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SSVI: WHO CALLED THIS SPECIAL ANYHOO?
So, here it is, short and sweet. This is year number six since my resurgence (that's an overstatement) in the local running circuit, and after five dedicated years to Special Sauce, I've drifted off to the perverbial La-La Land, I guess.
Of course, I got a tad busy and sidetracked this spring as the Milford High boys track & field team went on a majestic run en route to a Henlopen Conference Meet Championship (the school's first since the conference formed in 1970) and then a Division II state championship (the second-ever and first since 1986). And as the media frenzy finally died down in early June, I was able to truly appreciate the season, earning State Coach of the Year honors to reach a list shared by my late great mentor Jim Blades of Lake Forest fame. It meant a lot to me.
But, for my avid and active Special Sauce fans, I must get back on the trails and roads to give you a weekly update as the Buffalo Stampede roars into action this weekend. So far, I've run a measley four races since the first of the year, but my running workouts have jumped to new heights as I look to build off last weekend's lackluster, but promising, 22:34 at the Riverfest 5K sponsored by the Seaford CCers, led by coaching pals Vince Morris and Rob Perciful. At the Riverfest race, I got to chat with Seaford alums Christina Garmendia and Kaitlin McGroerty who still have the racing talent, and then I got to chum around with Lake CC alum Steve Scarborough out on the Nanticoke River in our kayaks. Of course, Steve's natural talent got him in the low 20s and a first-place medal in the 26-34 age group -- a couple of places better than the Ol' Bloomer.
Special Sauce Insider saw Tech's Ali Mahmood and Derek Kitchen looking strong as they prep for the upcoming CC season.
Stay tuned for updates and remember . . .
If you want to make Special Sauce, I guess I'll have to see you out there running! :)
Have fun! Run!
CZARMAN
Feb. 12 - Cupids Chase 5K 20:56(14th overall, 7th in age group)
June 2 - Race to Find a Cure 5K 21:55(16th overall, 2nd in age group)
June 11 - Strawberry Fever 5K 22:42(12th overall, 5th in age group)
July 9 - Riverfest 5K 22:34 (9th overall, 3rd in age group)
July 16 - Buffalo Stampede 5K 21:24 (26th overall, 2nd in age group)
SPECIAL SAUCE V: BETTER THAN EVER
 |  | | Ol' Bloomie making a fashion statement | |
Years later, Ol' Bloomie remains still alive and kickin' . . . and better than ever!
Just a few short months ago, Bloomie shattered the 20 barrier for the first time since the 1990 high school cross country season at Lake Forest High, picking up a life-time 5K best of 19:24 at the Governor's Day race in early October. I made the 19s two more times before year's end, proving that a goal can be achieved when a runner keeps it in sight.
After starting the Special Sauce Comeback Tour in the Summer of 2000, Bloomie and the crew have gotten progressively better season after season. I've had a few peaks and valleys, but hey, don't we all.
So, what's in store for 2004? I guess a little more. :)
Remember: If you want to make Special Sauce, I guess I'll have to see you out there running! Have fun! Run!
CZARMAN
Feb. 14 - Cupids Chase 5K 20:04(5th overall, 2nd in age group)
May 9 - Masser 5-miler 34:57(32th overall, 2nd in age group)
May 29 - Chestertown Tea Party 5K 20:33(13th overall, 5th in age group)
June 5 - Spring into Motion 5K 20:43(5th overall, 2nd in age group)
June 12 - Strawberry Fever 5K 20:32(11th overall, 3rd in age group)
June 19 - Janes Island Power Paddle Kayak race 8-mile+ 1:14:59 (1st in kayak division)
June 20 - Father's Day 5K 19:50(22nd overall, 4th in age group)
June 27 - Bill Degnan 5K 20:10(23rd overall, 4th in age group)
July 3 - Freedom 5K 20:20(13th overall, 3rd in age group)
July 4 - Rehoboth Biathlon 43:13(103rd overall)
July 5 - Laurel Independence Day 5K 20:35(3rd overall, 1st in age group)
July 10 - Nanticoke Riverfest Kayak race 7.5-mile 58:42 (2nd in kayak division)
July 17 - Buffalo Stampede 5K 20:32(18th overall, 1st in age group)
July 25 - Seashore Strider 5K 20:12(17th overall, 3rd in age group)
Aug. 8 - Run for JJ 5K 20:13(39th overall, 4th in age group)
Aug. 18 - COPS 5K 20:09(6th overall, 1st in age group)
Aug. 29 - Dam Mill 5K 20:05(17th overall, 3rd in age group)
Oct. 2 - Governor's 5K 20:13(14th overall, 1st in age group)
Oct. 23 - Run for Health 5K 20:23(5th overall, 3rd in age group)
Nov. 7 - Fall Harvest 5K 20:22(5th overall, 1st in age group)
Nov. 20 - Kent Country Run for Fitness 5K 20:38(11th overall, 3rd in age group)
SHELLY
Feb. 14 - Cupids Chase 5K 30:50(58th overall, 6th in age group)
May 29 - Chestertown Tea Party 5K 30:58(141st overall, ?th in age group)
June 5 - Spring into Motion 5K 32:05(?th overall, 3rd in age group)
June 12 - Strawberry Fever 5K 29:38(?th overall, 2nd in age group)
July 3 - Freedom 5K 29:04(71st overall, 3rd in age group)
July 5 - Laurel Independence Day 5K 29:38(3rd in age group)
July 17 - Buffalo Stampede 5K 27:55(132nd overall, 6th in age group)
Oct. 23 - Run for Health 5K 30:45(3rd in age group)
Nov. 7 - Fall Harvest 5K 32:12(? in age group)
Nov. 20 - Kent Country Run for Fitness 5K 32:04(4th in age group)
COPS 5K BRINGS OUT RUNNING SUPPORT
Some days are better than others even if the time stays about the same as Ol' Bloomie snapped off a 20:09 to place 6th overall (and 1st in the 30-39 group) out of nearly 300 runners at the COPS 5K in Wyoming during a stormy Wednesday evening.
The night proved to be a good one for the Special Saucers as CR assistant coach Matt Lindell ran low 19s to take third overall, and Joltin' Joe Beman placed 17th overall and fourth in his master's group with low 21s. Milford residents Brad "the Kickin' Kiwi" Dennehy (low 21s) and Runnin' Randy Fisher (27s) busted out the solid performances, while Dan, Dan the Running Man Pennington scored a runner-up run. And . . . a big shoutout goes to Lake alum and middle school CC coach Angela Brown who ran low 24s despite being six months pregnant!! Her mom, Linda, made sure she got to the line first (low 22s) just in case of an emergency. :) Hey, Mike Paul, we saw that sub-23!
Special Sauce InsiderSaw Charter CC freshman Phil Depenbusch and Fifer mid schooler Jon Abbott cruising just ahead of Bloomie for most of the race. Big Nate Depenbusch took the high school male age group with low 23s. Congrats to MMSCCer Robert Fisher who ran strong.
ELITE RACERS SHOW UP AT RUN FOR JJ
Ol' Bloomie wasn't hangin' with 5K racing's elite class of Kenyans and local college athletes at Sunday's Run For JJ 5K in Rehoboth. Still, I knocked out a consistent 20:13, having to pour on the gas to finish with local Milford resident John Yanacek.
Dover High alum Pat Boyle and Seaford alum Mitch Fryling ran well as did CR coach/Smyrna alum Matt Lindell, and Dan, Dan the Running Man Pennington notched a low 17. Of course, none of them came close to the Kenyan frontrunner who blazed the blacktop in 14:23. The top Kenya female cruised in the 16s!!!
Special Sauce Insider saw Cape's P.J. Melendez cruising along in the 20s. Not too many other high schoolers made an appearance.
STAMPEDERS BRING IN THE BIG BUFFALOS!
In 2003, Ol' Bloomie ran a second faster and got 5th in my age group, but this year's 20:32 proved good enough for 18th overall and first in my age group in the 26th annual Buffalo Stampede 5K & 10K on Saturday. My wifey, Shelly ran her season best of 27:55 -- yeah!!!!
Congrats to MHSCC alum Jessi Rivera who broke 22 to win her age group and hooray, hooray for former Miss DE and MHSCC alum Erin Williams who got in the 27s. Sticking with the Milford folks, Randy Fisher ran his best Stampede time in the low 25s while his son, Robert represented the MMSCCers with a solid low 24. MHSCCer Jackie Creasey -- paced by her pop, Bill -- blazed to a CAREER-best 23:25, just missing third in a very tough 14-under female age group, while her mamma, Julie, picked up a buffalo for a great race. And ... MHSCC alumni-mom, Kathy Kunkle, scored a buffalo in that veteran 50+ age group!!
Cheers to the Wing Night guys, Matt Lindell (ex-Smyrna CCer and CR assistant coach) who took the 20-24 age group with a 6th-place finish, just behind ex-LFCCer Eric Payne in the low 18s. Meanwhile, Joe "Bubbles" Beman scored a third-place Buffalo in the tough masters category!
Sallies grad Eric Zeberkawiez (check spelling) took the 5k overall with a 17:11, holding off surges from Dan, Dan the Running Man Pennington and CR grad Kyle Luke. 5K record-holder Steve Sinko blazed to the 10K win in 33:34.
Special Sauce Insider saw the Tri-Sports Leaguers run extremely well: CR runners David Moore, Jesse Brooks, Chris Marker, Liz Paul (overall female 5K champ), Ashley Johnson, Jen Lee and Jonathan Abbott scored trophies and/or great performances, while numerous other local high schoolers, like Phillip Depenbusch, looked strong after great league workouts. Even CRCC coach Bell got out and challenged folks in the race walk!!! St. Thomas More, led by coach and CRCC alum Nick Boggs who got a 10K buffalo, saw the likes of Cindy Sui and Nick Stubbolo run well as did alum Sheena McIntire. In fact, tons of ex-Henlopen stars like Smyrna CC alum Joe Morman, who blazed by Bloom midway through but ran out of gas later in the race, made their appearances. The Walsh family, led by mamma Mary who scored a buffalo and daughter Katie who took a 10K buffalo represented Dover High well, while Jenna Kemmerle and her father, Steve, represented Polytech CC in the 5K -- finishing much better than Polytech CC coach Chris Kenton looked in the 10K -- his first race back on the road again. :)
Overall, a big congrats goes out to everybody and anybody I missed, especially LFCC alum and coach Angie Brown, who won her age group five months pregnant!!! :)
BLAZING THROUGH THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND
Ol' Bloomie officially wrapped up a busy 4th of July weekend with a third-place overall finish in the Laurel Independence Day 5K on Monday. In a heavy humidity, I notched a 20:35 (behind Seaford CC alum Mitch Fryling and Woodbridge alum Lyle Neal) just a day after surviving the Rehoboth Biathlon and two days after racing the Freedom 5K in Dover.
SS has plenty of congrats to go out -- first to the wifey, Shelly who ran two sub-30s in her races to pick up awards and to the Milford folks: Bobby Spath (career-best 18:35), John Yanacek (20:02) and Brad Dennehy (20:24) at the Firecracker 5K in Rehoboth, Randy Fisher (25s at Freedom) and MMSCCer Robert Fisher (career-best 24:18), Stuart Barr (1st swimmer out of the water at Rehoboth), Clare Barr and MHSCCer Jackie Creasey (a super duo at the biath), Emma Barr (great work at the biath), Jan Kelley (swimming like a fish and finishing strong at the biath), Miss Jessi Rivera (super solo battle at the biath -- thanks for motivating me :) and MHSCCer James Starnes (busting out a 31:38 in his first official 5K). I hope I got all you Milford folks.
And . . . Special Sauce Insider saw the benefits of the Tri-Sports Cross Country League at the Freedom 5K as the CRCCers led the way with David Moore, Jesse Brooks, Chris Marker, Ashley Johnson, Jenn Lee and host of other folks, including young racers like Jonathan Abbott. Hey, Depenbusch bros (Nate and Phil of Charter High), great run on Saturday and even better teamwork in the biath Sunday. Lake CCer Teddy Bobola held off Ol' Bloom and St. Thomas More's Cindy Siu had a great battle and finish. Bernie Yanos and the Walsh family (Brian, Mary, Katie, Ian and Mark) led the way for the Dover High folks.
At the biath on Sunday, Dover High's Charles Gibson tore up the 5K in the team division while former teammate Pat Boyle represented the lifeguards by placing among the top soloists! Throw in Troy Bockius and Dover had a great showing as did the Lake CC alums like Lauren Jumper and Dan Matta. Holly Wilson helped from the sidelines after recovering from an ankle injury.
And finally on Monday, the Sussex Tech girls made a visit led by overall female Hannah Bienoff who ran in the 22s as '04 state track champ Rebecca Ricksecker cheered from crowd. A number of Seaford alum made the run as did current CCers like Cassie Scott and Coach Morris' wifey who busted out the 25s en route to an age group win!
Great running, gang! Keep up the good work! Hope to see you all out there racing soon!
Have fun! Run!
ANOTHER FOUR SPOT IN THE STRIDER SERIES
For the second week in a row, Ol' Bloomie cracked the top 25 only to take fourth in the 30-34 age group. Oh well, I was pleased with my 20:10 in the Bill Degnan 5K Sunday.
Dan, Dan the Running Man Pennington won the whole deal in 17:37 and another strong showing for Big John Yanacek who stayed a few strides in front of me. Good to see CP (Coach Perciful) from Seaford CC fame out running with his son, Andrew.
Special Sauce Insider saw Seaford CC grad Mitch Fryling cruising along, while numerous Cape CCers and alums made the race, including Brittany Morris, Maggie Pederson, P.J. Melendez and Kenny Reidel (who held off Ol' Bloom in a dead sprint for the finish :).
BACK IN THE 19s AT FATHERS DAY 5K
For the first time in Seashore Strider Series race, Ol' Bloomie broke the 20-barrier, running a 19:50 under beautiful, comfortable skies at the Father's Day 5K.
The day proved decorated for Milford residents, John Yanacek, who took home his best time of the summer (20:10) en route to a win in the Clydesdale division. Not only did he get a Clydesdale-sized trophy, but he collected a nice sweatshirt and Superbagel (a big one-pounder!). And . . . Randy Fisher lopped off some time, cruising to a stellar 26:22, while his son, Robert, a MMSCCer, scored a third-place trophy.
Congrats to Dan, Dan the Running Man Pennington who earned a personal-best 17:22 after running a 17:26 the day before.
Special Sauce Insider saw Milford sup Doc Smith cheering on his MMS daughter, Sara, who broke 30 minutes nicely, and congrats goes out to Dover High alum Pat Boyle who won the entire race in 16:59. Seaford's Mitch Fryling (an '04 grad) led a host of other local high schoolers, including Tech's Mahood and Cape's Melendez.
SSV: SAUCERS SWEEP THE OVER-30 AGE GROUP
Saturday's Special Saucers, Bobby Spath, Brad Dennehy and Ol' Bloom took the top three spots in the 30-39 age group to sweep at the Strawberry Fever 5K in Woodside. And congrats to the ladies, Courtney Spath and Shelly, who took one-two, respectively, in the 20-29 age bracket.
Spathman and the New Zealand Zipper Dennehy took off midway through the race, thanks to their micro-computers strapped to their wrists (they looked more like garage door openers, but anyway). Spathman got fourth overall in the mid 19s, while Dennehy knocked off Bloom for the first time with a 20:14. I made a push, but couldn't catch 'em with a 20:32. I also couldn't out-sprint the Ol' middle school CC coach Baxter Smith, but was able to nip Milford running pal John Yanacek by a smidgen.
Courtney cruised to a 24:30 while Shelly (paced by Milford res Kathy Kunkle and the ageless Lee Masser) broke under the 30-barrier for the first time in '04 with a 29:38!!!
Special Sauce Insider saw a host of youngsters, led by MMSCCer Robert Fisher and Pop. Lake's Teddy Riser, Dover's Kevin Kemmerle and CR's Ashley Johnson placed well and the Dover youth CCers came out in full force.
SSV: TIME FOR AN UPDATE
So, Ol' Bloomie did run the Chestertown Tea Party 5K in a solid 20:34 -- good enough for 13th out of nearly 240, but 5th overall in that new 30 and older age group. I came back a week later in the Spring into Motion (and face the WIND AND RAIN) 5K at Greenwood Mennonite to finish 5th overall (20:43) and 2nd in my age group behind Milford runner John Yanacek who I seem to be catching in age, but not in time. :) Nice work, John!
Congrats to my wifey, Shelly, who also completed both races and continues to have her sights set on completing her first summer series. Better watch out, folks -- she's getting the running bug! :)
Another big congrats goes out to my old middle school CC coach Baxter Smith who has put me away in the second half of each of the last two races. He went sub-20 at Greenwood! And . . . Lee Masser -- you're amazing, man!!!
Special Sauce Insider sees Baxter's speedy son, Barrett running low 19s already this summer. He could only be scratching the surface as he heads into his freshman season as a Seaford Blue Jay later this summer.
SPECIAL SAUCE V: BLOOMIE BUST 35 IN MASSER 5-MILER
Ol' Bloomie stayed under that 7-minute pace (albeit barely) en route to a runner-up age group finish in the Masser 5-miler Saturday at Cape Henlopen High to kick off the 2004 Seashore Strider Racing Series. Since I turn 30 on Wednesday, that'll be my last official race as a 20-something-year-old. :)
Congrats go out to Dover High alum Troy Bockius who scored a runner-up finish overall, while Ol' Bloomie couldn't catch up to Milford resident John Yanacek or Woodbridge alum Breck Vanderwende. Lake alum and now assistant track coach Angie Brown had a strong race.
SSV: BETTER THAN EVER: BLOOMIE STARTS 2004 WITH 20:04
So, maybe it's an omen. Ol' Bloomie legs out a 20:04 to start 2004 at the Cupids Chase 5K in Dover to kick off the new race season on Valentine's Weekend. Though 19s would've been nice, that time ranks as my best start, so hopefully I can drop some time by season's end.
The wifey, Shelly, took her first steps of '04 with a solid 30:50. With one race down, she has a few more to finish in hopes of completing her first Tri-Sports Events Race Series.
Congrats go out to running bud, Joltin' Joe Beman who placed well in his first master's race and the Fisher gang -- pop Randy and MMSCCer Robert -- who got started on the right foot. Milford's John Yanacek also finished with a nice kick!
Special Sauce Insider saw CR's Kyle Luke take the overall win in the low 18s, while Lake future start Danielle Riley speeded to a plaque.
SPECIAL SAUCE IV: SURVIVOR SPECIAL
Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun . . . DuNNNN . . . . DUNNNNN ... Dunnnnnnn . . . . . DUN DUN . . .
Well, how 'bout that for an opener? The summer running series (now in the plural form with the Rockin' Ray Parker Trisports Events series in Kent County and the Seashore Strider Racing Series in Rehoboth) has officially begun and Ol' Bloom has again taken to the streets (not in protest, but in good racing run) to plow through yet another summer schedule. And for now, he runs solo as his fellow Special Saucers (Uncle Vern, et al.) contemplate retirement. Hence, this season will be the Survivor Special!! (Hopefully, we'll see Uncle Vern alive and kicking soon and maybe we'll sign on some upstart Saucers).
At any rate, this is my fourth straight season after taking a decade hiatus from running (dating back to my high school days at Lake) and I like to give the local running world a little spotlight each week so stay tuned and join the Special Sauce fan club (along with me, I think we still have two in our fan base. Seaford CC coach Rob Perciful told me the other day that he still surfs the web and stops by for a summer racing snack from time-to-time.) I'll try to keep a weekly update, highlighting Henlopen CC alum and others as they brave the pavement. And of course, as always, you can get a chuckle at my times as I make my quest to return to that high school best of 19:45. But don't laugh too much, you MHSCCers, the 2003 high school CC season starts in August, so you better be faster than your coach. And here's some early Special Sauce Insider news, Ol' Bloom got to start this year's Strider Series at age 28, just one day before my 29th birthday. :)
And remember . . .
If you want to make Special Sauce, I guess I'll have to see you out there running! :)
Have fun! Run!
CZARMAN
May 3 - ARC 5K 20:51(16th overall, 3rd in age group)
May 11 - Masser 5-Miler 36:27(46th overall, 5th in age group)
May 17 - Fit as a Fiddle 5K 20:50(11th overall, 1st in age group)
May 24 - Family Frolic Biathlon 1:25:03 (2nd overall, 1st in male relay)
May 25 - Run for Danielle 5K 21:18(47th overall, 5th in age group)
June 5 - Race for the Cure 5K 21:20 (16th overall, 4th in age group)
June 7 - Spring into Motion 5K 21:10 (9th overall, 2nd in age group)
June 14 - Strawberry Fever 5K 22:11 (9th overall, 2nd in age group)
June 15 - Father's Day 5K 20:57 (43rd overall, 6th in age group)
June 21 - Summer Fest 5K 22:59 (13th overall, 4th in age group)
June 22 - Citizen's Bank 5K 21:02 (41st overall, 4th in age group)
July 4 - Laurel Independence Day 5K 21:44 (14th overall, 2nd in age group)
July 12 - Nanticoke Riverfest Kayak Race 7.5-mile1:10:09 (1st in race class)
July 19 - Buffalo Stampede 5K 20:31 (27th overall, 5th in age group)
July 27 - Riverwatch Duathlon 1:25:47 (22th overall, 1st in male relay)
Aug. 10 - Run For J.J. Memorial 5K 21:15 (48th overall, 3rd in age group)
Aug. 16 - Dam Mill 5K 20:30 (?th overall, 3rd in age group)
Aug. 23 - Survival of the Fittest Heptaphalon 44:01 (3rd overall)
Sept. 27 - Stockley Stride 5K 20:05 (10th overall, 2nd in age group)
Oct. 4 - Governor's Day 5K 19:24 (10th overall, 1st in age group)
Oct. 18 - Seaford's Homecoming 5K 20:25 (4th overall)
Nov. 1 - Henlopen Open 5K 20:01
Nov. 2 - Fall Harvest 5K 19:55 (3rd overall, 1st in age group)
Nov. 15 - Kent County Parks & Rec 5K 21:21 (11th overall, 3rd in age group)
Nov. 22 - Delaware Open CC 5K 20:33 (19th overall, 4th in age group)
Dec. 13 - Share the Holiday Spirit 5K 19:33 (2nd overall, 1st in age group)
SHELLY
June 14 - Strawberry Fever 5K 35:29 (40th overall, 4th in age group)
June 21 - Summer Fest 5K 34:19 (? overall, 3rd in age group)
SSIV: SURVIVOR SPECIAL: BRISK DAY BRINGS CROWD AT P&R 5K
Congrats go out to Polytech assistant coach Charles Bailey who beat a field of nearly 100 runners with a 17:58 at the 27th annual Kent County Parks and Recreation 5K Saturday at Killens Pond. Ol' Bloomie ran a lackluster 21:21 to grab a third-place trophy -- would've been nice to catch Smyrna's Coach Kennedy, who took second with a 20:37.
MHSCCers Andrew Meade (21:35) and Matt Holloway (22:35) put a target on their coach, and a big congrats goes out to freshman MHS soccer player Spencer Adams who ran his first 5K ever with no training to take the 14-under age group with an impressive 23:12. Can't wait to see him on the track. Also, MMSCCer Robert Fisher continues to shine, placing third in the 14-unders with a 26:46. The future for MHSCC looks promising!
Extra shoutouts go to Robert's dad, Randy (47th), Lake alums Eric Payne (5th overall) and Angie Brown (2nd female overall).
Special Sauce Insider saw numerous local CCers, including Smyrna's super freshman Ashley Rogers (23:42) and her lady Eagle teammates as well as boys' future frontrunner Kerry Wilson (6th overall). Lake's David Riser edged out Dover's Kevin Kemmerle just ahead of Bloom, while Lake's Brian Frederickson and the Touchards - Brittney and Jordan -- ran strong. Keep an eye out for W.T. Chipman runner Danielle Riley who already finished in the 23s.
SSIV SURVIVOR SPECIAL: BLOOMIE BREAKS 20 ONCE AGAIN
A day after running a respectable 20:01 at Killens in the Henlopen Open 5K, Ol' Bloomie bounced back with a 19:55 at the Fall Harvest 5K Sunday to place 3rd overall. That officially completes my 10 Trisports Events Race Series events. Right now, I'll take the age group lead and hope to hold off Smyrna's Coach K who finished about 20 seconds behind me on Sunday.
Congrats go out to Milford runners John Yanacek and Randy Fisher who picked up awards.
Special Sauce Insider also saw Smyrna's Joe Morman just ahead of Bloomie, while Polytech's Jenna Kemmerle also ran well. Plus, a young Bobola (probably the bro of Lake's top runner Teddy Bobola) got a strong race in.
SSIV: SURVIVOR SPECIAL: BLOOMIE BREAKS THE HIGH SCHOOL MARK
I guess it's time to call my former high school CC coach Jim Blades and tell him that the scrawny senior team captain of his finally broke his goal time -- even if it is 13 years later. . . .
Though I'm certain the clock said 19:19, Ol' Bloomie bounced with joy to know I had hauled in an official time of 19:24 -- some 21 seconds faster than my previous career best of 19:45, set back in early November of 1990 in the Henlopen Conference Championship at Killens Pond.
Of course, I'm in unchartered territory and can't even begin to believe that 18s are right in front of me . . . Whew.
At any rate, a big thanks goes out to the Milford Marathon Mates Bobby Spath and Brad Dennehy. I kept Bobby in my sights the whole way as he finished just seconds ahead of me. Brad kept the target on me and also beasted a career-best under 20.
A big thumbs up goes to MHSCC alums Scott Hall and Justin Bloom who paced Bloomie through the two-mile mark. Hall battled Dennehy to a sprint and Bloom rallied to finish a few spots back.
Also congrats to Lexington Miller Anne Beals and Milford runners Randy Fisher and John Yanacek, plus Lake CC alum Eric Payne.
Special Sauce Insider saw Polytech asst. coach Charles Bailey blaze to a runner-up finish in 17:29, while his top boys and girls runners, Bostik Johnson, Amy Dempsey and Jenna Kemmerle, all followed suit with solid times. Lake's Teddy Bobbola and gang also made a solid showing.
Hey, Ruth Ann, sorry I didn't get to shake your hand. I had to run to Brandywine for the Sallies Invite!
NOT QUITE 19S AT STOCKLEY STRIDE
So, Ol' Bloomie didn't quite hit 19s, but 20:05 makes it pretty close in Saturday's Stockley Stride 5K. That was good enough for 10th overall and 2nd in my age group -- just 15 seconds behind Smyrna CC Coach Michael Kennedy (Hey, Coach K, if you're reading this, you're going down :).
Milford Marathon Men Bobby Spath (19:41) and Brad "Aimin' for Bloom" Dennehy (21:10) got some speed work in as did Bobby's wife, Courtney (23s) who took third overall female. Other congrats go out to Milford res John Yanacek (surviving from an illness) and Bloomie's former W.T. Chipman middle school CC coach Baxter Smith and his son. Special hooray to MHSCC alum Justin Bloom who finished in the 21s.
Special Sauce Insider saw Smyrna's senior Joe Morman run 19s just a day after medaling at the Middletown Inv.
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
Congrats go out to the 11 die-hards (including 3 MHSCCers and Ol' Bloomie) who completed Seaford High CC's inaugural Survival of the Fittest event -- a collection of seven track events totaling 7 miles.
Seaford track alum Jamie Parks won the men's overall in just over 40 minutes, edging out Smyrna and Wesley CC alum Matt Lindell who couldn't make up a 13-second difference in the final event -- 3200 meters.
Ol' Bloomie took third with a 44:01 holding off MHSCCer Jon "Pre" Luiken who won the 100, 200 and 400, but couldn't get enough lead to overcome Bloomie's 20:12 5K (to Luiken's 21:25). Luiken scored a slight edge in the 1600 (5:54 to 5:56), 800 (2:44.2 to 2:45) and 3200 (13:08.5 to 13:08.9), but finished 55 seconds behind in 44:56.
MHSCCer Christian "Playa, Playa" Dubsky got a big boost with a sub-30 5K and finished 7th in 64 total minutes, just behind Racin' Rob Perciful of Seaford High coaching fame and Seaford CC alum Donald Abrams. Senior MHSCC teammate Dashin' Dana Rathfon scored several sprint wins and made a killer comeback in the 3200 to finish second overall for the ladies in just over 70 minutes.
BLOOMIE BUSTS OUT '03 BEST AT DAM MILL 5K
It always feels good to get a little quicker, and fortunately Ol' Bloomie bested his Buffalo Stampede time by a second to cruise to a season-best 20:30 in Saturday's Dam Mill -- good enough for a third.
Sorry, I couldn't stick around, folks (I had to make it Killens Pond for CC practice by 9 a.m. :) but I did pick up some quick news as I was leaving. Plus, some running mates provided some news tips. :)
Congrats go out, first, to MHSCCer Jon "Pre" Luiken who busted out a snazzy 20:08. He continues to drop time, and his teammate Super Soph Matt Holloway shows he's well ahead of last year's pace by snapping off a 23:45 already. And finally, another veteran MHSCCer, Big Christian Dubsky, continues to make nice strides after mid-summer surgery -- nearly hitting his sub-30 goal with a 30:40.
As for the Special Sauce mates, Jeepin' Joe Beman, stayed right on Bloomie's tail to finish strongly (Hey, Joe, I told you we would make the race on time. We had at least a minute to spare :). Also, Milford milers Randy Fisher (dropping a minute off his time!), John Yanacek and Gwen Guerke were smokin'! Great efforts!
Special Sauce Insider saw Sussex Tech Coach Nicoletti zipping along with top Raven runner Chris "Just Make Those Legs" Singh. Lake alum Mike Hazeltine made a cameo and finished ahead of Bloomie.
Wish I had more news for you, but I had to run and run. :)
With CC season beginning, the race schedule becomes a bit more sporadic. I'm not sure of my next race, but I'm certain to be around in the fall in quest for that ever-elusive sub-20. :)
Stay tuned for Special Sauce updates, and as always, Have fun!!! Run!!!
BLA BLA DAY AT RUN FOR JJ
So, Ol' Bloomie went out in a 6:20 mile, feeling good pretty good about things, but then I got to thinking that I really couldn't make up any ground in the age group standings of the Strider Series . . . and then I got thinking about that Chinese food from last night . . . and before I knew it, I was chugging along in a lackluster 21:15. Well, at least I got to run with some Kenyans -- or, well, I ran in the Run for J.J. 5K and so did some Kenyans. :)
At any rate, congrats to Milford residents John Yanacek and Tell Gwen Guerke (running back-to-back in a 10K-5K combo) and numerous other local Yokels cruising the streets and pacing with the Kenyas.
Special Sauce Insider saw Cape's Evan Mock line up along side me. He looked strong and said he's aiming to break 17 this season -- we've got our worked cut out for us.
BLOOMIE/BOGGS BACK ON THE WIN STREAK AT RIVERWATCH
Ol' Bloomie and Sidekick Nick Boggs, CRCC alum and ST.Thomas More CC coach, celebrated the fruits of a great training summer as we nailed down a stellar 1 hour, 25 minutes and 47 seconds to win the male relay division of the Riverwatch Duathlon. We finished 22nd overall out of at least 176 and beat our nearest bracket competitors by nearly a half hour.
Boggs got us a good start, running 18:05 in the opening three-mile leg, before Bloomie beasted the hills of Northeast, Md. Talk about 16 miles of hell -- Whew! I got done 47 minutes later (an average of about 20 MPH) as Boggs rounded out the final leg in just more than 19:30. Overall, we improved on last year's mark (with Uncle Vern) by about four minutes.
RUNNERS MOB FOR BUFFALO STAMPEDE IN WYOMING
The 25th anniversary Buffalo Stampede 5K and 10K brought the runners out by the hundreds on Saturday. Ol' Bloomie put forth a banner day, yet didn't get the buffalo trophy to show for it. I ran a Stampede-best 20:31, placed 27th out of nearly 300, but took fifth in my age group (pretty stacked today!). Oh well, can't be bummed after a great couple weeks of training! Boy, I would've like to have a few more yards to catch St. Thomas More alum Sheena McIntire who took the women's overall in 20:30.
A super big hooray for future MHSCCer Jon Luiken who completed his first-ever 5K with no training in about 23 minutes. He even brought out Morgan Linton who may have convinced herself of joining MHSCC with a sparkling run of about 26 minutes. :)
Many, many Special Sauce friends made the race, so you'll have to check out www.trisportsevents.com in a few days to see how they all did. Congrats go out to Uncle Vern -- who finished his first 5K of '03, Joe Beman, Nick Boggs, Matt Lindell, Eric Payne, and Milford-area friends Brad Dennehy, Tell Gwen Guerke, Randy Fisher, Karl Katz and family and many more.
Special Sauce Insider saw a host of current and former Henlopen folks, including Dover's Charles Gibson, Maurice Miles, Kevin and Jenna Kemmerle and Katie Walsh, the CR gang, such as the Swierzbinskis, Dobrinski, Kyle Luke, Ashley Johnson, Tara Winters, Brian Line, Jeff Miller and more, Smyrna's Joe Morman, Lake's Angie Brown, and even a host of upstaters including '03 high school CCer of the year Chad Darlington of St. Mark's and his Brandywine girl, Annie Hartnett.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE -- BLOOMIE CAN FLOAT :)
What do you know? In a blind first attempt of kayak racing, Ol' Bloomie survived 7.5 miles of paddling and even won his short-kayak race class in one hour, 10 minutes and nine seconds. I held off about five or six tough guys in my class -- outdistancing the runner-up by more than four minutes. Whew! My arms are tired. :)
Special Sauce Insider saw kayak aficianado Mr. McGroerty as race directory Saturday morning. One of his daughters assisted, but not Seaford CC senior, Caitlin.
FOURTH OF JULY RACE BRINGS THE HEAT
So after taking a brief respite (as the legs felt a little dead after some intense training, Ol' Bloomie hit the streets again in the Laurel Independence Day 5K on July 4. A not-so-shabby 21:44 in the heat got me a runner-up spot in my age group behind former Cape and Lake CC/track coach Chad Culver who ran in the low 20s.
A lot of Lower Sussex folks made the race, including former Henlopen CC champ Matt Enders of Seaford who won the race blazing in the 15s. Another former Seaford CCer Jamie Parks and brief Seaford/MHSCCer David Geyer were not too far from Bloomie. Enos Benbow of S.Central fame looked strong as well, and Seaford CC coach Rob Perciful knocked out the 5K and had plenty of breath left to promote The Survival of the Fittest race in August -- a neat blend of seven track events for seven miles on Aug. 23 in Seaford. Perciful and fellow Seaford coach Vince Morris (who timed on Saturday) look to make the race a doozy. :)
Special Sauce Insider saw Seaford CCers Mitch Fryling, Kyle Morgan and Andrew Perciful sweep the teen age bracket and Seaford senior Christina Garmendia also came out and looked solid for some summer mileage.
MUDDY SATURDAY TURNS TO BRIGHT SUNDAY
Hey MHSCCers, Ol' Bloom got to see the Smyrna CC course in Saturday's Summer Fest 5K, and believe me, it's not easy -- hence, my season-worst 22:59. The added difficulty of muddy hills and trails at least made the trail race fun, despite my time. Congrats to the wifey, Shelly for getting third in her age group and dropping some time. . . . MHSCCers -- better get ready -- we wrap up the season up there.
Training partner Joltin' Joe Beman poured it in the second half to place about a minute ahead of Bloomie, while Smyrna Coach K finished up there as well before he headed off to England for about a month. Former Smyrna and Wesley CCer Matt Lindell also ran well. Meanwhile, SS mate Bobby Spath competed in the Escape from Fort Delaware Tri (more results on him when he returns from his honeymoon in about a week :).
Special Sauce Insider saw Smyrna runners Joe Morman and Aron McKinney up front as well, but Morman got DQed along with Dover CCer Kevin Kemmerle for accidentally cutting the course. Race director Ray Parker gave them a reprieve and let them get in a qualifier for the series, though. Congrats to overall female champ, former St. Thomas More CCer Sheena McIntire who stayed just ahead of Bloom throughout the race.
Like a week ago, Bloomie bounced back strong in Sunday's Seashore Strider race -- this time the Citizen's Bank 5K. A 21:02 built some confidence, but I finished just shy of medaling. The regulars showed up, including Sussex Central alum Enos Benbow who nailed a stellar 17:45; plus, Lindell cruised through in the low 19s. Milford res John Yanacek knocked out 19s as did age group winner Breck Vandewende, a Woodbridge alum.
Still, Special Sauce Insider picked up the surprise of the day when Dr. Robert Smith, Milford superintendent brought his daughter, Sarah, for her first 5K competition. Without much training, she scored a flashy sub-30 performance. She definitely looks like a future star MHSCCer in a couple years.
HOT WEEKEND START ENDS WITH COOL FINISH
Well, the weekend didn't start so hot -- or, well, it did . . . about 100 degrees hot, according to the heat index at the bank as Ol' Bloom and others about melted in the scorching Strawberry Fever 5K on Saturday. A 22:11 says it all.
Congrats go out to Smyrna Coach K who still survived with a runner-up finish overall with a mid-19 and Bloom's wife, Shelly, who decided to relive her Special Sauce days and hit the 5K circuit. SS friends Bobby Spath and wife, Kourtney, Milford res John Yanacek and Lexington Miller Anne Beals also beat the heat.
Special Sauce Insider saw Lake's Alison Wilson helping, not running at the event while Dover's Kevin Kemmerle continues to cruise along with a top 5 finish. St. Thomas More runner Sheena McIntire gave Bloom a battle for the first half of the race and, of course, future star Meghan Northshield blazed a speedy trail. Lake's mid-school coach Baxter Smith has his seventh-grade son looking like a future star for the Seaford squad. Former Polytech runner and Milford resident Dianne Jones keeps racking up good finishes for the series, and also, it's now official, Runnin' Ray Parker will be the next Lake CC coach.
Sunday's Father's Day 5K made for a pleasant breath of fresh air as Bloomie got back under the 21 mark. A 6:08 mile and 13 flat 2-mile split had me well on my way. -- Gotta work on that last one. Still, a 20:57 made for my fastest Father's Day 5K by nearly a minute. Unfortunately, I had the stacked age group -- finishing 43rd out of 240 runners, but 6th in my bracket -- the top two and three of the top five ran in my age group.
Congrats to Lake alum Eric Payne (under 18 and No. 4 overall) and Woodbridge alum Breck Vanderwende (3rd in Bloom's age group). Also glad to see former MHSCC MVP Heather Rudd still going strong. A lot of SS friends, including CR alum and St.THM coach Nick Boggs (mid-18s), scored solid days, but no one could touch Kevin Dannahy and his sub-16 win. :0
Special Sauce Insider saw Seaford CC Coach Perciful and son, Andrew, keeping pace with the pack and upstart Seaford senior Mitch Fryling surge to the low 18s. Word has it that the soccer player's going to be running CC this fall. He looks tough.
Next races: Summer Fest 5K Saturday, June 21, 8 a.m. at the Smyrna CC course (Coach Powell Memorial) in Clayton and Citizen's Bank 5K Sunday, June 22, 8 a.m. at the Grove Park in Rehoboth.
WET DAY FOR SPRING INTO MOTION
A rainy day actually made for good running at the Spring into Motion 5K at the Greenwood Mennonite School Festival Saturday. Ol' Bloom cruised through in 21:10 good enough for second in my 20-29 age group between Coach Kennedy from Smyrna and Brad Dennehy from Milford. Congrats go out to race champ Eric Payne (Lake grad '87) who ran a 18:06 and running friends John Yanacek, Anne Beals and Gwen Guerke for picking up awards.
Special Sauce Insider saw Bloom's old middle school coach Baxter Smith racing. He says Lake's got a bunch of middle school gals coming up in a year or two. Let's hope they play field hockey. :) . . . Joltin' Joe Morman, Smyrna CCer stayed about a minute in front Bloom the entire time.
Next race: Something next Saturday, maybe a 5K, maybe a tri.
RACE FOR THE CURE MAKES FOR A FUN RUN
Well, a few days after getting up 5 a.m. in the morning, driving to Jersey and getting lost only to arrive 15 minutes too late to the Cape May biathlon, Ol' Bloom got back to the race schedule, knocking out a rather dull 21:20 at the Race for the Cure 5K on a scenic, hilly course in Middletown Thursday night.
I've begun to build a nice little rivalry with Milford resident (and fellow 29-year-old) Brad Dennehy, the New Zealand wonder. We ran stride-for-stride much of the way, and fortunately, Bloomie survived with a late surge. We've been neck-and-neck over the last three or four races. I'm looking forward to a fun season with a excellent competition from Brad. :) Too bad we're both losing ground on Coach Kennedy from Smyrna who scorched a 19:26.
Special Sauce Insider saw the Nimmerichter family from Middletown (Samantha and younger bro and lil' sis) compete with solid times and medal-winning finishes. CR's Ashley Johnson won her age group and Smyrna guys Joe Morman (under 21) and Aaron McKinney (under 22) placed in their high school age group. Wesley/Middletown runner Mike Schroeder helped stack the Bloomie group.
Next race: Spring into Motion 5K at Greenwood Mennonite School Saturday, June 7.
SSIV: SAUCERS CASH IN DURING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
After seasons of running just for fun, Ol' Bloom has decided to step it up a notch and run . . . for money. That's right... I'm going pro... If you want me to run at your race -- gotta pay out the appearance fees. . . . Yeah, right. :)
At any rate, the Memorial Day weekend proved quite prosperous as Bloom and Mighty Matt Lindell (Smyrna CC, Wesley CC alum turned CR assistant coach) teamed together for the first time to win the male relay division at the Kent Foot&Ankle Family Frolic Biathlon in Smyrna Saturday. The duo ran a solid 1:25:03 -- just seconds behind the overall winner -- yet good enough for a $50 cash prize. :)
Lindell got a good start (sub-19s) placing fourth in the opening 5K, just a few ticks behind the leader, while Bloomie blazed around the 16.4-mile bike loop in about 46 minutes (21+ MPH average). Lindell secured the cash with a solid sub-20 finale.
With burnt-toasted hammies from Saturday's surge, Bloomie still put forth a 21:18 (fastest Danielle 5K time ever) to survive Sunday's Strider Series race. Bloomie got to see numerous running friends keeping pace in the crowd of 225+ runners. Woodbridge CC alum Blazin' Breck Vanderwende made his first race of '03 and won the Bloomie age bracket, while CR alum Nike Nick Boggs placed in his. Of course, the Barr family -- Stuart and Emma running and Clare doing the walk -- showed their support as did MHSCC MVP alum Heather Rudd. Way to go!!!
Congrats go out to John Yanacek who dropped his PR (19:25) once again and Tell Gwen Guerke who continues to be consistent. Seaford CC coach Rob Perciful finished the race, bad toe and all, and Lake CC alum Eric Payne surged to a Top 5 finish.
Special Sauce Insider saw Cape CCer PJ Melendez zip by Ol' Bloom at the finish line. P.J.'s sis, Tiffany, scored the Danielle scholarship prize and cruised through the race after acting as the official starter. Lots of Cape CC alum showed up: Popovich, Morris, and others.
Next race: Cape May Biathlon June 1 in Cape May, N.J.
SSIV: FIT AS FIDDLE 5K
It's always nice to have a breather from the top competition as a few of Ol' Bloom's bracket leaders skipped this weekend's chilly Fit as a Fiddle 5K in Milford. I still had to rally for a strong finish to roll to an age group win - my first of 2003. :) Hey, Tim Foster, that's the closest I'll ever come to catching you (the MHS alum outsprinted/jogged me at the end).
My 20:51 didn't really hold water to MMS Triathlete and marathoner Bobby Spath who took a runner-up with low 19s. Congrats also go to John Yanacek who gets another best (19:40) and Gwen Guerke under 30 (time not age :). Fellow Lexington Miller Anne Beals broke the 25 barrier and Kathy Kunkle -- momma of MHSCCer alum Andy -- ran under 29.
Special Sauce Insider saw the Creaseys (mom and pop only) cruise in with nice times. Poppa Creasey said the MHSCC team might just see his daughter running next fall as she makes her way to high school.
Have fun!!! Run!!!
Next race: Family Frolic Biathlon May 24 in Leipsic.
SS IV OPENS WELL WITH ARC 5K AND MASSER 5-MILER
So Ol' Bloom made sure he got a race in with Ray Parker's Trisports Events Series (since I need a whopping 10 to complete it) and got a nice early-season boost with a 20:51 in the ARC 5K. With upstart Smyrna CC coach Michael Kennedy talking noise, I guess I better get extra motivated to kick some butt. I've got a minute to make up on him as he ran a solid 19:58. Nice run, but Ol' Bloom's we'll see ya at the end! :)
Glad to see Lake CC alum Steve Scarborough out there getting back to shape. He'll definitely make my age group stronger and leave me in the dust, already in the low 19s. :) Plus, CR alum (and former star pitcher) Jared Tootell has become a stunning runner and looks to add to the Bloom bracket at age 25 as he won the race with a 17:09. Ex-Lake science teacher John Yanacek continues to improve, running a career-best 19:49. Thumbs up! And congrats to Tell Gwen Guerke who came out smiling and running!
Special Sauce Insider saw CR's super freshman Ashley Johnson hit the 23s and Coach Kennedy brought out an upstart CC runner, Shaun Tetzner, who ran a flashy 19:25.
At the Masser 5-miler, Ol' Bloom tried to dodge the summer heat that usually accompanies the second series 5-miler in August, but the heat and humidity still showed up Sunday morning at Cape. After a 6:20 opening mile, Bloomie wilted in a hurry to finish with a mediocre 36:27 -- about 10 minutes behind the race winner. I did see Central CC alum Enos Benbow for much of the race as he tries to recover from a stress fracture during his college CC season. He said he was taking a month break to freshen up before hitting the series full speed. Again, Scarborough and Yanacek had nice days and at least Uncle Vern came down to spectate. :)
Special Sauce Insider saw Cape CCer Evan Mock kick it in over the last two miles to finish ahead of Bloomie while another Cape CCer PJ Melendez appeared a bit tired but knocked out the race. Mock Daddy spent the spring golfin' instead doing circles on the track. :)
Next race: Family Frolic Biathlon in Leipsic May 24.
SPECIAL SAUCE III: BLOOM RUNS ON (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT)
Here it is! No excuses!
It's time to get out there, run and have some fun.
For those oblivious to the Special Sauce, here's a little intro: Three summers ago, Ol' Bloomie dusted off the racing flats and shook the flab a bit, resurrecting his once glorious running career (No need for applause. I earned one big-race medal during my time -- a 14th-place All-Kent County finish in 1990 -- my final season at Lake Forest High.) At any rate, I survived my first summer in nearly a decade and found I still had that racing flame (it smoulders often, but hey, it's eternal :). Now it's 2002, and I've returned for yet another installment, SPECIAL SAUCE III.
Once again Bloomie takes on the sizzling hot summer road races in quest of a season-best time and just maybe (after posting a 20:24 at the end of last season) I can get back to that high school form (a 19:45 at KPSP and 19:15 at CR in 1990).
For those who remain lost on this Special Sauce business, take a look below to find out more, including results from the previous two seasons.
And remember . . .
If you want to make Special Sauce, I guess I'll have to see you out there running! :)
Have fun! Run!
CZARMAN
Feb. 9 - Cupid Chase 5K 22:00(15th overall, 5th in age group)
May 26 - Race for Danielle 5K 22:10(57th overall, 1st in age group)
June 16 - Father's Day 5K 21:52(63rd overall, 3rd in age group)
June 22 - Duck Dash 5K 22:05(7th overall, 1st in age group)
June 30 - Bill Degnan 5K 22:00(59th overall, 2nd in age group)
July 4 - Laurel Independence Day 5K 23:00(21st overall, 2nd in age group)
July 6 - Firecracker 5K 21:58(68th overall, 3rd in age group)
July 7 - Rehoboth Biathlon37:18(42nd overall out of 151 finishers)
July 20 - Buffalo Stampede 5K 21:55(37th overall, 3rd in age group)
Aug. 4 - YMCA 5-miler 39:13 (63rd overall, 2nd in age group)
Aug. 6 - Dam Mill 5K 21:24 (47th overall, 2nd in age group)
FALL RACES
Oct. 12 - Apple Scrapple Hog Jog 5K 21:38 (13th overall, 4th in age group)
Oct. 19 - Friends of Killens Pond 5K 21:26 (11th overall, 4th in age group)
Nov. 16 - Parks and Recreation Run for Fitness 5K 21:26 (12th overall, 3rd in age group)
UNCLE VERN
Feb. 9 - Cupid Chase 5K 20:03(8th overall, 1st in age group)
other races - TBA
June 16 - Father's Day 5K 19:04(23rd overall, 4th in age group)
June 22 - Duck Dash 5K 19:27(2nd overall, 1st in master's group)
June 30 - Bill Degnan 5K 19:05(19th overall, 3rd in age group)
July 4 - Laurel Independence Day 5K 20:00+(DQ for running off course)
July 6 - Firecracker 5K ?(26th overall, 6th in age group)
July 20 - Buffalo Stampede 10K 41:39(24th overall, 4th in age group)
SPECIAL SAUCE 2001
Nearly a decade removed from competitive running, Ol' Bloom came out of retirement last season and put together a very satisfying comeback. In all, I completed 13 5Ks, a grueling 5-miler (that's still my longest competitive run), and also teamed with my Uncle Vern to win the Barnyard Biathlon.
Overall, I finished fourth in my age group (I'm 26 and will be 27 by the end of spring track for those wondering) in the Seashore Striders Series and scored a season-best time of 21:20 by the end of the summer in the Labor Day Classic. Though I couldn't hang with some of those wily cross country coaches like Ray Rodriguez of St. Thomas More, I held my own and sparked my goals for 2001.
So here it is: the new season is upon us, and I'm officially started after completing the Cupid Chase 5K on Feb. 10. I've expanded Special Sauce this season to include my wife Shelly (who finished her first-ever 5K on Feb. 10), my Uncle Vernon Redding (who will move up to the masters over-40 group this year after placing third in his Strider age group in '00), my cousin Lauren Redding (who also finished her first 5K Feb. 10), and my good running friend Dan Pennington (2000 Most Improved Runner in the Strider Series).
Remember: if you want to make Special Sauce, I guess I'll have to see you out there running! :) Click on the above picture to see last year's Special Sauce reports! :)
Check out the race results below:
SHELLY
Feb. 10 - Cupid Chase 5K 32:49(3rd in couples category)
Feb. 24 - Icicle 5K 30:30 (1st in age group, 35th overall)
April 8 - Clean Air 5K 26:59 (3rd in age group, 32nd overall)
April 21 - ARC 5K 28:43 (2nd in age group)
RECOVERING FROM A STRESS FRACTURE
Aug. 11 - Duck Creek 5K 29:03 (1st in age group, overall)
FALL SEASON
Sept. 22 - Stockley Stride 28:57 (1st in age group, 49th overall)
Oct. 13 - Hog Jog 5K 30:29 (45th overall, 2nd in age group)
Oct. 20 - Friends of Killens Pond 5K 28:33 (35th overall, 2nd in age group)
Nov. 24 - Reindeer Stampede 30:53 (85th overall)
CZARMAN
Feb. 10 - Cupid Chase 5K 22:18(3rd in couples category)
Feb. 24 - Icicle 5K 21:18 (1st in age group, 7th overall)
April 8 - Clean Air 5K 21:55 (3rd in age group, 13th overall)
May 27 - Run for Danielle 5K 22:57 (5th in age group, 79th overall)
June 30 - Firecracker 5K 23:40 (5th in age group, 70th overall)
July 1 - Rehoboth Biathlon 45:00 (100th overall)
July 4 - Laurel Independence Day 5K 22:48 (1st in age group, 28th overall)
July 7 - Freedom 5K 22:05 (6th in age group, 24th overall)
July 15 - Father's Day 5K 21:58 (3rd in age group, 54th overall)
July 21 - Buffalo Stampede 5K 21:04 (4th in age group, 36th overall)
July 29 - Men's Seashore Strider 5K 21:41 (4th in age group, 45th overall)
Aug. 5 - YMCA 5-miler 35:39 (3rd in age group, 40th overall)
Aug. 11 - Dam Mill 5K 20:40 (3rd in age group, 27th overall)
Aug. 11 - Duck Creek 5K sub-22 (arrived with 25+ on the race clock :)
Aug. 19 - Run for J.J. 5K 21:27 (3rd in age group, 48th overall)
Sept. 1 - Labor Day Classic 5K 20:24 (2nd in age group, overall)
Sept. 3 - Prediction 5K 22:07 (30th overall)
FALL SEASON
Sept. 22 - Stockley Stride 20:57 (11th overall, 1st in age group)
Oct. 13 - Hog Jog 5K 21:11 (10th overall, 3rd in age group)
Oct. 20 - Friends of Killens Pond 5K 21:17 (10th overall, 1st in age group)
Nov. 17 - Kent County Parks & Rec 5K 21:08 (16th overall, 5th in age group)
UNCLE VERN
Feb. 10 - Cupid Chase 5K 20:00(3rd in age group)
Feb. 24 - Icicle 5K 19:13 (1st in age group, 2nd overall)
April 8 - Clean Air 5K 18:58 (1st age group, 4th overall)
April 21 - ARC 5K 19:33 (1st in age group, 2nd overall)
May 27 - Run for Danielle 5K 19:37 (2nd in age group, 21st overall)
June 10 - Dover Downs 5K 19:36 (3rd in age group, 9th overall)
July 4 - Laurel Independence Day 5K 19:44 (1st in age group, 9th overall)
July 7 - Freedom 5K 18:55 (1st in age group, 6th overall)
July 15 - Father's Day 5K 19:04 (1st in age group, 10th overall)
July 21 - Buffalo Stampede 5K 19:10 (2nd in age group, 21st overall)
July 29 - Men's Seashore Strider 5K 18:40 (1st in age group, 13th overall)
Aug. 5 - YMCA 5-miler 31:04 (Masters Champion, 9th overall)
Aug. 11 - Dam Mill 5K 18:35 (2nd in age group, 9th overall)
sept. 1 - Labor Day Classic 5K 18:44 (1st in age group, 9th overall)
Sept. 3 - Prediction 5K 21:10 (18th overall)
FALL SEASON
Oct. 20 - Friends of Killens Pond 5K 20:09 (6th overall, 2nd in age group)
Nov. 17 - Kent County Parks & Rec 5K 19:47 (8th overall, 1st in age group)
Nov. 24 - Reindeer Stampede 20:02 (13th overall, 1st in age group)
SUMMER SERIES WRAPS UP FOR SPECIAL SAUCERS
The 2001 Summer Strider Racing Series officially ended Monday with the relaxing Prediction 5K at Grove Park. Bloomie knew by the mile marker that he wasn't coming anywhere near his 19:59 prediction (3 hours of basketball Sunday killed the legs), so I decided to kick back and cruise in with a 22:07. Overall, I was plenty happy with the season, placing among the top most improved runners by shaving over 5 minutes from last summer's series.
For those who want specifics, I took second in my age group (up from 4th last season although former Woodbridge rival Breck Vanderwende was the only other 25-29 qualifier) and I tallied a 2:21.52.9 in five 5ks and a five miler. I'll still be aiming for that sub-20 mark this fall after running a summer best of 20:24.
Uncle Vern won his 40-45 age group by nearly three minutes, scoring a 2:05.52. Dan, Dan the Running Man Pennington didn't qualify for the series, but did improve by the end of the season.
All in all, congrats to all those folks out there this season who gave it their best (i.e. Matt Lindell who took third overall in the series). We'll see you this fall and hopefully next summer.
Have fun! Run!
2000 Special Sauce
Well, the summer racing schedule is over, and Ol' Bloom wound up with a surprising summer best time of 21:20 on Labor Day. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite good enough for a third place trophy as fellow competitor Bryan Bowles held off Bloom at the finish. Great race, I gave it all I could.
Still, the solid finish helped me secure fourth place in the series, right behind Bowles. Congrats to all the fellow competitors of the summer. All in all, I'm very excited to get back into running shape 10 years removed from my final high school cross country season.
On Monday's Last Blast Prediction 5K, I couldn't help but put a personal best 20:59 down for my prediction. Of course, I settled in and ran a relaxed race in 22:28. Congrats go out to I.G. Burton's Gifford King who was two tenths within his prediction to place first. Fellow running friends Eric Payne and Matt Lindell each came within a second of their prediction.
To place within the top 20, you had to be within nine seconds of your prediction. That's with no watches, clocks, or mile markers. Wow!
Here's my summer race paces:
June 17-Father's Day 5K 23:43 (3rd in age group, 56th overall)
June 24-Bill Degnan 5K 23:24 (3rd in age group, 72nd overall)
July 1-Firecracker 5K 22:42 (8th in age group, 73rd overall)
July 4-Bulldog 5K 22:51 (2nd in age group, 36th overall)
July 9-Mellon Bank 5K 22:19 (3rd in age group, 50th overall)
July 15-Buffalo Stampede 5K 21:52 (3rd in age group, 33rd overall)
July 30-Seashore Strider 5K 21:43(3rd in age group, 56th overall)
Aug. 2-Flychaser 5k 22:50(yuck!!)(33rd overall)
Aug. 6-YMCA 5-miler 37:10(3rd in age group, 65th overall)
Aug. 12-Damn Mill 5K 21:38(5th in age group, 54th overall)
Aug. 20-Run for JJ 5K 23:01 (ugh!) (7th in age group, 87th overall)
Sept. 2-Labor Day Classic 5K21:20 (4th in age group, 44th overall)
Sept. 4-Last Blast Prediction 5K 22:28 (24th overall)
Special Sauce will likely return next summer, although I will continue to update folks in local races on the home page. My next race competition will be at the Barnyard Biathlon Sept. 30 when I bike and my uncle runs.
Have fun!
SPECIAL SAUCE: FALL '00 EDITION
Killens Pond Water Park 5K
Running (competitively or training) for the first time since Labor Day, Ol' Bloom took to the trails of Killens Pond and returned to solid form with a 21:32 - his second best time in 2000. That was good enough for No. 2 in the 19-29 age group and Lucky No. 13 overall. Unfortunately, that super cruiser from St. Thomas More, Coach Ray Rodriguez, took first with a 19:56 as he paced Raven Runner Luke Seemster to his best time, 19:57.
MHSCC runner Keith Short (9th overall) followed behind Seemster with a strong 20:09, considering he ran at White Clay in the UD Invitational the day before, and senior MHSCC veteran Danny Ward continued to impress, finishing just ahead of Bloom with a 20:57 - a personal best by nearly 3 minutes at KPSP.
Topping all MHSCC runners, though, freshman star Kourtney Short won her age group with a sizzling 25:05.
Congrats to all! Have fun! Run!
Barnyard Biathlon
Ahhhh, finally! After nearly two decades of some sort of racing, Coach Bloom finally got to celebrate a victory. In his first bike race ever, Bloom and his uncle, Vernon Redding, teamed together for an overall win by nearly four minutes in the Barnyard Biathlon Sept. 30 in Milford.
After leading the 12-mile bike course for the first mile, Bloom saw Seashore Strider pop, Mike Morris, fly by en route to a first-place finish on the bike in about 31 minutes. Bloom held on for a second-place finish (and a flip over the bike rack) in about 34 minutes. From there, Uncle Vern did the rest, cruising through the 5K in about 18 minutes to clinch the overall win.
Later in the day, those attending the Land and Sea Festival got to see Bloom (and his uncle) battle in a barbaric canoe joust on the Missipillion. Though Bloom got battered and bruised (and wet) in three rounds of jousting, his veteran opponents donated their trophy for the tough challenge they received. By the way, the water was chilly, but refreshing, and if anyone happens to see Bloom's wedding ring floating at the bottom of the river, please tell me.
Congrats also go out to MHSCC runners Keith Short and Joey Palumbo who won the under 40 team division in the Biathlon. Another MHSCC runner, Kelly Graybeal, teamed with Debbie Whalen (Morgan's mom) to place second in their division.
A big thank you goes out to the Mallamo and Pastor clan, as well as Carole Carpenter, Amanda Schatz, Amanda Meade, Kourtney Short, Scott Hall, Danny Ward, Caleb Penney and Chris Battaglia who all helped on the course.
Here's a look at all the winners:
Over 80 team: Joyce Felton-Pat Timmons, 56:11; 60-79 team: Vernon Redding-Czar Bloom, 52:38, 2. Mike Tyler-Brittany Morris, 59:28; 40-59 team: Mike Morris-Brett Morris, 60:32; 2. Debbie Whalen-Kelly Graybeal, 68:55; Under 40 team: Keith Short-Joey Palumbo, 74:14; Over 40 solo: Male: Ray Parker, 64:06; 2. Doug Annand, 68:18; 3. Ernest Chizmar, 70:53; Female: Brenda Sharp, 66:41; 2. Nancy Hall, 74:25; 3. Roxann Parker, 77:57; 30-39 solo: Male: Michael Firch, 62:06; 20-29 solo: Male: Daniel Pennington, 57:03; 2. Christopher Hurd, 67:27.
Hope to see everyone at the Reindeer Stampede 5K on Nov. 25 at MHS. Have fun!
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