The 2007 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 2008 RUNOHIO Grand Prix include: March 8th - Columbus Grove Beer Bottle Open 4 Mile, March 15th - Cleveland St Malachi 5 Mile, March 29th - Akron Canal Park Home Run 5K, March 30th - Cincinnati Heart Mini Marathon 15km, April 13th - Toledo Glass City Marathon.

Because of the deadline in printing this issue a few runners' responses were not available for this article. If additional responses are received by the end of January they will be posted on the RUNOHIO web site: www.runohio.com

MEN OPEN

Eric Putnam, 1st, 7 races, 965 points

Josh Ordway, 2nd, 5 races, 680 points

Matthew Folk, 3rd, 4 races, 600 points

MEN MASTERS

Ron Dorfeld, 1st, 7 races, 575 points

Dave Mirth, 2nd, 5 races, 485 Points

Damon Blackford, 4 races, 400 points

MEN GRAND MASTERS

Earl McCormick, 1st, 7 races, 505 points

Steve Holecko, 2nd, 7 races, 470 points

MEN SENIOR

Earl McCormick, 1st, 7 races, 700 points

WOMEN OPEN

Nancy Jeggle, 1st, 7 races, 670 points

Lyndsi Benedict, 2nd, 4 races, 575 points

Eva Miller, 3rd, 4 races, 475 Points

WOMEN MASTERS Wanda Krebs, 1st, 3 races, 240 points

WOMEN GRAND MASTERS

Jeannie Rice, 1st, 3 races, 240 points,

WOMEN SENIOR

Louise Miklovic, 1st, 4 races, 325 points

MEN OPEN

ERIC PUTNAM

Eric Putnam, 33 has been running for twenty years. Eric is from Chillicothe and now lives in Portsmouth where he is the men's and women's cross country coach 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 still what you would call a low miles per week runner. This spring I was usually in the 50 to 55 mile range per week. I also try to stay consistent with that amount. For instance, I haven't dipped below 50 miles in a week for the year. I don't really like to take a week or two off during off seasons. I am too old and it takes too much time for me to get it back. I love to run on the track for hard workouts or the grass. My best workout for the summer is 400/600/800/1200/1600/600/ 200 with a lap jog in between and a total of 3:15 rest in between intervals counting the jog. This workout gets me strong and keeps my speed rolling after track season."

Why do you run?

"I love the way running makes me feel. I am also not much of an athlete. I run. I don't bike or swim or golf. Run, run, run and run. I have put all of my eggs in the running basket of sports. It's funny, I got inducted into my high school hall of fame this Spring at Chillicothe and when I graduated high school in 1991, I would not have considered myself to be one of the top 10 or maybe 20 best athletes in my class. The thing about me is that even then, I knew that it was running for me and that was it. Well, running and playing the guitar and singing."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorites and why?

"I finally got to do Johnny Cake this year but I didn't run all that well but it is a sweet event. I also got to do Oktoberfest 10K in Minster and it was fun. I love the Grand Prix. I love road racing. It is honestly my favorite way to race and it always has been even in High School. I love going to all these little towns in Ohio and taking the different town's culture. The Beer Bottle Open is the best of them all though. That race is just so fun. It seems like the whole town of Columbus Grove comes out to support that race. Shawnee has gone up there for a number of years and I hope to go back again this coming year of 08."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"At Shawnee State this fall, our men's team had their best season in the 10 years that the school has offered the sport but we missed going to our National meet by a couple of points. Needless to say the team was heartbroken. It was pretty painful for me as well. I told the team though that you aren't a real runner until the sport breaks your heart at least 6 times. We all have setbacks and we all suffer defeat. The great runners and teams, get up and fight again and the wanna be runners and teams just fold or blame someone. I feel like I am starting to build a program that wants to be in the fight win or lose and no words can describe how rewarding that is for me. Every day I am thankful what I have going down hear in Portsmouth. Runners have to remember though that tough things happen to us all in the sport. You just can't dwell on those. There is always another race and always another challenge. Setbacks, when you get past them will make you improve."

JOSH ORDWAY

Josh Ordway, 26, is a medical student at Wright State University. Josh also lives in Columbus when he is not in medical school.

When and how did you start running?

"My dad ran a lot of road races when I was younger, and I thought it would be cool to do myself. So, during the summer before I started 7th grade, he ran with me every day to get me in shape for cross-country."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"I typically run a lot of miles, 90% of which are on roads or bikepaths. My favorite workout ever is probably nice and short repeat 400s, but I usually have to settle for a long fartlek for my marathon training.

Why do you run?

"I don't know how to not run. I've been doing it for so long that I can't imagine going for an extended period of time without heading out the door for a run. I also enjoy our sport immensely. "

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorites and why?

"I really enjoy the Grand Prix. It encourages people to check out many of the great races Ohio has to offer, and it gives chumps like me the opportunity to talk about themselves in RUNOHIO. I think this year I have two favorite races. I like the Dayton Corridor half marathon because it's close to where I live, and I haven't been beaten there yet. My all-time favorite and new edition to the Grand Prix is the Columbus Running Company Mile Dash. It's the one day every year I get to pretend I'm not a marathoner and attempt to run under 4:20, and the race organizers are really awesome fellas."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"I've said it before, but slowing down my easy days has done wonders for my PRs and consistency in racing. It allows you to recover more fully and really slam your hard days.

MATTHEW FOLK

Matthew Folk, 31, currently lives in Canfield. Matt works as an assistant Cross Country and Track Coach at Youngstown State University and at Second Sole in Boardman.

When and how did you start running?

"Going into my sophomore year in high school I wanted to earn a varsity letter and we didn't have soccer so I tried cross country. After meshing well with the guys on the team and getting into the top 7 after about half way through the year, it just clicked and progressed."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"I usually train at a little higher mileage with a little lower intensity. Depending on what I'm training for I usually do two workouts and a long run each week. I usually run 9 to 10 runs a week. As far as a favorite workout, lately I've been doing a decent amount of fartlek's and just going off of feel".

Why do you run?

"The challenges, the feeling of accomplishment, and the relationships it has provided."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorite and why?

"I think you should consider renaming it the Eric Putnam Grand Prix. How many years has he won it now? My favorite races were the Hyde Park Blast and the Youngstown Peace Race. I enjoyed Hyde Park because it was a race I'd never done before that had a great environment to it. The Peace Race still has to be my favorite because it goes through Mill Creek Park and there is a lot of local support."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"Keep a running log and when things go good or bad look back and see what worked and what didn't."

MEN MASTERS

RON DORFELD

Ron Dorfeld, 43, lives Brunswick where he is a Website Development/Driver. Ron has been running for only four years.

When and how did you start running?

"I started running in May of 2004 when I was 40 years old. One of my daughters, Amber, had joined the track team so I started running to help her. She did well, but decided not to run track the following season, and I just kept running. I wasn't really overweight when I first started, but I was the heaviest I had been in my life. 185 pounds doesn't sound like much at 5' 11" but I am 40 pounds lighter than that now. Looking back, I sure wish I would've run in high school and college but at the time it didn't mean much to me."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"I follow the high mileage philosophy and try to work in one or two big workouts a week. One of the workouts will normally be a track workout or during racing season a weekend race, and the other is normally a long run, with some tempo pace work thrown in. I was introduced to coach "Tinman" a couple years ago and he led me in the direction of running only two hard workouts per week and the rest very easy. Since then, we have joined together in created a website www.therunzone.com, where he gives out free advice along with other coaches to runners of all levels." "My favorite workout is CV paced intervals, either 1000 m or 1 mile, then four or five fast 200 m reps at the end. During racing season I keep the rest repetition at 200 m to keep my heart rate up, but normally increase that to 400 m offseason. CV pace is a term Tinman came up with and is equal to about 10K pace, give or take a little. Running at a little less than VO2 Max during your intervals leaves you feeling tired, but not wiped out."

Why do you run?

"What I like most about running is being part of a racing team. I have been on Team Good River since its inception in 2006 and try to meet with some of the members once or twice a week to get in some group runs. I find running with guys that are faster than me, forces me to be a better runner, otherwise I get left in the woods by myself. I have been very fortunate to be welcomed into a group of such great runners, and there not just great runners, they're great people. Tim Budic has worked very hard to put together Ohio's only (and currently 1 of only 10 in the country) USATF Elite Development Club's and it continues to grow and gain recognition both locally and nationally." "I also like to run races quite often (probably too much); I always tell people I'm just making up for the years lost when I wasn't running. Being part of the team has allowed me to travel a bit and run races in other states. I have competed in the last two USATF Cross country club nationals, Rochester, New York in 2005 and San Francisco, California in 2006. We also had a very big showing at the Crim 10 miler in Flint Michigan this year and they were all a lot of fun.

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorite and why?

"I think the RUNOHIO Grand Prix is great. I like to try out different races, so it's nice to see a schedule of races in Ohio to run at while competing in a points series. The only thing I would change would probably be having a different point scales for different lengths of races, rather than a 1 mile race, having the same points as a marathon. Not to say that a 1 mile race is not difficult, but because you miss a lot of races in preparation for a marathon." "I think my favorite race of the series is the Johnnycake Jog 5-miler, which I didn't do particularly well at this year, but I just love the race. The course, and mile markers are accurate, and the competition is fierce. I just liked the whole "state fair" type atmosphere that surrounds it. The Akron Marathon is also top notch. Jim Barnett goes out of his way to make the race the best it can be, and has done a great job with it."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"Consistency is the most important aspect of training. That coupled with running your easy runs easy. The biggest mistake I made when I started running was to run everything to fast and not give my body a chance to recover. I also learned that when you run your easy runs easy, you can run your hard workouts, much harder. Another important thing is to identify re-occurring pains and make sure they are not injuries. That is also been a problem of mine, telling myself when something hurts to not worry about it and run through it. A lot of times you can, but other times, you end up injured and sitting on the sidelines wishing you would listen to your body.

DAVE MIRTH

Dave Mirth, 44, from Reynoldsburg is the Vice President of Research and Development, Owens Corning. Dave has been running for thirty years.

When and how did you start running?

"I always wanted to be a runner, starting with running races on the playground in kindergarten. I started running competitively in 7th grade cross-country. I began training seriously (running every day) during the summer before 8th grade."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"My training is often limited by my available time due to family and work commitments. When getting in shape for racing, I train 40- 55 miles per week. My favorite workout is a progressive tempo run, typically 6-8 miles. Sometimes this will be inside of a longer run of 12-14 miles. It fits into my schedule well because I can do it on the roads or on my treadmill, and I find that it builds strength needed for racing well."

Why do you run?

"I started running because I liked to compete. I still like competing, but I find now that I also just enjoy going for a run, especially on a nice fall day. I also like the fact that running keeps me in shape to enjoy many other activities, such as hiking."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorite and why?

"This was the first year that I made a point of running several Grand Prix races that were outside of the Columbus area. I found all of the races I ran to be very competitive, and also to be fun events. The Grand Prix helped motivate me to get in shape, and to stay in shape for a longer period of time this year. My favorite race, for sentimental reasons, is the Columbus 10k. I first ran it as a freshman in college in 1982, and I won it as a senior in 1985."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"Good progressive tempo runs (starting easy and increasing speed until you are running almost race pace) build both strength and confidence for racing well. The best way to learn how to run hard over a sustained distance is to train that way. I typically try to do two of these per week when training to race. Also, listen to your body to avoid injuries. Today's tight muscle is often tomorrow's pulled muscle if you do not back off your training."

DAMON BLACKFORD

Damon Blackford, 42, lives in Akron where he is an engineering manager. Damon has been running for nearly thirty years.

When and how did you start running?

"I started running in 8th grade track. I did well in neighborhood races around the block and thought I would give track a try."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"I run mostly alone, before work due to time constraints. I occasionally get out at lunch for speed work. My favorite workout is long temp runs on the Akron Marathon course. It is an excellent specific training for my yearly marathon."

Why do you run?

" I love to compete, and push myself in training to see what my potential is. Now that I am a master, striving for PR's is possible again. My racing team (Team Good River) is a major reason I like running enough to train hard. Tim Budic and my teammates do a great job in inspiring the effort needed to excel. Not since running at Akron University in the 80's have I been on a cross team where everyone has a common goal. I just wish we would have the vision of Tim when I was 25, it makes running competitively really cool."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorite and why?

"I like the RUNOHIO Grand Prix. It is cool to see how you stack up against other runners around the State. Other races are more local. I love the Johnnycake Jog, it's summer, competition is great and the tradition is fantastic. I used to like seeing the top times for the top 50 alltime and the top 10 age group times. The Akron Marathon is consistently the most well run race I do, they really support top local talent, especially master runners."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"Don't ignore speed work as you get older, its easy to lose and really difficult to regain. It helps keep your leg turnover for all distance. If you only have time for one workout for marathon training make it a long tempo run, increase distance per week, up to 14 miles at race pace. Join a racing team, it helps motivate and make competing more enjoyable."

MEN GRAND MASTERS

STEVE HOLECKO

Steve Holecko, 51 lives in Middleburg Heights where he is an 8th grade History teacher and Cross Country coach. Steve has been running for over twenty years.

When and how did you start running?

" I began running in 1976 to lose weight to counteract the large number of beers I drank in college. When I lost the weight I found I was capable of doing marathons and so I proceeded to run as far and as fast as I could to lower my times. This was the height of the running boom, so I had plenty of company."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"I run as far and as fast as my life and body will allow. Right now, that's about 50--60 miles a week. When I was younger, it was about 60-80 mile per week. I do the usual assortment of speed workouts (400's, 800's, repeat miles) and an occasional 10 mile tempo run at marathon race pace. My favorite workout is the weekend long run of 15-20 miles." Why do you run? "I like running for two reasons. The first reason is that the competition is a great adrenalin rush. However, more important to me is what I call "being with the trees" which means a nice long run where I can meditate and think about all aspects of life."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorite and why?

"The RUNOHIO Grand Prix is great! My favorite races were the ones I had to travel to. (Toledo, Columbus, Cincinnati) I feel somewhat guilty because the best grand master runners in the state did not run 7 races so I ended up ahead of them overall because I did. However, I had an off year compared to what I usually run. My goal next year is to improve my times and compete with the best grand masters in the state in the RUNOHIO Grand Prix."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"There is no magic diet or workout. Run as far and as fast as your life and body will allow."

MEN SENIOR

EARL MCCORMICK

Earl McCormick, 64, lives on Oxford where he is retired. 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."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"I train indoors in the cold months. I run on a elevated indoor 200 meter track at the Miami University Recreation Center. It is a great facility and has great people managing it. I do a long run when I feel like it and then throw in tempo runs to match the race that's coming up. Age wise, I've found I do better by staying with it all year round."

Why do you run?

"I run strictly of health issue and for the friendships. It's about the best way to re-hap broken bones, which I have had my share. It also allows me to see fellow runners at the different races at least once a year."

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. The series is great and I have no real favorites. I thought they were all managed quite well and the directors and volunteers do a terrific job."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"Do what works best for you. Do whatever gets you out the door to run. Also, 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 and if you can volunteer at a local event."

WOMEN OPEN

NANCY JEGGLE

Nancy Jeggle, 37, lives in Upper Arlington where she is a part-time Actuarial Specialist at Nationwide Insurance. Nancy has been running for twenty-seven years.

When and how did you start running?

"My first race was a 3 mile fun run in 1980. Due to a birth defect, my left arm is missing a muscle and is 6 inches shorter than my right arm. My wrist was immobile until a childhood operation. When I was 10 my surgeon said that it was a good thing I was a girl because I'd never be an athlete. I was instantly motivated to prove him wrong. The following spring I ran my first race. I won my age group. I've enjoyed training and racing ever since."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"I generally run 5 mile routes at lunch time with a group of work friends. Saturday mornings I like to meet friends for a longer run at Highbanks Metropark. I enjoy the camaraderie as much as I enjoy the exercise. Often I'll run faster with friends than I would alone-- and the best part is that the perceived effort is easier when I'm with friends. In addition to tempo runs, I choose hill workouts. PR's seem to be a thing of the past, so although I still enjoy racing, now-a-days I am cross training more and stretching more and taking more days off. Basically I'm doing what I can to avoid injury so that I'm able to run not only this season but for years to come. I've always been a low mileage runner which I believe has led to over 25 years of year- round running with very few injuries and without ever getting burned out."

Why do you run?

"I love running because I love how it makes me feel. Feeling stressed is replaced by feeling fit and alert and ready to take on the rest of my day. It's also social. I've made so many great friends thru running. Plus it's very convenient- I can find an opportunity to run no matter where I am."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorite and why?

"I've lived in Ohio all my life. I decided this would finally be the year I ran in the RUNOHIO Grand Prix races. I selected 7 races that I'd never run in before. It was great fun to experience these races that I'd heard about for so many years. I enjoyed the variety of race distances offered in this series. I particularly enjoyed the Cincinnati Mini Heart 15K and the Dayton River Classic Half Marathon. They both were well organized races on interesting courses. Both had a lot of participants and spectators."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"In order to improve at running, you must stay healthy. To stay healthy I recommend training moderately and consistency. First build a base. Then set a goal and map out a training plan for it. If at all possible find someone to train with and/or someone who has the same race goal. The experience is truly enhanced when accomplished with a friend."

LYNDSI BENEDICT

Lyndsi Benedict, 26, is a personal trainer and lives in New Albany. Lyndsi grew up in Reynoldsburg and her husband, Randy, owns the Second Sole in Gahanna.

When and how did you start running?

"I first began running when I was a freshman in high school to improve my fitness on the tennis court because starting at age 10 I began playing on the United States Tennis Association's Junior circuit. By the time I was in high school I was ranked in the country and knew that the best way to improve my level of fitness I needed to start running. I also played high school tennis where I went to states three years in a row. The summer before my senior year I ran a few local road races just for fun and the Reynoldsburg High School; Cross Country coach, Denny Hammond, noticed some of my times and asked me if I'd like to run cross-country. As you know cross country and tennis are both in the fall. I managed to do both for awhile, but when it came down to the district, regional's and state, I had to choose. I chose to run. I won state my senior year in crosscountry and the rest is history. I also ran track that next spring."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"The focus of my training is on quality over quantity. My husband, Randy (who coaches me) and I have figured out that I benefit much more by running lower mileage but at faster training paces. My favorite workout is a long "cut down" threshold. I essentially go for 6 miles with a significant increase in pace every 2 miles. The workout is a great blend of both speed and strength."

Why do you run?

"Running is pretty much a part of my life. It's sometime I look forward to doing everyday. It's just become part of my lifestyle. It all started when it became a priority in my competitive tennis and I realized how much I enjoyed it. Racing is my favorite part of running. It gives me a goal to work towards. I love to compete and I like to have the chance to test myself on all the hard work I put in."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorite and why?

"I've been running several of the races for a few years now and plan to continue on in the future. The races are well-organized, accurate distances, VERY competitive, and just fun to be a part of. My favorite race, hands down, is the Columbus 10k. It's the oldest race in town so the history combined with competing on the streets downtown make it an awesome event."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"My advice for those hoping to improve is simple, consistency. I learned a long time ago from my high school coach Denny Hammond that there is no SECRET. The way to get better is to keep going. You always want to keep learning and exploring new ideas on how to train but it boils down to staying out there and putting in the work."

EVA MILLER

Eva Miller, 27, lives in Hudson where she is a Mechanical Engineer. Eva has been running for fifteen years.

When and how did you start running?

"I started running in 7th grade since there was no soccer team to play on at school. I was a sprinter, like most runners seem to start out. That slowly progressed into running cross-country in high school, and moving into the distance events in track. From then on I was sucked into the sport. My mom has been a runner since I was a little kid so it must have rubbed off."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"At this point I'm really working on strength and base mileage when I'm not training specifically for anything. I try and keep miles between 40-50 miles per week with cross training included until I start specific training. At that point, I have a couple cycles of training, which include more interval track type workouts and tempo runs. During my marathon training it's lots of miles, long Tempos, and intervals. The long, steady, strength type workouts are what seem to work best for me. Each year I'm trying to build up the load to gain strength. I try to balance my year so I don't burn out of get injured. My favorite workout is a long Dynamic run which is alternating miles of easy/ medium and hard miles."

Why do you run?

"It's my drug of choice. I'm truly passionate about the sport. Nothing can make me feel better. It a chance to push my limits and see how far I can go. It also keeps me disciplined which carries over to the rest of my life. It's given me the chance to experience things and meet people I never would have otherwise. I'm constantly learning new things. It's a fantastic outlet. It's something I can do for the rest of my life."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix? Which races were your favorite and why?

"The RUNOHIO Grand Prix is great for the local community to have something to keep them motivated and competitive. It exhibits some of the great races available to everyone. There really weren't any races I didn't enjoy with the races included in the series, but if I have to pick my favorite this year, it would have to be the Akron Marathon. It was put together so well and run even better then some of the larger marathons I have competed in. It was an all around great event."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

"Keep at it and stay focused. Things don't always go the way you want them to go, but if you have a plan, and stick with it, something good will result. Have a good balance of recovery with your training. Work on good nutrition to fuel your body. Everyone is different so keep on learning about your body and what works for you. Keep a positive attitude and just work hard, really hard. Be patient and your day will come too."

WOMEN GRAND MASTERS

JEANNIE RICE

Jeannie Rice, 59, lives in Painesville where is a real estate agent. Jeannie has been running for twenty-five years.

When and how did you start running? "

I started running twenty-five years ago to lose weight I gained from a trip to Korea and Japan. I gained seven pounds on a three-week vacation.

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"I try to run six days a week, average 7 miles a day and 40- 50 miles per week. The two or three months before a marathon I add a longer run of 13 to 20 miles. On weekday I run in the morning. On the weekends I run with fellow runners and I 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 part of my life. I enjoy the quite 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 races were your favorites and why?

It's great to participate in the 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. This race brings a lot of fast runners from all over. It is a fast course, well organized and I look forward to it every year."

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

" Enjoy yourself! Always listen to your body and don't over-train. Run with friends, especially when training for a marathon. Always wear reflective clothing when running in the dark."

WOMEN SENIOR

LOUISE MIKLOVIC

Louise Miklovic, 69, is a retired high school teacher and cross-country and track coach. Louise lives in Maumee has been running for over thirty years and has been a track official for over thirty years.

When and how did you start running?

"I started running in 1972 to improve my fitness. The first time I ran on the country road near my home a farmer stopped his truck to see if I needed help. When I told him I was just out running he told me I was crazy. After that he always waved and smiled when he passed me on the roads."

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

"I try to run six days a week. As I have gotten older it doesn't bother me to miss a day. I let my body be my guide. I will do one long run a week and one short run with speed play. The other days go 5-6 mile easy at the park. My favorite run is ten miles on a path next to the Maumee River."

Why do you run?

"I started as fitness runner and that is still and major reason that I run. The friendships are now as special to me as the physical benefits. I don't feel I can stop running without going crazy is probably the real reason."

What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix?

Which races were your favorites and why?

"I enjoy the RUNOHIO Grand Prix series because it give me the opportunity to travel out side my local circle of races and know that the races are going to be safe and well organized. The Minster Octoberfest 10K has great community support and a festive atmosphere. I also like the Glass City Marathon.

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

" Build a good foundation before you challenge yourself to speed and increased mileage. Use a variety of workouts and locations and don' t be to hard on yourself if your have a bad