Celebrate the One’s who do it...

On a beautiful day in Albany, GA – seventeen people from the local Valdosta area traveled to participate and run very well in the Snicker’s Marathon - 26.2 miles - held on March 1st. Four out of the five marathon runners qualified for the 2009 Boston Marathon with their efforts; Rusty Jones [3:15:54], April Scruggs [3:42:13], Yvette Moore [3:50:09] and Kim Megow [4:00:09]. Jodi Durham completed her first attempt at the distance with a 4:36:13.  A total of 371 people finished the marathon. In those numbers, two women over the age of 64 ran the full marathon while two men 70 years young and older also ran.

The half marathon – 13.1 mile event – had 386 people running in this event also. Thomas Phillips lead the Valdosta group with a 1:35:10 placing 13th overall. Ted Welch [1:43:57], Carly Thomas [1:49:41], Sherri Welch [1:56:37], Jodi Harbin [1:56:41], Mandy White [2:05:29], Ada Steele [2:06:44, Caroline Elkins [2:23:04], Leonard Cato [2:30:01], Wylie Estes [2:39:41] with Sheryl Jackson and Erin Willis finishing together with a 2:45:46. Four women 65 years or older and four men 70 years or older ran the half marathon in Albany.

While these people where in Albany, Anna Coggins ran in the Seaside 5K and placed 113th out of 679 runners with a time of 26:37 for the 5K distance. A very good improvement over previous races.

Yesterday, March 8th in Jacksonville. FL – the largest 15K was held and South Georgia was again very well represented. The following results are based on the chip time, or the time it took the individual to cross the start line and then the finish line. With nearly 10,000 other people in the event, not everyone starts at the same time. Ted Welch had the fastest chip time from the area with a time of 1:12:29. Stephanie Powell was the fastest women from the area with a chip time of 1:15:04. All the others who ran from Valdosta, Hahira, Lake Park, Lakeland, Quitman and Adel in chip time order include: Hunter Lane [1:14:50], Melanie Ellis [1:16:58], Danny Swilley [1:17:12], Brandi Faircloth [1:18:39], Heidi Gonzalez [1:18:40], Tag Welch [1:21:17], Sherri Welch [1:21:59], Tracy Cannon [1:26:46], Clay Powell [1:27:27], Gary Glover [1:28:41], Suzan Prince [1:29:53], Elizabeth Vickers [1:30:08], Dana Ganas [1:30:40], Leconya Rhym [1:32:25], Kelly Call [1:32:27], Jean Oliver [1:32:28], Ada Steele [1:32:29], Angie Harris [1:34:22], Zane Eppes [1:34:27], Curt Moreen [1:47:03], Michelle Moxley [1:50:54], and Jamie Brown [1:54:22]. In the 70 to 79 age group, there where 62 men and 16 women who completed the distance. Four ladies and two men who are 80 years or older also completed the distance – and none of them where even close to being last place.

Congratulations to all who have properly trained themselves to represent themselves and our community so very well.

Are you ready to read your name in the paper next time?

Next week – we will report on the successful Azalea Festival Century ride and running event.

More information about events in the surrounding area of Valdosta include:

March 15th - Azalea Festival 5K and 1 mile – This event is open to all runners and walkers who want to complete the 5K or 1 mile distance. Ages of people who have joined in the past are from 4 year olds to 74 years young in either of the two events. The mile is more for the younger children, but anyone can challenge themselves to complete the 1 mile or 5K distance. Applications are available at Get Active and Valdosta-Lowndes Parks and Rec locations plus on line at www.valdostasportsandevents.com .

April 5th – Berrien County 3rd Annual Puppy Trot. This event includes a 4 mile and a 1 mile Dog Walk. The events are open to all walkers and runners, just sign up for the event that appeals to you the most. There is a cool t-shirt with a fun design, awards and medals for all the Dog Walk participants. Proceeds benefit the Berrien County Humane Society.

April 12th – Valwood presents Victory for Victoria, a 10K, 5K and 1 mile event on the Valwood campus. Proceeds benefit the St. Jude’s Brain Research Program. Applications are now available.

April 19th – Hope and Faith 5K Run and Walk is presented by HUMC and SpaceMakers – Custom Closet Interiors.  This is an event to raise money for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Over 140 people enjoyed this event last year with 10 year olds all the way up to 77 year olds joining in on the fun and festivities.

All of these events will be good for the entire family to be involved. Be sure to put the dates on your calendar right now. Applications are either at Get Active, or will be soon.  You will find how much fun and encouraging these events are and you will want to participate in others coming in May thru July 2008, including Baytree 8K on July 4th. Make the decision now to be a part of these events – raise your bar.

There are weekly, FREE activities for the runners and cyclists in the area. Runners can show up at Get Active Running and more on Saturday and Sunday morning at 7AM for all-comer runs from 4 to 8 plus mile runs. For more information on the runs, check out the web page www.getactivevaldosta.com , call or send an email. Cyclists can meet for rides on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the cycling rides, check out the web page at www.azaleacitycyclists.com.

Do you have results you want to share about yourself, a loved one or friend? Do you want to share what motivates you to being active? Send an email to me at Get Active Running and more.

If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an email and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com to get connected. Listen to the Get Active South Georgia radio show on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7PM on Talk 92.1 FM to receive additional information or to ask questions.

Thank you,

Todd & Alice Smoot

GET ACTIVE 
Running and more

GET ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA as heard on Talk 92.1 FM Tuesdays 6 to 7 PM
GET ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA  as read weekly in the Sunday VDT - look for us
www.getactivevaldosta.com
3200-C North Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31602
229-219-0010
229-219-0012 (F)

In the long run, one must have goals to succeed.

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift" Steve Prefontaine