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.

 

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.

http://www.active.com/alexandria-va/running/memberships/northern-virginia-running-club-membership-2013?stop_mobi=yes 

  

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 

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

Erin's 30 for 30, Complete

By Erin Masterson

Before I dive into my story of running 30 races in one year, and what this experience has meant to me, let me first apologize for belaboring what I know has become a tired topic of conversation for those who know me. Yes, I ran 30 races in one year as a way to celebrate my 30th birthday. It was a cool experience to be sure, and a very challenging one. But I acknowledge that it was a very ME centric event, and one that lasted 12 long months at that. I'm sure by the end everyone was silently urging me to just finish the damn 30th race already!!! So, thanks for listening, and for reading this, if you are.

For those who are tracking, my 30th birthday was in July, but I decided to attempt this venture as a New Year's Resolution, to span Calendar Year 2013. My first race was January 19, 2013, and 30th race was December 8, 2013. And yes, I have a spreadsheet with all my results.

To be honest, in a way, "30 for 30" came to define me over the past year. The mission, the effort, and the sheer ridiculousness of it all became embodied in some sort of epic journey that I could.not. stop.talking.about. Seriously. Anyone I encountered - from my friends, coworkers, track club teammates, people I met at races, clerks at the local running shoe store, the mailman - all got an earful. Often unprompted, I'd offer nonchalantly, "So, I'm doing this thing for my 30th birthday where I run 30 races in one year." The reactions ranged from disbelief, to admiration, to confusion. Most people thought I was nuts, but in a good way. (PS All runners are nuts, in a good way).

I found that many people could understand why I'd do it, or at least respect why I'd chosen such a long drawn out goal, just to celebrate a birthday. Others thought it was a foolish venture, especially during the weeks (ok.. months) when I was injured and still racing, determined not to let a small thing like hip tendinitis or plantar fasciitis keep me from reaching my goal. But whatever the reaction, it WAS a reaction, a double take, a heightened interest. It brought me a new level of connection with people, a greater sense of engagement, and a clearly defined identity, at least in the box I've built for myself as a runner. This year became all about quantity over quality, at least that's what I began to tell people.

I became somewhat of a spectacle, a crazed figure edging up to the starting line at seemingly every race, both large and small, throughout the DC area (and a few outside). I'm sure this reaction was in part why I did it. What started out as a personal goal for me - a way to celebrate, rather than bemoan my 30th (aka my official entry into adulthood, my acceptance that I had put the freshness of my 20s behind me), had become instead a quest in which I sought out and relied heavily upon the interest, engagement, and support from my own personalized community. Even if they didn't realize it, the responses I elicited - from strangers, friends and acquaintances - had become part of my reason for running race after race. In the end, I desperately needed to finish, almost more for them than for myself.

Despite all of that attention seeking, the actual running of races was still very important to me. Looking back, I'm proud to say I didn't check out of single race. Each one got the same amount of effort, seriousness, and respect that I think running a race deserves. I didn't always PR, or even satisfy myself with my performance, but there was never a time when I started running and thought to myself, "I'm just gonna jog this one, and have fun." Racing IS fun to me, but it's fun because I work hard and test my limits, and have the satisfaction at the end to show for it. While there were some races where I cruised easily and surprisingly to a PR, there were certainly others where I pushed myself so hard I had trouble standing afterwards. That's when I knew I was doing my best.

Some races went extremely well. My PR in the Boston Marathon, for example, was a defining life experience for me, and not only because of the events afterwards. Winning the Marine Corps Historic 10k, top finishes at all Pacers Lost Dog 5k races, and PRing in the Army 10 Mile, were  major highlights also. I am proud of the medals and age group awards and other swag I've collected. I'm pleased with my accomplishments, and for the work they reflect, day in and day out, for the past year.

I'm happier by far though, with the life experience this mission has brought me. The people I've met, the emotions I've felt, the support I've discovered that is out there for me, has been astounding. I've gained other things too. Though I've always been a runner, in the past year I've built out my network in the DC running community, in part because I'm starting to recognize all the same faces at the starting line. This has been reinforced through my role as Social Media Director of the NOVA Running Club. My development as a leader of that group has allowed me to engage and motivate others in a way I haven't before. That's brought a great deal of satisfaction to me. Through my connections with NOVA, I'm also blogging and writing for running websites and magazines now, which has been a surprising and astoundingly fun new adventure.

Throughout it all, I've been fortunate to count on some pretty stellar folks. And because this is my blog post, I feel at liberty to thank some of them by name, including my long time running friends (Emily Cole, Erin Shipe, Lauren Coghlan, Melle Patrick, Jillian Obermeier, Karen Egan, Meg Austin), my NOVA teammates (most notably Justin Buenaflor, Katie Tomlinson, Martha Merz, Mark Drosky, and Betty Blank), and many other dear friends who have supported me, both in person and virtually, along the way (including Soo Lee Davis, Becca Velarde, Taress Hsu, Deana Edelmann, and Vinn White). Of course, I can't forget my mom and dad, my brother Andy and sister Katie, "siblings" Julia Rehberg and Bryan Dillner, and countless others who have shown an interest enough to listen to me, or run with me, or cheer me on.   

Through it all, I've always been able to count on the unflagging support of NOVA Coach Jerry Alexander, who I first met when I broke his heart and decided to run for W&M instead of American, waaaay back in 2001. Sorry again about that, Coach Jerry. I'll keep working to make it up to you.

People are pretty freaking amazing when you need them to be, and I feel blessed to have the people I do in my life. You all have made this possible, and more enjoyable than I ever would have hoped. So thanks. Thanks a WHOLE lot.

Who knows what 31 will bring? I'm not sure, but I know I'll be living it up. See you out there!

Alexandria Turkey Trot:  Strong showing by NOVA-Congrats!

Derik Thomas 27:50

Antonio Epplolito 28:31

Bob Koeppen 28:58

Jerry Doyle 29:58

Dan Wallace 32:59

Erin Masterson 33:27

Betty Blank 38:20

Maher Itani 47:01

Caroline Wertz 47:41

NOVA is Thankful For...

By Erin Masterson

Fellow NOVA Team members, on behalf of the NOVA Board, on this Thanksgiving Eve I want to extend my heartfelt THANKS to you for your ongoing and consistent support of the NOVA Running Club. We would not have the great club we do without your dedication, passion, and enthusiasm for the sport and each other.

Over the year I have served on the NOVA Board, I have come to understand that what we offer as a club is more than just a group of running partners. Yes - NOVA IS a running club, and the benefit of having Coach Jerry and a group of fellow serious runners to meet with at the track each week cannot be understated as one of our core values. But what I believe makes NOVA stand out from a lot of other clubs in the area is the personal connections, the friendships, the overwhelmingly positive camaraderie, and the unflagging enthusiasm we all hold for each other to succeed.

From my perspective, given my three years of experience with NOVA (far less time than many here, I'll acknowledge), the team is undergoing a transformation. We may be a smaller crew than years (and decades) past, but those members that do show up each week are the stalwarts, the lifeblood, the future of the team. I see more positive spirit now than I have for a long time, and I believe this is a shared acknowledgement by the other board members (who have been around longer than me).

To that end - we need you all to keep showing up each week, and we need to keep growing the team with more folks like you. So bring your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers...anyone who is looking for a club and family to help them meet their fitness goals. And you never know when you'll meet a potential club member - sometimes the best connections are those forged by accident! I feel fortunate to have met NOVA team member Christina Elgin when I was buying a cupcake from her at Buzz Bakery. She mentioned she was looking for a running club to join, and the rest is history. (Note to self - frequent more cupcake shops!)

On a personal note, I'm thankful for NOVA and for what you all have given me. Thanks for allowing me to be part of your Board, along with fellow intrepid leaders Justin Buenaflor, Amanda Williams, Katie Tomlinson, and Bob Koeppen. It's been an honor.

Happy Turkey Day. See you out there!

What a great story on the NYC Marathon--what running is all about

http://www.letsrun.com/news/2013/11/time-life/?fb_action_ids=10151996451333216&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210151996451333216%22:584544704934541%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210151996451333216%22:%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D