Our Mission

"To enhance our members enjoyment of the sport of running"

Sunday, November 16, 2014

NOVA 2015 Board Member Elections: Survey Open December 1-15, 2014

NOVA 2015 Board Member Elections: Survey Open December 1-15, 2014

NOVA Board Members at our quarterly meeting. So much fun (and pizza!)
NOVA Board Membership elections survey open December 1 until December 15, 2014.  SURVEY LINK: HEREDecember 15, 2014

Write-in candidates are also accepted at the time of voting (even if not pre-listed on the survey ballot).

All Board Member positions are currently up for election, including: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator, and four Board Member-at-Large positions. These roles are outlined below: 
  • President: The President is responsible for leading the organization and operations of weekly track practices, writing the weekly newsletter, supporting Coach Jerry in recruiting and responding to inquiries from interested members, leading social media efforts, serving as the general spokesperson of the club, coordinating NOVAspecial events, convening regularly scheduled Board meetings, and overseeing the work of the other officers/Board Members
  • Vice President: The Vice President is responsible for distribution of the weekly newsletter, assisting with regular club activities (track practice and tempo runs) and special events, assisting with social media efforts, and assuming the duties of the President in the event of resignation, absence, or incapacity of the President. The Vice President may also chair special committees as designated by the Board
  • Secretary: The Secretary is responsible for taking minutes at the quarterly NOVA Board meetings and supporting the President and VP with social media and communications efforts
  • Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for preparing the annual NOVA club budget and financial forecasting, managing the bank deposits, club payments and expense management, helping to develop fundraising plans, and making financial information available to Board members and the public upon request
  • Membership Coordinator: The Membership Coordinator is responsible for managing the NOVA membership roster and email distribution list; tracking the dates of membership renewals and expiration and informing members of their membership status, providing membership/contact information to the other board members as requested, responding to inquiries from interested members, and serving as backup to the President and Vice President in distributing the weekly newsletter as needed
  • Members-at-Large: Members-at-Large serve as the spokesperson or representative for the general membership of the club. The primary focus of this position is to provide insight on how policies, procedures, or activities of the Board affect general members and to raise concerns if the membership is impacted. Members-at-Large have a duty to serve on the Board and to support the Board in its decisions. They attend quarterly Board meetings and maintain voting powers
Please contact us with any questions!

AGAIN: SURVEY LINK HERE

Erin Masterson
President, NOVA Running Club

Justin Buenaflor
Vice President, NOVA Running Club
justinbuenaflor@hotmail.com

Monday, October 27, 2014

Race Recap: Lisa McNichols Places Second Overall in a Thrilling Goblin Gallop 5K

From NOVA team member and Masters ace Lisa McNichols, to Coach Jerry

Ran the Goblin Gallop 5K this weekend. I went out with the lead pack and was tempted to push it, as the pace felt very easy, but I remembered what you said and did not want to die like I did last week. It was me, Alisa Harvey (whom I have never bested), Jackie Gruendel (who ran a 5:24 or 5:25 at the DCRRC Bring Back the Mile race when I did 5:28, and won last year), and a young girl from Germany (her mother won the Masters division). 

We hit almost 6:10 on the nose for the first mile, then maybe 12:25 at the second mile. We were all together trading the lead. I pushed it a little at the two mile mark and I think we shook Jackie around then. I started flagging around mile two, but got it back together, then felt pretty tired about two and three quarters. I think I was 18:40 or 45 at the three mile mark, which seemed quite slow. With about 600 (maybe less) meters to go, the German girl surged ahead. I was getting pretty tired then and let her go.

I knew it was going to be between me and Alisa for second place, and was ready to settle in for third. But we rounded the turn with 100 meters to go, and then I said, "I'm here, I might as well give it everything!" So we sprinted for it and with about twenty meters to go I realized she didn't have it. I saw the first place girl raise her hands in victory, but was happy I didn't just roll over. Once I started sprinting it really didn't hurt that much anymore. So I got second overall.

I have to say I am pretty disappointed, as my time was the same as the time I ran in my 5K last week - 19:24. Last week I wanted to stop half way through, it hurt so much. This felt way easier and I had hoped to be faster. The course was up and down, so I guess it was harder than it seemed. 

It has been a long time since I have been in the lead pack for a road race, and so I was fighting some demons. Alisa Harvey has the indoor 45-49 American record (I think it's a 5:04!) and I know she still has speed. But the pace felt totally manageable. All in all, I think this was a good run for me.

Speaking of which, today is my 47th birthday! If only I had run a little harder, I could have won! But $100 bucks isn't a bad birthday present!

See the full Goblin Gallop 5K results here

Friday, July 18, 2014

Coach Jerry Quoted in Runner's World!

Check out Coach Jerry's quote in a recent Runner's World article!

http://www.runnersworld.com/races/more-runners-passing-the-baton?page=single

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Best Name in Running: Gretchen Speed!



Hey NOVA - take a minute and vote for Gretchen Speed, one of Coach Jerry's former athletes in the Runner's World Best Name in Running contest!
http://m.runnersworld.com/fun/vote-the-best-name-in-running

Sunday, June 22, 2014

NOVA Running Club Summer Track Mid-Distance Night



Join the NOVA Running Club for our first Summer Track Distance Night!

This is an open event for all comers interested in trying out a track race. For those post-collegiate runners who haven't raced on the track in years, to younger kids thinking about joining their high school team and want to get a taste of it now, this is your opportunity!

We will be running heats of the 1 Mile, 800m and 3200m (in that order). You can run 1, 2, or all 3 events!! One flat entry fee of $10.

No qualifying standard or entry time needed! Just get out there and see what it's like to race on the track. Invite all your friends and family to join in the fun.


Event Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 - 6:30pm

Price: $10 flat entry fee (for 1, 2, or ALL 3 events!!)

Race Day Registration Available

Location:
Thomas Edison High School
5801 Franconia Rd22310 Alexandria , VA
See map: Google Maps

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

NOVA Runners Compete in the 2014 Boston Marathon

photo - holabirdports.com

by Erin Masterson

The NOVA team turned out a good showing in the Boston Marathon on Monday, with gutsy performances from all our runners who entered.

Leading the pack was Cory Schwartz, finishing with an outstanding time of 2:59.30.

NOVA stalwart Mark Drosky also had a strong performance, finishing in 3:10:14. 

Following behind was the trio of Erin Masterson (3:23:53), Dawn Gillis (3:23:56) and Katie Tomlinson (3:24:23).  Because of the different wave starts, the ladies of NOVA didn't run together, but were together in spirit as each crossed the finish line.

Jay Wind also had a great day, finishing in 3:28:22 in his 30th Boston race.

Abhaya Menon put forth a great effort in his first Boston, and though he dealt with much adversity along the way, is already plotting his next marathon effort. He plans to make it back to Boston next year for a rematch.   

Coach Jerry had the following to say on Monday about the NOVA performances in Boston:

Congratulations to our Boston crew for their excellent efforts today. I've heard from most everyone, and while the results were something of a mixed bag, each of our athletes gave it everything they had, and that's all I can ever ask for or expect. 

The performance of the day came from Erin, who was within shouting distance of her PR despite having severe foot pain before she reached the 10 mile mark. Erin toughed it out and ran a very, very solid 3:23:53. 

Mark also ran a very solid race, finishing in 3:10:14 and proving once again that there's plenty of fight left in that old dog. 

Dawn and Abhaya ran hard from the gun and took their shots at a major PR. Dawn held on to finish in 3:23:56, and although it was not what she was hoping for, she's a much better runner now than when she started with NOVA a few months back, and she will attain her big breakthrough the next time out. 

Abhaya struggled mightily after 25k, but despite the ordeal he suffered he's already talking about his next attempt at the distance, and he'll be back better than ever. 

The marathon is a cruel event, and even with the perfect training that Dawn and Abhaya had the number of bad things that can happen during the course of the race is virtually limitless, and between the two of them they experienced most of those bad things today. 

But true to the spirit of the marathon they will be back for more, and that kind of dedication and perseverance is an inspiration to us all. Well done!

Results
Cory Schwartz        2:59:30
Mark Drosky           3:10:14
Erin Masterson      3:23:53 
Dawn Gillis             3:23:56
Katie Tomlinson    3:24:23 
Jay Wind                 3:28:22
Abhaya Menon       3:49:42

From the NOVA team members who ran Boston, a few personal thoughts below.

Mark Drosky

I was privileged to participate in the 118th Boston Marathon.  It was much more than just a marathon. It was a celebration of remembrance,  life and hope. I relished each and every mile and cherished every police officer and volunteer for their efforts.

I thought of all the NOVA folks as well. I too struggled the last half or so. Quads were shot after heartbreak. There is always next year.
My friend Mike and I had a great experience 31 years later, Ouch!
Everything went smooth all weekend long.


Here are photos of Mark's first Boston (1983) and this year. (Nice hair, Mark!) Both photos are with his longtime running buddy Mike Sinkoski (photos - Mark Drosky)









Jay Wind

I ran 3:28:22 in my 30th Boston Marathon, my 20th in a row, my 157th marathon finish. I'm grateful to everyone in the DC area who has encouraged me to run, and to all the participants and volunteers in Boston who made this year's event so special and memorable.
 
Erin Masterson
 
I completed my first Boston last year, 2013. It was an epic race, a wonderful experience, and a new PR. But with the events that followed that day - living through the experience of the Boston bombing - I had mixed feelings about returning this year.
 
Though I knew it would be an emotional experience, I was looking forward to coming back, because I wanted to celebrate the spirit of Boston. I wanted to run the race that we all deserved to have; one unblemished  by tragedy.
 
Going into the race on Monday, I was certainly less nervous this year than last, but perhaps overconfident too. I thought I had Boston conquered. I was wrong. The Boston hills are no joke, and the bleak stretches of long highway can play dangerous mind games. And a warmer than average day can destroy all hopes of a PR.
 
I learned this year how fickle Boston can be. It is a tricky course and one that should not be taken lightly.
 
NOVA President Erin Masterson with
twin brother Andy after the race
(photo - Erin Masterson)
Entering the race, I had high hopes of a new PR. But after the halfway point, as I saw those hopes slipping away, my goal in the end was just to finish with a solid time within striking distance of my goal. Somewhere in mile 17, on the crest of another slow, burning hill, I doubted my capabilities even to do that.  
 
During that time, I did a lot of rationalizing with myself as to what I was out there to prove. I felt like I had built the race up so much in my head, and to others, that there was no way I couldn't finish. I wanted and needed that medal, that proof of my accomplishment and my continued membership in the community of Boston finishers. Once is not enough.
 
When I finally crossed the finish line, I felt like I left everything I had out on the course. That's all I could have ever asked of myself. So to me, Boston was a success.
 
See you out there in 2015.
 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

NOVA 2014 Membership Renewals - ACT NOW!!


NOVA Coach Jerry Alexander (right) with NOVA Member Mike Naff
For those in the running world, what does $50 buy you? Probably not enough for a (good) pair of shoes. Not enough for a race entry fee nowadays. Definitely not enough for a personal training session at the gym. But what DOES $50 buy you? An ENTIRE YEAR of NOVA Running Club membership and personal coaching attention from our very own Coach Jerry Alexander.

Specifically, having Coach Jerry around means being able to count on his skilled expertise in designing the weekly track workouts, his presence at Tuesday practice each week, and the time he spends each day answering emails, assisting in training plans, and providing pep talks to members going into big races. Even larger than that, however, is the legitimacy Coach Jerry provides to NOVA through his decades of experience, his skill in coaching runners from "hobby joggers" into elite talents (Dave Wertz anyone?!), his compassion and concern for every member of the team, and his charisma, charm, and stunning fashion sense. These are all reasons why many people show up to practice in the first place. So you see, Jerry's involvement with NOVA goes well beyond timing at the track, which at $50 for the year is an amazing bargain on its own.

However, without a significant show of support from NOVA members to renew their membership for 2014, we can no longer count on Coach Jerry's services.

As announced in a special newsletter to the NOVA Running Club on February 3, 2014, now is the critical period to renew your membership for 2014!!

Those who have not renewed by February 14, 2014 will be removed from the distribution list and unfortunately no longer permitted to attend practice.
Do not delay - the future of the Club depends on it!

If you wish to renew your membership via ACTIVE please follow this link.
  
Alternatively, we will accept check or cash payments through the mail or at the track. New membership forms will be available at track and are now online for printout at www.novarun.com. If you wish to mail in your membership form and payment, the club address is below:
  
NOVA Running Club
PO Box 3111, 3682 King Street
Alexandria VA 22302 

Saturday, January 18, 2014

NOVA 2013 Awards and Change of Command Ceremony

NOVA Running Club at the 2013 Awards and Change of Command Ceremony
photo- Betty Blank
The NOVA Running Club held its 2013 Awards and Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, 16 January 2014. The group gathered at host Samantha Kirby's house to celebrate the achievements of the previous year and recognize the transition of several NOVA Board Members. Great fun was had by all! Recap below. 

NOVA Running Club 2013 Awards

Men's 2013 MVP: Allen Denson 
NOVA 2013 Men's MVP Allen Denson
photo - Justin Buenaflor

Allen was a solid college 800 meter runner, but at the start of 2013 he was unsure of his 
ability to succeed in longer distances on the roads. By the end of the year, however, Allen 
established himself as a rising star with his huge PRs of 1:21:29 at the Navy Half Marathon and 2:58:29 at the Philadelphia Marathon. As Allen’s confidence grows, his performances will continue to improve in 2014 and beyond. Allen not only excelled as an athlete in 2013, he also excelled as a team leader. With Allen showing the way, NOVA developed a cadre of group 1 men who are competitive with any team in the area, as our team victory at the Navy Half Marathon demonstrates. As Allen continues to improve, the team will continue to improve with him.

NOVA 2013 Women's MVP Martha Merz
photo - Justin Buenaflor
Women’s 2013 MVP: Martha Merz

Martha had an excellent year in 2013, as she dominated her new age group. Among the many highlights were her 39:41 10k at Pikes Peak, 1:29:42 at the Navy Half Marathon, and 3:11:22 at Marine Corps. Martha’s importance to NOVA cannot be reflected in mere statistics, however. Rather, her presence is inspirational to all of our members. Martha has run at the highest level of the sport for more than 30 years--she was an All-American at Gettysburg College, was named to the conference all-century cross country team, and at age 45 she broke the 17-year old American Record for 10,000 meters for her age group on the track—and her confidence and desire to excel are contagious. Martha is not only a mentor to the younger runners, she is an example of what a motivated, talented athlete can do. 

NOVA 2013 Coach's Award: Larry Clark 

NOVA 2013 Coach's Award Winner Larry Clark (left)
photo - Justin Buenaflor
NOVA Coach Jerry Alexander says, "Larry is not the most talented runner I've coached, but he's most certainly one of the hardest working. I have all the respect in the world for Larry, because he gives it everything he's got every week, rain or shine, and that's all a coach can ever ask for." NOVA is fortunate to have Larry on our team. His consistent presence at the track - in rain or shine, cold or heat - his attendance at happy hours, trail cleanup events, and team races, and his ever-positive attitude and outlook, benefit the entire NOVA team and are an example for all to emulate. 


NOVA Change of Command Ceremony

NOVA wishes to recognize the efforts of our 2013 Board Members, and welcome the transition of several new members for 2014. 
NOVA 2014 Incoming President Erin Masterson
and Outgoing President Justin Buenaflor
photo - Erin Masterson
  • 2013 NOVA Running Club President Justin Buenaflor is stepping down after two years leading the Club to serve in the position of Vice President. 
  • 2013 NOVA Vice President Amanda Williams has decided to end her epic five-year run as NOVA VP and serve in the role of NOVA Member at Large. 
  • 2013 NOVA Social Media Director Erin Masterson is stepping up to serve in the role of NOVA President.
  • 2013 NOVA Treasurer Bob Koeppen will stay on in this role in 2014.
  • 2013 NOVA Membership Katie Tomlinson will stay on in this role in 2014.
  • In addition to Amanda Williams, NOVA welcomes the addition of three new Members at Large. Dan Wallace, Bob Weiner, and Bernie Flynn have agreed to serve in this capacity this year. 
We look forward to a great 2014! 

Host Samantha Kirby and Justin Buenaflor
photo - Betty Blank
Betty Blank and Erin Masterson
photo - Betty Blank