Martians and Cherry Blossoms

It was a beautiful day on Sunday Morning. We had six STR members in the Martian 1/2 marathon. It was a day full of PR's and first for STR. Coach Lisa, who ran in place of me, was the first tire to cross the finish line at 1:34:15, which was good enough for a second place age group finish. Tony Boondogglato, in his first race with the STR jersey and first ever 1/2 marathon ran a solid 1:54:00. Snap, also in his first 1/2 marathon was the next tire to come a cross the line with an impressive 2:02:01. Kelley Callard, a new STR member, was the second fastest STR girl of the day with a 2:04:05. Vinnie, in his first ever 1/2 marathon and longest race of his life keep a steady pace and crossed the line smiling at 2:08:05. Todd Z made a race day decision to attempt his first ever 1/2 marathon and made it over the line in 2:14:47, not bad for a kid who could not even keep a cracker down the day before. A special thanks for Ann, Michelle (and kids), and Papa Snap who came and cheered on their fellow members. I would also like to put out a big congratulations to Brian "Big Fella" from Maryland who ran the Cherry Blossom 10 miler on Sunday. Brain was able to maintain his sub 10 min/mile pace to turn in a 1:39. Nice job, keep us updated on your race season on the East Coast.

Anyone Interested? 5k Belle Isle 4/26

The STR Invasion

STR will be well represented in the Martian 1/2 marathon on Sunday, April 6th at 8:30am. Kelley, Snap, Zynda, Vinnie, and Boondogglato will be running. I was already to dominate the 13.1 miles through Hines Park after my great 10 mile run last Saturday with Madison. But I will be going from runner to support crew and cheerer-onner after being part of a 4 car smash-up which happened Sunday afternoon. Everyone is ok, I hope to be off the crutches and back to training soon. This will be Kelley and Boondogglato's first STR event, and Snap, Zynda's and Vinnie's longest race ever! Everyone is sure to have an STR PR! Come and join us to Cheer on STR. We will have plenty of Absopure Water and Garden Fresh chips and salsa.

Irish Eyes Were Smiling

The Irish Eyes were smiling on STR for the St. Patty's day runs. PJ, Vinnie and Dave "The Tank" represented STR in Ann Arbor for the Shamrock and Shenanigan 5k. David took home the fastest tire award with a 26:47. Pj and Vinnie were close behind with a 27:52. In the Corktown 4 miler, "Coach" Lisa's 25:42 took home not only the fastest tire, but the 3rd overall for the women in the entire race! Wow she is fast! Andrew "Snap" made is STR debut with an impressive fastest STR guy with a 32:01. Shawn "Ice Dog" 32:05 was good enough for 4th place in the boys under 9 year-old division. I am not sure why he was in that division, and I do not want to ask. Kimmy B was the 13th fastest female in her division with a 32:05. Todd Z was next to cross the finish line at 32:17. Jon and I also put in a sub 9 minute mile pace and crossed the line at 35:52 and 35:53. It was a great race and even better post race. Thanks for everyone who came out at ran or cheered us on. Spare Tire rolls on.

Touchdown STR!

It was a cold dark morning when the alarm went off at 7am on Super Bowl Sunday. The Super Bowl used to mean parties, nachos, and 30 different types of dip that you could put a chip into. Now it means running the Super Bowl 5k, and run we did. This was the first race of the 2008 season for Vinnie, myself and "Coach" Lisa's first race with STR. Lisa showed us why she is the coach with her 6:38 splits and a 20:33 overall time which was good for a 2nd place age group finish. This continues the streak of STR podium finishes for 2008. Vinnie and I both started the race "a little too fast" but were able to hang on for our 5K PR's. I crossed the line at 27:08 for 8:45 splits and Vinnie close behind at 27:47 for 8:58 splits. We were both gald for the sub 9's splits and not for leaving it all on the course! A special thanks to Annette "The Boss" for getting up so early and braving the cold temps to be a STR fan.

The Frozen Blueberry

Todd "Z" and Jon "Nordberg" kicked off the 2008 season for STR with the first annual Frozen Blueberry 5K. This was Jon's first race with STR and ended up with a podium finish. He ran a 29:26 which was fast enough for a third place in his age group. Todd "Z" put the hammer down to run a 24:18 resulting in a 4th place age group finish. These guys did all this in the cold and snow covered course. These guys are both planning to run the Detroit Marathon this fall. Keep up the great work.

Flat Tire Challenge

I am proud to say there will be 8 STR participates in the Flat Tire Challenge. PJ, Mindy, Vinnie, Mac, Jon, Justin, Allison, and myself (Ralph) will be competing in the 4 month weight loss challenge. It should be an exciting competition with these highly motivated contestants. Check out the blog for monthly updates. Good luck to all.