The 2005 RUNOHIO Grand Prix was a series of races chosen by runners and the staff of RUNOHIO to be part of this statewide Grand Prix. Criteria used in determining the final Grand Prix races were 1) Runners ranking from RUNOHIO questionnaire interfaced with 2) Race Organization; 3) Quality of the race field, 4) Geographical location of race; 5) Date of the race; 6) Size of the race. RUNOHIO has also tried to have only one race on any given weekend and not pick holiday races. However, due to a few races changing their dates, the Grand Prix does now have a few dates with multiple races.

If you would like to see a race added to the Grand Prix, please let RUNOHIO know which races in your area should be added to the series.

Early races in the 2006 RUNOHIO Grand Prix include: March 11th - Columbus Grove Beer Bottle Open 4 Mile, March 11th - Cleveland St Malachi 5 Mile, March 25th -Marietta Shamrock Classic 5K, March 26th - Cincinnati Heart Mini Marathon 15km, April 1st -Akron Canal Park Home Run 5K, April 2nd - Toledo Glass City Marathon, April 23rd - Miami University Red Brick Run 5K, May 7th -Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon, May 10th - Portsmouth Bear Run 5km, May 21st - Cleveland Rite Aid 10K & Marathon, May 29th-Dayton Lou Cox Memorial 5K, June 4th- Columbus 10K.

The following are interviews conducted with the top 2005 RUNOHIO Grand Prix finishers.

Men Open

Eric Putnam

Eric Putnam, 31 has been running for eighteen years. Eric lives in Portsmouth and is the cross country and assistant track coach at Shawnee State University

When and how did you start running? "I started running because of my brother. Growing up he was my idol and he was also the best runner around. He was 6 years older then me and set our school records in the 1600 meters-4:13 and the 3200 meters-9:23. I never quite broke those records in high school either. At any rate, I grew up watching him run and knew that running was the direction that I was going to go in sports. I was a pretty little kid growing up anyway. I was cut from the little league baseball team when I tried out. I also sat the bench on our area grade school football team".

My first race however was a different experience. It was the summer between my fourth and fifth grade year. Brian was running a 10K in Sidney Ohio and there was also a 2-mile fun run. I decided that I wanted to run it. My parents said ok but on the condition that I train for it. So about a month before the race, my dad would take me to the local track and I ran some workouts. It was nothing hard, just enough to make sure that I could run the whole 2 miles and not walk. The first year that I did it, I finished and had a good experience. The next year I ran it again and I got 5th place. Again, I trained for about a month to get ready. The thing that happened the second time that I vividly remember was how hard that I ran in the race. I ran my guts out. I sprinted to the finish line and after I finished, I was sick. My dad was at the finish line and helped me walk for what seemed like an eternity. The thing that I learned from that experience was most valuable lesson in the sport of running. I learned that in order to run fast, you had to train and you had to push yourself in races to a high level of pain. It was a great lesson to learn at the ripe old age of 11".

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? I am very comfortable running in the 50 mile a week range with a day off a week or a day a week when I only run a couple of miles. I train with the team that I coach (Shawnee State) and I got up into the 70 mile per week range a few times this fall and I could tell that I was getting stronger but I also felt pretty beat up as well. So If I can keep my mileage in the 50's per week, that is great for me. My favorite workout is mile repeats. This fall we did 5x1600 with 2 to 3 minutes rest in between each interval depending on what time of season that it is. I also love this workout that I do on the track which is 2x800, 4x400, 2x800, and 4x400. It is tough but very rewarding to do as I can totally tell that it makes me faster and very much prepares me for 5K and 8K.

Why do you run? "One reason that I love running so much is that I have had a lot of success in the sport. Brian my brother would say the same thing. It is wonderful for me to be 32 years old and still running pr's in the 5K, 8K and 10K all this year. It really is a blast being my age and showing up at a race and still being one the best or the best if I am lucky. I can't lie and say that I don't really enjoy that. Even more than that though, I love being in great shape. I mean really great shape from great exercise. I think that my dinner tastes so amazing after I get home from a hard workout. I also love the social part of running. I have met some amazing people over the years being around this sport. I also run because I love the stress relief that it provides me. I love running with my team so much. They let me into their worlds of college life on those runs we do together and it's a blast for me. When we do our recovery runs, even as the coach, I seldom pick the routes that we are going to run. I just go along. Lastly, one of my goals in this life is to live to be 100 years old. Not just make it to 100 either but I mean, I want to be an active 100 year old person so that I can do things. I honestly feel that running is going to be a tool to help me get there.

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "I love the RUNOHIO Grand Prix. It gives post college runners like me a chance to compete on the roads and have it mean something. Of the actual races themselves, I have loved them all actually. The Peace Race in Youngstown is an incredible race. It is a super fast course and it is run in a beautiful area. I loved the Canton Pro Football Hall of Fame race as well. The 5K race in Marietta was also a particular favorite of mine because Marietta is just such a pretty town. The Grand Prix is great though. I have really loved all of the races that I have done for it."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "Don't let yourself get too high on the victories that you have in running but also, don't ever get too low on the failures that you have. Don't kid yourself that even the all-time greats in running have not had their hearts broken in this sport countless times with failure. You have to let the bad races go and not dwell on them. There is always another race to run and something new to shoot for. Finding goals is the easiest part of this sport. Having the mindset, work ethic and the patience to achieve those goals separate the long time runners from the wanna-be's.

Don't ever be afraid to run in a race that you can't win. Competition makes you better. Don't ever be afraid to train with someone who is as good or better than you because again, competition makes you better. For all of the young runners out there who are running cross country and track at the high school level, let me tell you that there is life and running after high school. I had a pretty good high school career but of the top ten races that I am most proud of in this sport, I would probably only rank two of my high school races in that top ten. I loved running in college much more than in high school. I had such a wonderful experience running in college at Ohio University for Elmore Banton. It was there that I found myself as a runner and as a man. I owe Coach Banton so much now it is hard for me to put into words. He made a man out of me. After college, I have continued to run and especially since I turned 30, I have run some times that I am very proud of. I would also say that I am enjoying running now more than I ever have in my life.

The last thing that I want to say is that runners run. Core work and lifting weights are great to enhance running but nothing will ever substitute putting in the miles and the workouts."

Josh Ordway

Josh Ordway, 25, has been running for twelve years. Josh lives in Columbus and works at the Ohio State University Medical Center and plans to attend medical school next school year.

When and how did you start running? "My dad was a frequent road racer when I was growing up. I wanted to be like him, so I always took it as a given that I would eventually join the junior high cross-country team. One day during the summer before I started seventh grade, my mom yelled at me to stop playing Nintendo and go for a run with my dad so that I wouldn't be completely out of shape when the season started. He hammered me every day that week, and I hated running. After about two weeks, though, I wasable to handle the runs with more ease and began to enjoy it. I've been in love with the sport ever since. "

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "Since meeting Jim "Hey, wanna go for a 3 hour run?" Jurcevich and deciding to concentrate on longer distances such as the half marathon and marathon, my training philosophy can be summed up in one word - miles. I do 13 runs per week, totaling over 100 miles. Most of those miles are very slow, but 3 days per week I'll meet up with Jim and do a long, fast, grueling workout to prepare myself for 13.1 or 26.2. I think my favorite workout is 3000m repeats on the track because I'm obsessed with knowing exactly what pace I'm running during workouts."

Why do you run? "I run for a lot of reasons. Running keeps me thin while allowing me to eat whatever I want. It gives me confidence and an opportunity to compete. It enables me to meet new people. It gives me time to think and the ability to reduce stress. And, every once in awhile it puts a little cash in my wallet, which doesn't hurt."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "I think the RUNOHIO Grand Prix is a great idea. In fact, I now regret not running one more race. It's really fun when you start to see the same guys and gals at every race and can update one another on training or life in general. I guess the Gary Smith Worthington Classic 5 mile would be up there because I've won it the past two years, but the Hyde Park Blast 4 mile has to be my favorite. The course is crazy, and the runners are treated very well there both before and after the race.

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "There are a couple of things that have contributed to my improvement, especially this past year. First, run more miles. I know it sounds simple, but you'd be surprised by how much stronger you can become with an extra few miles here and there. Secondly, run for YOU. If you're running to catch the eye of a certain college coach, to beat a particular athlete or team, or to lose a few pounds for a loved one, you can get down on yourself if things don't go as planned. On the other hand, if you run because it makes you feel good emotionally, physically, or both, then chances are good things will happen.

Matt Folk

Matt Folk, 28, lives in Canfield where he is an assistant cross country and track coach at Youngstown State University and works at Second Sole. Matt has been running since his sophomore year in high school and grew up in Oregon, Ohio.

When and how did you start running? "I started running my sophomore year of high school after trying a variety of sports. Everyone got the opportunity to compete, so I stuck with it with the simple goal of a varsity letter."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? " I usually try to hit about 100 to 100+ miles per week which usually involves nine runs (two days of doubles). Within that is always a weekly long run and one or two workouts depending on the time of year and racing schedule. Since I don't do that well on the track by myself my favorite workouts usually involve various minute surges on the roads and trails."

Why do you run? The competition, challenges, and feeling of accomplishment."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? "The RUNOHIO Grand Prix is nice to follow along. Hopefully, it gets some more people to more races. The Jonnycake Jog 5 Miler and the Peace Race 10K were my favorites. Jonnycake was nice because it was probably one of the deepest road races in Ohio in a while because the top 5 were sub 24 (for 5 miles) and there were another 5 to 7 guys sub 25 as well. The Peace Race had to be my favorite though because it the biggest race in Youngstown and the course goes though many areas that I train. Also, because this year was the first time I ever won it after about 7 attempts. Lots of people in the community really do a lot to support and improve the race."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? " Set long and short term goals, have a steady balance of hard and easy days, and be tolerant of setbacks."

Will Edwards

Will Edwards, 25 has been running for over ten years. Will lives in Groveport and is a police officer.

When and how did you start running? "I started my running career after my high school gym teacher encouraged me to run cross-country; before that moment I had no idea what cross-country was. I decided to give it a try and was fascinated with the sport. Ever since then I have been running everyday and my love for the art continues to grow".

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "I usually train by myself either in the early mornings or in the late nights depending on my work schedule. I work second shift so I usually make morning runs, which I personally do not prefer. When I get a chance I enjoy running with Rob Moore, a long time running partner of mine. Through the years a workout I have preferred as my routine is a six to eight mile run. A threshold starting at six minute pace and dropping the pace until the last few miles that become more up- tempo."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "The two reasons I run are competition and keeping in shape."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "The RUNOHIO Grand Prix is a great idea. It allows runners to run races that they usually would not consider, and they get the opportunity to compete state wide for points. The Columbus 10K is my favorite race, it is an awesome competition and course. The best part is attending the Columbus Arts Festival afterwards to eat a healthy elephant ear."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "Run all the cold, miserable rainy days because your competition is having the same debate, to either run or take the day off."

Men Masters

Rob Moore

Rob Moore, have been running for over thirty years. Rob lives in Groveport and works in the finance department at Eagle Family Foods

When and how did you start running? "I started running when I was about 8-9 years old, my older brothers were running in a junior high race and they also had age group races which I ran."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout. "During the week I usually run 7-8 miles during lunch time from work and then 3-4 times a week I will run 4-5 miles with my son Alex after work. On the weekends I usually like to do a longer run 10-15 miles. As for my favorite workout this past spring and summer I was running a ladder track workout with Eric Putnum and Will Edwards we would start with a 2-3 mile warm up then run a 400, 600, 800, 1200, 600 & 200 meter, those guys would give me a 5-7 second lead then I would try to hang with them once they caught up to me (try is the key word)."

Why do I run? "I still enjoy running and competing especially the 5K's. My two older kids Alex and Tabitha are on Groveport's Cross Country and track teams and Coach McSheffery lets me run with them (mainly during the season before school starts) so I want to be able to help them to become the best they can. Also, with a wife, four kids and a job running is the best way to stay in shape for the time that I have available."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "This past year I used the Grand Prix races as a motivator to get out to some more races, there were some races that would have been easy to have stayed in bed (like the Canal Park Home Run 5K (Akron)) the weather was nasty that day. As for a favorite race I have to say the COLUMBUS 10K it is close to home the competition is great and good times usually come from it.

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "I almost included this in with the first question that was asked about when I started running. My father (who was not a runner until my brothers and I started) said that he would pay for us to go to these road races and cross-country meets but we had to train. So what I am trying to say is it is important to be consistent in your training, make some goals (the amount of miles and races you want to run in a week, month, year and get a running log to keep track of what you run) set a time of day to run and stick with it, it always helps if you have someone to run with also."

Bill Valenzano

Bill Valenzano, 46, is a health and physical education teacher from Amelia. Bill has been running since his freshman year in high school.

When and how did you start running? "I began running as a freshman in high school. I was encouraged by my father, Ed, who showed me some medals he had won during his high school days."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? I usually get in about 60 miles a week. In the summer and winter months, when I'm not involved with coaching my mileage stays up at or above 60, spring and fall are busy times and my mileage drops a bit. My Sunday long run with the group at the Running Spot in Loveland is something I look forward to all week. For track workouts I prefer high volumes of short repetitions with very short recoveries; workouts like 16x400 in :80 but with just 40 seconds rest.

Why do you run? "I still enjoy completing a hard workout or a good race. To do something you enjoy and it enhances your life, you can't ask for more than that."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "Since the Grand Prix began, it's always been fun and competitive. Now that I've been in the masters division a few years, it's becoming tougher and tougher to remain competitive against guys who are several years younger, but the Grand Prix gives you that opportunity. I try to mix up my choice of races each year, but the Minster 10K is still my favorite, flat and fast are fun!

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "People have warned me for years about running so many miles, that my legs and knees will have had it. I've been running since I was 13 and don't have any problems. I think that finding the right balance and knowing your limits is important. When I was 30 I was training 75 to 100 miles a week. I'm not 30 anymore and have learned my limits.

Men Grand Masters

Mike Clapper

Mike Clapper, 51, has been running on and off most of his life. Mike lives in Bellville where he is a Senior Sales Executive for RR Donnelley.

When and how did you start running? "I Started running track in junior high through high school. Primarily the open 400, 800 and 1600 meter relay. Continued my freshman year at Bowling Green running the 800. Then, stopped competing until I decided to try a local 5k in 1990 at age 36. I surprised myself. Got the bug to compete again and have not stopped since."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "In normal years, I usually keep my weekly mileage around 40-45 that includes a race on most weekends April through October. I try to do one weekly track workout running repeat 400's and 800's. Then 2-3 days of up tempo road-work, with an additional couple days of easy 7:00 minute pace runs. However this year, I was recovering from a upper hamstring injury that kept my weekly mileage down around 25-30 miles per week and NO track work at all. At best, I was racing at no better than 80 percent effort all season, being very cautious to not re-injure my hamstring."

Why do you run? "I run because I love to compete on weekends. At age 51, what other sports can you go toe to toe with guys half your age and be competitive?"

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "2005 marked the first time since 2000 that I was healthy enough to compete in the RUNOHIO Grand Prix circuit. They are a fabulous series of well organized races that consistently attract the areas best runners. My favorites are the Columbus 10K and Pro Football Hall of Fame 5 mile due to their setting and size and quality of the field.

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "My advice to runners is to find a good balance of quality workouts and mileage that allows you to be in the best running shape possible, without getting injured. Take a day off once a week.....your body will reward you for it. Trust me!"

Mike Leis

Mike Lies, 52, is a veterinarian from Cincinnati. Mike has been running for twenty years.

When and how did you start running? "When I was 30 a neighbor asked me if I would start a jogging program with him. We jogged 1-2 miles three days a week. He quit later that year. I enjoyed it and have run ever since."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "I enjoy my workouts. Lately favorite is an 8-mile hill loop around Mt. Airy Forrest. I average about 40 miles per week and I run long every Sunday. I try for two other quality runs through the week. I do run seven days a week."

Why do you run? "I really just enjoy it, the stress relief of hitting the roads keeps me at it"

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "I love the concept. The RUNOHIO Grand Prix motivated me to get to the Minster 10K, which was great. Cincinnati Heart Mini Marathon is tough to but for a good cause at a nice distance with a good field."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "Make it fun and social and find a running partner and group. I think in terms of building at base and strength first and adding track/speed work last. For me, 400-800 workout have helped my racing the most."

Men Senior

Earl McCormick

Earl McCormick, 61, lives on Oxford. Earl has been running since high school.

When and how did you start running? "I started running in high school and kept it up because fitness was essential in my occupation. I have only done the RUNOHIO series for two years since moving from Texas in 1999."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "Year round I do 6-800's, 8-400's and 8- 200's weekly on a elevated indoor 200 meter track at the Miami University Recreation Center. I do a long run when I feel like it and then throw in tempo runs to match the race that's coming up."

Why do you run? "I run for the friendships and to stay ahead of the grim reaper."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "I love the RUNOHIO Grand Prix because it has introduced me to the state geographically wise. We were not as lucky in Texas to have something like this to run in. I like Columbus Grove best for the loop course, its' managed well, the late start and the hobo stew is nice on a cold day."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "in 2002 I had a compound or complete break of my right femur (thigh) bone. This gave me the opportunity to do some volunteer work. Volunteers perform a vital function in racing events, probably as important as the runners and receive very little credit. So don't forget to thank them at your next race."

Bill Zehner

Bill Zehner, 65, has been running for fifteen years. Bill lives in Shelby where he is a mechanic.

When and how did you start running? "I started running when I turned 50 years old. I had gained some weight and wanted to take it off. My son said he was going to run the Columbus Marathon and said you might as well go too. My first race 1990 Columbus Marathon."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "I run five miles five or six days per week with very little speed work. In the summer my favorite run is when I am running with the high school boys (mostly behind them) and coach Z."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? I enjoyed the quality and quantity of all of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix races and I try to do as many as I can. My favorites are the Columbus 10K and Minster 10K as I enjoy the race and the festival after the race."

Why do you run? "I run to stay healthy, keep my weight down and relieve stress. I feel better now than I did at 40 year old."

Any advise for runners who want to improve their running? "Keep a training log and recording my weight once a week helps me."

Women Open

Lisa Davies

Lisa Davies, 21, lives in Columbus and is a student and has various part-time jobs. When and how did you start running? "I started running track in seventh grade and cross-country in 10th grade. I ran track because my older sister did, and it was what a lot of other kids did after school." How do you train and what is your favorite workout? " This past spring and summer I didn't really train or do workouts. Basically I ran 8 miles a day at various paces and played some co-ed soccer here and there. However, I do plan on doing workouts this spring, and the workout that gets the job done for me is 400, 6,4,2- 6,5,4,3,2,1-6,5,4,3,2,1. I also like 4 x 800, 4 x 400, and 4 x 200. These are two workouts that I did in high school on the track. Why do I run? "I enjoy running because it's a break from school, studying, traffic, and work." What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "I think the RUNOHIO Grand Prix is a nicely organized group of races that give road runners a good selection of races to participate in. I liked the Columbus 10km because of the course. Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? Stay consistent, believe in yourself, and run with people who motivate and inspire you.

Lisa Veneziano

Lisa Veneziano, 41, has been running for 27 years. Lisa lives in West Chester where she is a General Motors Plant Manager at the Cincinnati Parks Distribution Center.

When and how did you start running? "In 1989 at age 25 a friend asked my husband and me to run in a local race (Holy Redeemer 4 mile run in Flint, MI) that she and her husband directed. I was the 2nd female overall and my husband and I won the married couple division. Needless to say, the initial success motivated me to get more serious about running and racing."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "With my career and a toddler I often get up in the morning to get 4 or 5 miles in and do my long runs (10 miles) on Saturday and Sunday with my husband. I try to maintain 35 to 40 miles a week. I used to like to do track workouts, however, it's been several years since I have "fit" those in. My speed workouts are obtained primarily through racing and tempo runs. My favorite workout is a long tempo run with my husband on the weekend. We are very competitive with each other and our 10 mile Sunday run often turns into a speed session for the last 5 miles."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "It's pretty cool because it causes you to put races on your calendar that you normally wouldn't and, as a result, get to experience new towns, new people and new races. My favorite was the Flying Pig Marathon. It was my first time running the Pig even though when we lived in Columbus we had friends from Michigan stay with us on their way to run it in 2002. I had just moved to Cincinnati last December, so it was great running a hometown marathon. I also have to mention how much I enjoyed the Heart Mini because of the course and the Minster Run because of the festive atmosphere."

Why do you run? "Running for me is very uplifting. I get a "boost" after every run. It is just something that I really enjoy doing. I love to be outside taking in everything around me and it's also my stress relief. Running is very flexible workout, all it takes is a pair of shoes and I can get my "fix" just about anywhere. In addition, I am a very competitive person and racing gives me an opportunity to compete."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? What I find that works for me is to be as consistent as possible. Your body has memory, so all the miles you log will help you in the long run. Even though my mileage isn't very high, I can still do well when I target for a specific distance since I have a consistent base of 40 miles a week. I increase my base by about 10 miles a week and increase my long weekend runs for a marathon. For shorter races I don't really do anything out of the ordinary since my races are my speed work other than some tempo runs."

Female Master

Connie Gardner

Connie Gardner, 42, lives in Medina and has been running since high school. Connie is a swim instructor, swim coach and lifeguard. She is also a track coach at Walsh Jesuit High School.

When and how did you start running? "I started running in high school and ran my first marathon in 1981 at Columbus"

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? Basically, I run longer races like 50km and 100 milers. So a lot of my runs are long easy runs. I use shorter races like 10km's to improve my marathon times and I run marathons as training for the longer races. Last year I ran a 100 miler the week before the Glass City Marathon. I enjoy running long races in back to back weekends. My favorite workout is any run with friends."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "I enjoyed the RUNOHIO Grand Prix races I did this year and I hope to do more of the races this year. I like all of the marathons I ran. The Glass City Marathon race director is also the race director of a 100 miler I did and he asked me to run...so it is always fun to win. I always enjoy the Columbus Marathon as it is the first marathon I ran."

Why do I run? "I just enjoy running, especially ultra races. It is fun to do a 100 miler and catch all of the men ahead of me, as I seem to do better the longer the race. I love the competition of racing."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "You got to enjoy running. I believe in being a strong runner and I try to improve my strength with my training. You should run a lot of 5km's and 10km's to improve your marathon performance. I feel you can improve your running by racing more."

Debbi Kilpatrick Morris

Debbi Kilpatrick Morris, 42, Strongsville and is a full time mother and runner. Debbi has been running since high school.

When and how did you start running? "I first went out for track in 9th grade. I first tried to run the sprints but I was slow so I tried the field events. That didn't go much better so I gave distance running a try and I ma glad I did."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "I have two small children (5 and 6 years old) so I do a lot of running on the treadmill. My training is still consistently haphazard. Lately I have been following my hard days with two recovery days instead of one. My favorite workout is my longer run because I get to run with friends."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "The RUNOHIO Grand Prix is a great idea. It sets up some nice statewide-competition. It also encourages runners to travel out of their home area to run new and interesting races. My favorite race is Rite Aid. It is Cleveland's big hometown race."

Why do I run? "The answer to that seems to change on a daily basis. Sometimes just out of habit, sometimes to meet up with friends, and less frequently than in the past to get into shape for a race."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "Find what it is that motivates you and use it. Whether it is music, running with friends, or having a goal race to prepare to achieve. By staying motivated your training is usually more consistent and consistency is the key to better performances."

Female Grand Masters

Janice Kreuz

Janice Kreuz, 58, has been running for twenty-nine years. Janice lives in Cincinnati and is retired and tutor and works with severely handicapped children.

When and how did you start running? "I started running in 1976. My little sister thought it would be good for me - as it is!"

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "My favorite workout is the one I get to do today! Each day I run is a special day in my book."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "The RUNOHIO Grand prix has been around for a long time and is a good barometer for where a runner stands in the State. My favorite race is the Dayton Corridor Half Marathon. It is large enough to be competitive; not so large as to be a major production."

Why do you run? "I run because I love to!"

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "Work hard but don't let your times or "rankings" dictate your self worth!"

Jeannie Rice

Jeannie Rice, 57, has been running for twenty-three year. Jeannie lives is Painesville where she is a real estate agent for Realty One Real Living.

When and how did you start running? "To loose weight I gained from trip to Korea & Japan. I gained 7 pounds on a 3 week vacation." I have been running for 23 years.

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "I run six days a week, average 7 miles a day. 40- 50 miles a week. Then 2 or 3 months before a marathon I run longer distance on weekends by adding a 13 -20 miles. On the weekdays I get up at 6:00 a.m. and am out the door by 6:30 a.m. On the weekends I run with fellow runners and enjoy getting to know them. My favorite workouts are the different places when I travel and seeing different places."

Why do you run? "It has become a part of my life. I enjoy the quiet time by myself, away from the stresses of everyday life. It helps me clear my mind."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which race was your favorite and why? It's great to participate in a RUNOHIO Grand Prix series. It gives Ohio runners the opportunity to travel around the state, and compete against other area runners. My favorite race is the JohnnyCake Jog 5 miler. It is the biggest local race and fast course. This race brings a lot of fast runners from all over. It's a great, well- organized competition that I look forward to every year. I usually win my division!"

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "Enjoy yourself! Always listen to your body and don't over-train. Run with other runners, especially when training for a marathon. Always were reflective clothing when running in the dark."

Women Senior

Ruth Watson

Ruth Watson, 72 has been running for only five years. Ruth lives in Lancaster where she is retired.

When and how did you start running? "I started running in March 2001 with a friend, Thad Davis. He helped coach me by starting me running a half- mile and soon I was up to three miles. My first race was a 5km in May 2001 just before my 68th birthday and I was hooked. I love the competition and being part of a group of runners."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "I run with Thad six days a week. Three times a week we do a workout with weights. Two times a week I swim after running 2 miles. It is nice in cold weather to get in a warm pool."

Why do you run? "It is such a good workout, plus if you want to do road races, you have to train. I love to run."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "I enjoy the RUNOHIO Grand Prix. I enjoyed the competition and organization of the races. I love the Columbus 10K and my other two favorites this year were the Johnnycake Jog and Lou Cox Memorial. I also liked the Gary Smith Worthington Classic. These races have a lot of runners and its' just exciting to be part of it."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "There are a lot of good articles about nutrition, training and racing to help you. Otherwise, just run.

Louise Miklovic

Louise Miklovic, 67, is a retired high school teacher and track and cross country coach from Anthony Wayne Local Schools. She is still a track official and has been an official for 30 years. She has been running for over thirty years.

When and how did you start running? "I started running in 1972 to get into shape."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? "I run 30 to 40 miles a week and my favorite workout is 10 miles doing some speed play on the trails at Oak Openings Metro Park."

Why do you run? "Keeping physically fit is one of my main goals, however, stress management, seeing my running buddies, and the great feeling I have after I run is also very important to me."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorites and why? "I enjoy doing the runs in the RUNOHIO Grand Prix because I can count on the races being well organized, safe, and with good competition. Minster 10 K and the Glass City Marathon are two of my favorites. Minister because of the great support from the community and Glass City because of the nice course through my hometown."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? "Build a good foundation before you challenge yourself to speed work and increased mileage. Use the support of other runners so you can enjoy your workouts."