2016 Ironrunner Award Recipients

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  Runners on Parade - Competition and a fast track.. It's a PR race!! Close second would be New Haven.. Same thing, just in the 10k version!! Both gave me milestone PRs for me in 2016!!

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  Two of them.. and it was more from my scheduling. JP Jones, cause I ran the Sunburst Marathon the day before. Parlor City, cause I ran the Half (getting a new PR) and then another Half that night in Indy!

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I ran 80 races in 2016! Only had 3 weeks that I had no races.. Loved them all! But if just one.. Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa.. 15k and 5k on Saturday, then Half Marathon and 8k on Sunday!!

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I have several.. Coming into FW from a hour away, its easy to feel as an outsider. I have many people here that have helped to make me feel welcome. Clark Reed, has been an awesome friend to me.. Not only a friend, but he has helped make me a better runner by offering me help.. Keep in mind I am the guy chasing him in the points competition. A perfect example of why I like running, runners, and running in FW!!

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  The people.. The competition.. The races.. The views.. When I started back running I thought I was too old to go fast. Then I got into shape (dropping 50 lbs), and became committed to running. Now 4 years later.. I am on a Run Streak of over 3 years.. Love pushing myself to see what is possible (things almost everybody tells me is crazy). Clark once told me.. You want it, train for it! With age 50 coming up next year, I am doing things the I would never do in my 20's... That is just a bit of what I like most about distance running!!

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  Gingerbread Run - It was the final race in the Series!

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  Nutri-Run - Weather, wind, snow, sleet!

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  Yes. Fort4Fitness and Rev3 70.3 at Cedar Point

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  Don't currently have a favorite person or group. Looking for new running partners!

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  Reflection, camaraderie

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  Runner's on Parade. I just love the energy, the spectators and the course. It's great to see so many people come out and enjoy running.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The Nutri-Run. The weather did a number on me emotionally. It really had to dig deep to get through that one.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  The Fort 4 Fit Half Marathon and the AJ Arnett Honor Run. I always enjoy the Fort 4 Fit.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  The constant training keeps me honest and doesn't allow me time to get lazy

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  Vineyard is a great cross country course with lots of hills. River City has a great, scenic course and is very well organized.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  JP Jones - I don't do heat well and I'd just found out I had a hernia and wasn't sure how hard I could run.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  16 races is enough thank you. I volunteered at Beat Beethoven which was a fun race. I'll run it next year.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I'm a regular for the Wednesday night running group at 3 Rivers Running. There's always someone to run with no matter how far or how fast (slow) you want to go.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I love long runs, they relax me.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  I had 2 races that I enjoyed the most this year. The first was the Gingerbread Pursuit. I finally was able to put together some training prior to this race, after being injured off and on for the last 2 years. This was the best race I had run all year. I plan to use it as a springboard into a great 2017. My second favorite race was Runners on Parade. It's always one of my favorite races to run.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  I struggled with both of the longer races but the one that stuck out the most was Parlor City Trot. I had gone about 4 weeks without running due to an injury. I was in no shape to really run this race but my wife, Lesley, was determined to complete all the points’ races this year. It was one of her goals for the year. I had completed them all with her up to that point and wanted to make sure that continued. I knew that I would struggle to get through the race and it happened to be my worst half marathon time. It was still worth it to compete in every race with her.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I only ran 2 non points races this year and I would say my favorite was the Galloping Gobbler 4 miler. It's always great to see everyone that is back in town for this race. It's a tough course but fun.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  There is a group of guys that I've trained with or run with for many years since graduating college. I enjoy running with them as we all run at a similar pace. We've all become close even outside of running and enjoy hanging out with each other as our schedules allow.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I've been into distance running for over 21 years now, starting when I was in high school to college to post college. Distance running has brought me all of my close friends in college and post-college. That is what I enjoy most about distance running, the ability to meet new people and make new friends. It's easy to make new friends when everyone has similar goals for running.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  Two EE's Trail Run because it's a trail run versus being out on the roads. I like the uphills on the course, I always have a mantra "Hills are my friends, hills are my friends." It was the first event where I could use trail shoes. I kept getting caught in the middle but was able to find someone around my speed and was able to work the hills. When you're on the course you're able to see who is behind who is ahead of you. I also enjoyed the after party.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The Nutri Run is always the hardest because it's the longest and the most challenging conditions. This year we had snow squalls coming out of the west for most of it. I had fun catching a guy on 800 South.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  Fort 4 Fitness Half Marathon 13.1.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I usually run by myself. I'll run at the Y in the winter and do mile repeats or 2x2m runs. two years ago I ran with Fleet Feet group. I used to run with Brad Prather's group.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  Opportunity to open your mind up and let your mind wander. Every once in awhile I'll check my watch just to see where I'm at on the course.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  The Nutri-Run 20K was my favorite race of the year. The conditions were awful, but I really enjoyed it. The conditions kept my focus on the run rather than the watch. It ended up being my best race of the year.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The most difficult race for me was the Parlor City Trot Half Marathon. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful and scenic course. I really enjoyed it and would run it again. Unfortunately, I injured my foot during the race and had to walk the last half.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I ran the Indy Mini, Crooked Lake Freedom 5, Fort4Fitness Marathon and the Galloping Gobbler. My favorite was the Crooked Lake Freedom 5. It is very scenic as you have the lake on your left the whole way. It is also neat to see all of the beautiful lake homes.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I enjoy running with the guys (Chris, Eric and Mark) and my family. I especially enjoy watching my kids accomplish their distance goals and the hard work that goes into it. I really enjoy running along side my son Sam and getting to be with him as he gets faster through hard work.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I enjoy being outdoors in all types of weather. I enjoy the peace of a good long run. I enjoy the challenge and the journey of each running goal.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  I enjoyed runners on Parade the most. I like the encouragement of all the spectators.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The Nutrirun was the hardest race. The weather conditions were really tough.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I also ran the German fest 5k, Run for Riley, Fort 4 Fitness half marathon and fantasy of lights and the Galloping Gobbler. I enjoyed the fantasy of lights run. Seeing the light displays at your own pace instead of driving through was fun.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I enjoy running with friends Mary Koher and Benita Browning.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I enjoy the challenge of the miles and the accomplishment when I meet a goal.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  Its hard to pick just one but this year I enjoyed the Parlor City Trot Half the most. I liked the distance as well as the course and the weather was beautiful!

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The points race that was the hardest for me was the Nutri-Run 20K due to the fact the weather was awful! It was so cold and windy with snow.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  Yes! I ran several non-points races. My favorite was running the Fort4Fitness Full Marathon. It was my first marathon and a wonderful experience. Also another favorite I ran was the annual RUN FOR RILEY 5 mile! My son is a Riley Kid and I love supporting and raising funds for Riley! Seeing the community come together to run, raise money and give hope is amazing!

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I love running with the Fort Wayne Running Club. I have met so many runners and made so many new running friends this year! My favorite person to run with would be my awesome running buddy and friend Emily Pfeiffer! We encouraged each other through all the points races. I also love running with Marcia Schaefer and Shellie Love. I was so blessed to cross the Fort4Fitness finish line with both of them! I had an opportunity to run with Pace Team Joe Beier, Stacey Hartman, and Kimberly Truesdell, who are all so fun and wonderful! Also Gail Gerber, who is always encouraging and has a smile on her face!

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I enjoy the time to myself and the feeling of accomplishment after a long run. It gives me a chance to clear my mind and eliminate stress!

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  This is a toss-up between the Parlor City Trot Half and the Runners on Parade 5k. The 5k was a big PR for me, but I think the scenery during the Trot in the Ouabache State Park really made it more enjoyable. It was a perfect day for running and I went much faster than anticipated even though I felt like I was coasting.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  I'd have to say the Frontier 10k was the most difficult race for me this year. My struggles came from lack of longer training runs leading up to the race, coupled with the heat that evening. I also had my son with me, and I hadn't done any sort of training with a stroller, so I ended up taking a couple walk breaks in the last mile.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  The only non-points race that I RAN was the Fort4Fitness half-marathon, and I'd have to say that hitting a PR in that race was definitely one of the more memorable events of 2016

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I train solo 99% of the time, so I never really get to run with anyone else. I've only run with coworkers a couple times during lunch break, so I can't nail down a specific person/group

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I enjoy the freedom of the run and the relaxing feeling that I get being outside. It really gives me a chance to unwind

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  The Nutri Run 20k because the weather was crazy with the wind and snow.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The hardest points race for me was the River City Rat Race because I did a moderately long run the day before and at the end of the race had to compete with a good friend of mine. I had to dig deep to run his pace.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I ran the Fort 4 Fitness Marathon and The Huff 50k that were both non-points races. My favorite was probably the Fort 4 Fitness Marathon because it was my first time running that distance on road.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I run with a group at Chain O Lakes. I also run pretty regular with Jake Fitzmaurice. Our pace is pretty much the same and we compete against each other on race day.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I like distance running because mental strength is built along with physical strength. Sometimes you have to convince yourself mentally to keep going when your body wants to stop.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  The 5-Kilt Run is always one of my favorites. I like the course through downtown, and the activities and company after are what set it apart from a lot of other races. The FWFD and the community make this an especially fun event.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The Parlor City Trot half marathon was my most challenging race. Sometimes, you just have those days that your body isn't working right - and Parlor City was definitely one of those days for me. However, I had never run the Parlor City Trot before, and I thought it was a beautiful course. I'm looking forward to running it again next year...and crushing my 2016 time!

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  It's always a toss up for me between the Indy Mini and the Fort for Fitness half marathon. Indy has such a fun, celebratory feel, and the city really gets involved. But Fort Wayne should be proud of Fort for Fitness. I love being a part of this important and impressive community event.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  Angel Skinner has been a great race buddy. She is also a 2016 Ironrunner, and we encouraged each other all year. It was always great knowing that there would be someone at the finish line celebrating another race accomplished.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  Distance running is time just for me. Sometimes, I use the time to think...and sometimes I don't think about anything at all. It's not always easy, but it shouldn't be. It gives me a chance to push myself and provides me with a sense of accomplishment. Running has allowed me to meet so many great people, see so much beauty in my city and the surrounding area, and really feel like a part of my community.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  I would have to say the New Haven 10K, It was one of the best runs I had, Plus I enjoyed running with my new found running buddies, that keep me going.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The Frontier 10K, I had just had a bad mountain bike wreck the week before. I struggled to complete the race my body was screaming at me thanks to a great guy that ran beside me, even thou he wasn't dressed to run and kept me focused. Plus he was my biggest cheerleader not my best time but I did it.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  The Indy mini, Girls on the run and Two EE wine race. Plus the night moves races with Team Neighborlink , Always lots of fun and great friends to share time with..

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  Myself as always I enjoy the peace of running and clearing my head. Long Blonde talks with myself keeps me going. This next year I hope to have a more steady running buddy who will help complete my first Marathon.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  The fact that I can say I did it, being a late start in life to running, I feel like I have so much more to complete and mark off the running to do list.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  The Parlor City Trot Half Marathon was my favorite race of the year. The scenery was beautiful and the weather was perfect. I was able to keep a good pace during the entire run and finished over ten minutes sooner than the goal that I set for myself.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The race that was the hardest for me was the JP Jones 10k. It was really hot that day and I had not had many opportunities to train in the weeks leading up to the race.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I did not have the opportunity to run in any races that were not part of the point series.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  My favorite people to run with are my sister and my daughter.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  Running is a great stress reliever for me and I love the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a race.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  One of my favorite races was the Turkey Trot 5K. I love running through the trails with the winding paths and up and down the hills and the beautiful scenery.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The Nutri-Run 20K was the toughest because of the incredibly awful weather. In the time I was on the course, I went through rain, sleet, snow, and very strong winds. It was hard but I am glad I did it.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I did the Fantasy of Lights run and thought it was pretty cool to go through all the exhibits. And at my pace, I could get a really good look at them.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I have so many favorites it would be hard to name them all. Running with Lisa Ramirez and Linda Alberding is always a pleasure. Trying to catch up to Bev Murphy, Tina Grady, and Roxanne Kingsbury is a goal of mine. So far I'm not even close.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  Living through it! (lol) I enjoy being outside and pushing myself to go as far and as long as I possibly can.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  Runners On Parade - There's a level of excitement that is not present for me in the other races. I think it's the number of runners and the crowd that lines the streets. I was able to tie my PR for a 5K which made it a memorable event.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  Nutri Run (again) - I don't know what the deal is with this race but there's nothing like running straight into a blizzard to create a challenge like no other. It felt like it was me against the elements and losing was not an option. I felt a tremendous amount pride in myself and all the runners that crossed the line that day.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  Many, no doubt my first marathon at Fort 4 Fit will never be forgotten. I never intended to compete in that distance but timing can be everything. I could not pass it up. The race was a thrill but the hours of training and the people that helped me were incredibly important. New friendships were forged and old ones strengthened. So much advise was given to me and I listened to it all. Stories and tips that I took with me every step of the way.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  Me but I've also learned that it can be much more enjoyable to include others. There are many bad ass runners/friends and I appreciate running with any and all of them.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I'm not quite sure. I often wonder about this while trying to hit on one specific thing but in the end there isn't just one. A short list would look something like this: The challenge - the people/relationships - the races - setting and accomplishing goals - health and fitness - the excitement - helping others - stress relief - new shoes!

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  I really enjoyed the Parlor City Half in Bluffton. The weather and course were perfect, and my run just felt great that morning.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  Probably the JP Jones 10k, just due to schedules and other races, I just didn't feel like I was on my game that day.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  This year I ran three marathons : Cincinnati Flying Pig, Fort for Fitness, and Indy Monumental. I also ran the Heritage Park 5k for Alzheimers and most of the Neighborlink 5k night runs. My most enjoyable was the Indy Monumental.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  In the winter its the usual crowd at the indoor track at the Jorgensen YMCA. In the summer, I usually run alone do to my schedule.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I really enjoy the great feeling of being in great cardio shape. I feel I have more energy through the week, which helps me get more things completed. Secondly, I really enjoy the sights, scenery, sense of accomplishment working towards goals.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  I really enjoyed Runners on Parade and the 5Kilt run. I like running downtown with a lot of other people on a fast course!! Runners on Parade is always fun because you have a cheering section in the spectators the whole way!!

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The hardest points race for me to complete was the Nutri Run 20k. I had an issue with my knee when I attempted this race and had to speedwalk 10 of the 12 miles in the freezing cold and blowing snow... I later learned that I had a stress fracture. I finished not with the time I wanted but at least I finished!!!

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I've completed a lot of non points races this year!!! I did Cupids Chocolate Chase, FWSW 10k, Beat Beethoven 4 miler, 3RRC 15k, Fort4Fitness half marathon, Run for Riley 5 miler, Veterans Day 5k, and the Huff One Loop Fun Run. I think my favorite was Beat Beethoven!! I was looking forward to this race because it was different and fun!! I didn't beat Beethoven though...( he's really fast for a music composing old guy!)... The Huff one loop proved to be one of my most challenging races due to some inclement weather (snow and ice)....

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  Last year I completed some of the speed work sessions that 3rrc offers and they helped motivate me to get faster. My schedule wouldn't let me do the same this year. I love races and the racing atmosphere, where I met quite a few friends and inspiring individuals!! My friend Debbie is a great motivator, my other friend Debby keeps me accountable, and Betty and Cyndi are my inspirations!

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  This year I finally completed my first half marathon, overcoming my fears and doubts that I've held about long distances since I've started running (6 years ago). I thought, "no way I can do THAT!" But through the inspiration that this club has provided me, I DID do it!! ( even with a respectable time- for me, anyway)... And then I completed Fort4Fitness half marathon, three weeks later!! Running has proved to me that my body is so much more capable than I ever thought!! This year has been a breakthrough for me and I have this club to thank for it!!

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  My favorite Points Race was the Palor City Half Marathon. The course was very enjoyable, and it was not like any other course I had ever ran. There were also a lot of people throughout the course encouraging the runners. The Palor City Half Marathon was also the race that I set a new PR at for my half marathon time.

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The Vineyard Trail 5K was definitely the hardest race for me this year. Shortly after completing the Palor City Half Marathon I got injured, and really struggled coming back from this injury. The 5K was the first race after my injury that I ran, and running on all of the trails was very difficult for me.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I did not ran any non-points races this year, as my goal was to focus on and complete all of the points races.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  I almost always run alone. It really allows be to focus on myself and be in the complete moment. As I was completing all of the Points Races this year, I became very close with Kim Van Naarden. I always looked forward to seeing her on race day, and encouraging each other while we were running. Running the Points Races has really allowed me to meet some amazing people.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  Distance running is one of the very few ways that I can relieve the daily stress that comes with life. I have found that when I get done running, I just feel so much better than I did before I started. Running has not only made me stronger physically, but also mentally. I feel that running has taught me to chase after my dreams, and to never stop until I reach them.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  The River City Rat Race is always special to me. I like the course and excitement at the start, but I feel especially good about the progress of our training group "Rats in Training."

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The Nutra-Run. It is the most extreme weather that I've ever raced in.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  I did not run any non-points races, but I was the lead bike for Beet Beethoven.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  The Three Rivers Running Company Wednesday group is the best!

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  I enjoy the company of my running friends the most.

Which Points Race did you enjoy the most and why?  I enjoyed Runners on Parade the most. The enthusiasm of the crowd and course layout was very exciting!

Which Points Race was the hardest for you and why?  The Nutri Run was very difficult for me. Running through the horrendous weather of heavy hail, snow, rain and wind seemed to never end.

Did you run any non-points races this year, and if so which was your favorite?  My favorite non-points race was the Fort-4-Fitness Half Marathon. The supportive crowds, cheering people, energized neighborhoods and running through the stadium are just a few highlights. In addition, F4F always brings back great memories of when my daughter and son-in-law got married during the half marathon in 2014. This race will always be one of my favorites.

Who is your favorite person or group to go for a run with?  My two favorite people to run with are my daughter Kim Martin and son-in-law Dave Martin. Dave and I completed the 2016 Iron Runners series together.

What do you enjoy most about distance running?  What I enjoy most about distance running is burning calories, setting new goals and accomplishing challenging courses.