL BENCH INSTALLED ON THE KATY
TRAIL
The
Al Iffrig memorial bench has been installed on the Katy Trail.
It's located at mile marker 043, just south of
the Page Avenue parking lot.
The inscription, "May the wind always be at your back.", was Al's signature
closing to the club newsletter.
26TH ANNUAL FLAT FIVE
The 2007 Flat Five is in the books! Thanks to all
the club members who volunteered or participated. Results can be
accessed from our
race
results webpage.
MAYOR'S MARATHON RACE REPORT
by Dave Bennett
Recently Joan and I spent a week with Kay McVey
and a group of her friends and relatives in Alaska.
The main event of the trip was the Mayor’s
Marathon in Anchorage.
This would make the 50th
and last (pending the approval of Puerto) State plus DC in which Kay has
completed a marathon.
There were a total of twelve of us in the
group.
Six of us ran
the full marathon, Kay, her husband Terry, Joan, Bruce Edwards, former Run
Club President Bev Ofsthun, and Me.
Bert Neal ran the half marathon, and several
others in our group ran the five-mile race and then volunteered at the
finish line.
Nobody had a time goal other than Joan who
was planning to try to get a Boston qualifying time if the conditions were
good.
Race day ended up being about perfect.
It was overcast with a low of 50 and a high of
62 degrees, with almost no wind.
The point-to-point course is challenging, as
you cover a variety of surfaces, including paved roads, asphalt paths, miles
of gravel roads, and a short stretch of dirt trail.
You gradually go uphill for the first half of
the race, and then go mostly down for several miles.
From that point it’s fairly flat until just
before the end.
They thoughtfully put in one steep uphill about
a half mile from the finish.
The support was excellent, although it seemed
eerily quiet at times during some of the more remote stretches during the
middle miles.
Joan ended up beating her
qualifying time by over 6 minutes, and the rest of us marathoners finished
between 4:00 and 4:30.
That night we celebrated our accomplishments, especially Kay’s 50th
state, with lots of fresh seafood and locally brewed beer.
Our remaining time in Alaska was filled with fishing, train rides, a glacier
cruise, and a bus tour of Denali National Park.
Everyone had a wonderful time and I’d highly
recommend both the marathon and the Anchorage area as a vacation
destination.
MAGAZINE ARTICLES
The FFRC was recently featured in
Sauce Magazine. The FFRC's Saturday morning group runs will be
mentioned in the article and highlighted with a photograph taken by Josh
Monken at the June 30th run. In addition, club member Manoj Sood was
featured in the
Fall 2007 issue
(pages 50-53) of Street Scape
Magazine.
|
