Category Archives: BRAD’S CORNER

Book and Movie Reviews by Brad Zanetti

BRAD'S CORNER, EMPIRE RACES, LOCAL RUNNING

Virtual Resolution Run 2021 – Race report by Brad Zanetti

January 9, 2021 bradz54 1 Comment

Much like the rest of 2020 (and it appears some of 2021), there is no normalcy for the running community and races. We will continue to have virtual “runs” or “challenges”, but please don’t call them races. There is none of the excitement of producing the event, setting it up, and the actual race for the virtual events. This has been going on for 9 months and will continue for at least 3-6 more months (pray for less). Yet it seems that we have adjusted to the events and most of us look forward to them. Those on Strava seemingly join new virtual events weekly and monthly. So for the short term the virtual event is the norm, if that is the right term, and along with training helps keep the sanity.

Despite the fact no one was present, Brad announced the race, hoping his voice would still be heard on New Year’s Day.

The virtual version of the revered Phaby-Gray Run spanned 4 days (12/29-1/1), and was to be run solo in a Covid safe manner on a 5K course of your choice which could include the PTP course, be timed by oneself and the results sent to the Empire Runner site. For all of that, 75 Grand Prix points were awarded to all GP recipients. Yet with no chance to race for age group points, no winners shirts and no raffle gifts/giveaways, still more than 50 officially entered and a number of unofficial entrants completed the run. This a testament to the impact of running/training and racing on our lives.

I was more than happy to mark the course and with help of many set up and record the event. I would like to thank Tanya, Dale, Andrea, Margaret and Robert for all of their efforts. With help we were able to provide course maps, videos and written directions on the PTP and 2 close by options. We thank you for your participation and hope you enjoyed the event. Hopefully next year we will be back to a big Resolution race complete with donut holes, winners shirts and age group gifts and a cool raffle.

RACE DAY (uh I mean run day):

As is my norm I showed up at PTP at 07:45 under the shadow of tule fog and sub 35 degree temps. I began course marking at the turnaround when the first runners of the day showed up coming my way. By the time I finished course marking and my warmup, the Sun was breaking through the fog, the temp had increased to 39 and it was time to get in my run. The reality of virtual runs is they are difficult to do solo and maintain a high pace. The rather cool weather is nice and the norm for the Phaby-Gray, as is the early morning tule fog. As I finished my run and warmdown another half a dozen runners completed their runs and all told about 15-20 runners ran on course on New Years Day.

Imagining a herd of Empire Runners poised to race, Brad sounds the horn with no one present, feeling nostalgic about races past.

Before I left PTP I noted the beauty of the morning, the crisp clean air and the QUIET. Yes, the quiet. As I realized I didn’t miss the anxiety of race day directing, making sure everything is progressing for setup with race time hanging over my head. I didn’t miss answering questions, course marking, setting up the raffle and working the PA system all at the same time (Did the city come and open the bathrooms?! NO? S#&T!). I was not missing clean up.

That being said, what I was missing was the sounds of all of this going on, the excitement of the sound of the horn and the start, watching a myriad of runners prepare for the start, wishing I, too, would get to race. I was missing the “Happy New Years” well wishing, sharing a moment with many runners and the crew. I was missing ‘people’ as is the new norm (again that word). I missed, “Runners, take your mark, SSEEETTT, (Horn Blast). I missed the opening sprint led by many children (including a few Skanderas) most to be passed in the first half mile as the race takes shape. I missed the 1K return where the race is usually set for the TOP 10.

And of course, I missed the finish line spitting out as many names, times and anecdotes as humanly possible. I missed those from our running community that are no longer with us. And finally I missed the post race bowling tournament (Double Decker), a cold beer, college bowl games on the tele and pizza dinner. Well we will just have to wait until next year.

The truth is, Brad did have to go to the bathroom, but it was locked, so he had to run home immediately after the photo was taken.

It was great to see many of you running with Covid safety and the Empire Runners would like to thank you for that. Continued Covid adherence by the running community will allow us to continue providing Virtual Runs on a monthly basis.

Stay healthy, run safe and hope to actually “see” you again.

Thank you,

Brad Zanetti

Race Director

Empire Runners of Sonoma County

2018 Posts, BRAD'S CORNER, EMPIRE RACES

The 2018 Phaby-Gray Resolution Run – Race Director’s Report

January 4, 2018 Doug Murdoch Leave a comment

The 2018 Phaby-Gray Resolution Run – Race Director’s Report, By Race Director Brad Zanetti / Photos by Dave DeSelle

Jan. 1, 2018 unlike last year when we were engulfed in ‘pea soup’ –like fog until race time, this morning started clear and sharply cool (high 30s). Sunrise shone warm yellow cirrocumulus cloud formations. In short order the early morning sun rose brightly and warm; yet the air temperature remained cool. In short, “perfect racing weather!” Just before 8am the Empire Runner setup/timing crew descended on Place to Play Park to prepare the course and get ready for this years Resolution Phaby-Gray Run.

By 10am, 241 runners toed the line and summoned by the blast of a marine horn were off. By the end of the first loop of the soccer fields UC Santa Cruz’ Dante Capone (Analy HS) had taken control of the race with 18yo Patrick Lynch following closely and Vojta Ripa further back in 3^rd place. On the women’s side Petaluma’s Sarah Hallas led the women running in 8^th Place overall and had a large lead over #2 Lisa Renteria who, in turn, had a large gap over 13 year old Sarah Skandera. The racers continued out and around the collecting pond, out the West gate on the Santa Rosa Creek Trail heading east past Malibu Circle to the turn around (~2.4 miles). Around 14:30 on the clock the slight figure of Dante Capone appeared alone on the trail behind the baseball field. With a strong finish, Dante was easily first and broke the course record in 15:23(4:57 pace). A devastating kick by Vojta Ripa found him passing Patrick Lynch in the closing 150 meters, finishing 2^nd in 16:25 with Patrick holding 3^rd in 16:29.

It did not take long for the sighting of the first woman, Sarah Hallas finishing in a fine 17:42, 8^th place overall. The gap between Sarah and 2^nd place finisher Lisa Renteria was almost exactly the same as the mens race as Lisa finished in 18:46. Sarah Skandera rounded out the top 3 in 19:52. For another 36 minutes, runners and walkers circumvented the course finishing in differing levels of exhaustion but all seemed happy to have done so.

It was a beautiful morning and a great way to start the New Year. An award ceremony and raffle followed with a bevy of items provided by the 3 local running stores: Heart and Sole, Fleet Feet and HRC; and a large number of items from Lagunitas Brewing. All children 12 and under received a rainbow finishers ribbon. There were many smiles as the crowd left with their booty in hand.

The atmosphere was fantastic and the race ran well and on time (Bob Shor would have been proud). We will miss his smile and booming voice but his presence will always be felt. It takes a lot of volunteers and diligence to make the event run smoothly and I would like to thank them specifically. I apologize for those I miss.

First I would like to thank Jerry Lyman and his timing crew (Mike McGuire, Jacqueline Gardina). Jerry doesn’t just time the event. He has a hand in most of the aspects of each of our events and every race coordinator is deeply indebted to him (and this from a guy I remember telling all of us about 3-4 years ago at our monthly meeting that he was ‘retiring’ from these duties.) Thank you Jerry for ‘retiring’.

This particular race is heavily dependent on the huge effort by Luis and Melanie Rosales and the Piner Cross Country team. Short of the timing tent, the Piner group has their hands in almost every other aspect of race day duties and without them I would be there at 7am and wouldn’t leave until after 1pm and the job done would be substandard.

Thirdly we need to thank our 3 local running stores; Heart and Sole, Fleet Feet and Healdsburg Running Company (HRC) who not only provide a presence at our events, many items for the raffle and the cool Top 3 shirts (Heart and Sole) but so positively impact our running community. These are not just running shoe stores, though their value for just proper shoe sizing and selection is a given. It is all of the other stuff they provide: clothing, nutrition items, books, auxiliary running gear, and most importantly in my mind, their sense of community with weekly runs, pub runs, in store parties and raffles, xc/track spike nights, speakers and post Tubbs Fire shoe and clothing drives. They have so positively impacted our running community I can’t picture local running without them. They have partnered with Empire Runners to make Sonoma County a running mecca and I can’t thank them enough.

Next I would like to thank Lagunitas Brewery for their continued support and donating many items and beer for all of our age group winners (21 and older) and the raffle. And speaking of raffle I would like to highlight my daughter Michelle, my son-in-law Zach and Val Sell for improving the raffle experience. We will continue to try to make this positive for everyone. I apologize if you didn’t get something (although there were a lot of coasters and magnets left J). There were many others who helped with setup and breakdown and I thank you.

I would like to thank the City of Santa Rosa for allowing us to use Place to Play Park. Its open parking, easy entrance/exit and flat and fast course make it a great place to put on the race.

Finally, I would to thank the Empire Runners for their continued support of Sonoma County running. We are a growing group, from around 200 several years ago to now over 800. For one fee you get to be part of a great group with FREE races, FREE track meets and the chance to volunteer (also FREE!) and shape how we impact the community. Our one fund raiser, Kenwood Footrace, provides us with ability to positively impact the community in many ways, including: Free events, Scholarship Program, Trail Management (Annadel) which we support with money and manpower, Children programs (Girls on the Run, ID26.2, etc), Local High School Cross Country events/sponsorship, SouthEast Greenway Project to name but a few. We support many of the other races on our local running calendar as well. In short we are a very active group and continue to need a new infusion of energy and ideas. Please consider coming to our monthly meetings and see where you can be involved or just come out to an event and ask where you can help.

One last thank you to all of the runners who came out yesterday and who make this race the way they want to start the New Year annually. Looking forward to seeing you all again next year.

Age Group Results:

Male Female

12 and under

Numa Crist(12) 19:59 1. Ruth Skandera(8) 22:44
Triston Liggett(12) 22:42 2. Rebekah Skandera(12) 22:50
Paul Skandera(7) 23:32 3. Aurora Nicolas(10) 23:27

13-20

Patrick Lynch(18) 16:29 1. Sarah Skandera(13) 19:52
Luca Mazzanti(19)17:10 2. Molly Koslowski(18) 21:15
Job Skandera(16) 17:16 3. Samantha Moberly(16)27:07

21-29

Dante Capone(21) 15:23(CR) 1. Gretchen Forrey(29) 22:24
Vojta Ripa(28) 16:25 2. Amanda Cream(29) 27:24
Brian Goodwin(25) 16:54 3. Emillie Feenan(25) 29:19

30-39

Jesus Frutos(36) 18:00 1. Sarah Hallas(38) 17:42
Daniel Karbousky(33)19:26 2. Lisa Renteria(39)18:46
Bruce Tuohy(31) 21:07 3. Renee Chaffin(31)24:08

40-49

Kenny Brown(48) 17:48 1. Karen F Teuscher(41) 20:56
Vince Viloria(40) 20:17 2. Kerry Hanlon(45) 21:15
Michael Moberly 21:59 3. Kerry Gesell(44) 23:25

50-59

1.Guy Shott(54) 18:02 1. Valerie Sell(53) 21:38

2. Anderson Howard(56) 19:31 2. Nuvit Salz(57) 22:37

3.Phillipe Thibault(52) 20:13 3. Chris Martindill 25:07

60-69

Frank Cuneo(62)21:17 1. Ann Thrupp(60) 22:19
Don Lindsay(64) 21:30 2. Karen Kissick(60)23:57
Lon Wiley(69) 21:43 3. Dara Hill(65) 26:22

70-79

Bob Holland (73) 25:36 1. Abbie Stewart(74) 32:18
“Hutch”(74) 25:46 2. Sherri Guinn(71) 37:51
Don Sampson(70)32:49 3. Kathleen Macpherson(77)

80 and over

Dan Touhy(82) 36:09
Darryl Beardall(81) 44:47

2017 Posts, AUGUST 2017, Books, BRAD'S CORNER

Brad’s Corner – August Book Review

August 5, 2017 gardinac Leave a comment

“On Sundays We Go Long”, A Novel by, Ty Strange, BeachLife Books, Santa Rosa, CA, 2017, pp 485

This is the second novel of the Empire’s very own Ty Strange. His first novel a few years ago (2014), “Hunt for Wolf_Eyes”, was a good first book and as previously reviewed was not a running book. As I stated during that review it was and still is a very worthwhile read. But what I (we) are always looking for is a great fiction running book (probably should be written by a runner). Some previous positively reviewed fiction running books have included: The John L Parker, Jr trilogy (“Again to Carthage” et al) and “100 Miles to Destiny” by Willis B McCarthy. Even before reading his first novel I asked Ty if a fiction running book was in his future and he assured me there was. Well three plus years later here it is.

With great excitement I began reading, “On Sundays We Go Long”. Unlike any other book I have read in recent history I had an inkling of what the book would be like or at least I thought I did. I knew it was a book about running (an activity we readily do), about a group of age group racers (kind of like us), who run regularly in the hills and trails of Santa Rosa (again like us) and whose lives are intermeshed outside of running (sound familiar?). And unlike many of those other books my first readings of “On Sundays We Go Long” were difficult, slow and frankly not what I expected.

In fact it took me about 100 pages before I had fleshed out the characters and got my mind wrapped around the storyline. I say this because in no other book have I been so insistent on trying to figure out exactly who each character IS in relation to one of the many characters who reside currently in the Empire Runner Empire. I also say this because this is a fiction book and my insistence hindered my getting involved in the story line. If you read the book allow yourself to read it for what it is and immerse yourself in the storyline. After fleshing out the characters I thoroughly enjoyed the ride; a season of Cross Country (XC) racing in the PAUSATF NorCal circuit, specific workouts (felt like I was running in the races, trails, etc) and the relationships of this “fictional” band of brothers.

I think this is a very worthy read. The author has a lifetime of running history to draw on and it shows yet it is not just a story of 5 guys running around in shorts. It is much more than that with some twists and turns to keep the reader interested. By the end it was a very good running story, written by a runner for runners. Though I think it shouldn’t be relegated to just runners or local readers. I think the story line is more global than that. Yet I did definitely lose myself in what was familiar and so I think this is a story for runners everywhere but a must read for those who live and race locally or on the circuit. I think it is a great addition to any runners library and although I am not sure who else will be reading this review, enjoying “On Sundays We Go Long” shouldn’t be limited to just us runners.

You can pickup a copy at Amazon(Kindle/Book)

Rating: 4.5/5

Brad Zanetti
Brad’s Corner

2017 Posts, BRAD'S CORNER, JULY 2017

Brad’s Corner – Happy Bastille Day 2017

July 14, 2017 gardinac 1 Comment

July 14, 2017, Happy Bastille Day. To those of you not interested in the history of France evert your eyes for a couple of paragraphs. This national holiday originated with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. This action was a major turning point of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a fortress-prison often holding political dissidents and authors whose writings angered the Nobel class. As such, the Bastille was a symbol of absolutism of the Monarchy. As it turns out, the Bastille was also a storage facility of guns, ammunition and gun powder. So quicker than you could say, BAM – ZOOM, the peasant/working class had made their mark and statement to the ruling class and the trajectory of the French Revolution was forever changed.

But enough of my simple version of history, Bastille Day for me marks the midpoint of the Tour de France bicycle race. And the big question is; Will this be the year a French rider wins the Bastille Day Stage (14 this year)? For those of you who have been following this years version of the TdF, it has definitely been interesting and remarkably close this deep into the event (8 stages left). From the rain slicked opening stage (Prologue) with a myriad of crashes and crash outs through multiple stages of intense heat and more slick roads and even more bad crash outs this years Tour has had a fabulous storyline. In contrast to most of the tours this century, the race is very close with 4 riders within 35 seconds of the leader (yellow jersey wearer-maille jeune) and the top 10 all within 5 minutes of the podium.

Today’s race continued this story of close racing, multiple attacks, riders taking chances on downhills and tightening of the general classification results. In fact just today, the top 10 riders overall ended up in the top 10 of the day’s stage, and for the first time since 2005, a Frenchman (Warren Barguil) won the Bastille Day Stage. Not only was Barguil brought to tears but so was most of France (or maybe the tears were from Trump’s visit – I don’t know 🙂

The results of Stage 14:

Warren Barguil (France)
Nairo Quintana (Colombia)
Alberto Contador (Spain)

GC results (total of 14 stages): (Over 1500 miles)

Fabio Aru (Italy) Yellow Jersey
Chris Froome (RSA) 6 seconds back
Romain Bardet (France) 25 seconds back
Rigoberto Uran (Colombia 35 seconds back

Jersey Holders:

Yellow (1^st Place) – Fabio Aru

Polka Dot (climber) – Warren Barguil

White (top under 25yo) – Sean Yates

Green (sprinter) – Marcel Kittel

Top Team – Sky

So maybe you are wondering why the TdF update. Well I thought:

1- A fair amount of runners also follow the TdF.

2- It is Bastille Day.

3- A book review will be coming soon including a mention of the book, “The Secret Race”, by Tyler Hamilton.

For those of you who remember of the Pre-2013 TdF you might remember a guy named, Lance Armstrong, who dominated the tour for about 10 years, tried to cure cancer and then came clean(?) on how he cheated the whole time on Oprah. Well not exactly entirely clean, but it was a start. Frankly I never met anyone who didn’t back Lance for most of this tenure and many didn’t believe it even after the Oprah interview. But now years later (anybody know where Lance is, anybody care?) does having more answers to how far he went to cheat and keep from getting caught interest you? Well if it does, consider this book by Tyler Hamilton a must read. It is informative, I believe accurate (if you followed this closely I think you will agree) and well written. It has the pace of a mystery adventure novel and I highly recommend it. I will leave the reader to write their own review.

Also coming soon will be the review of 2 running books:

1- “The Longest Fall”, by, Lee Krinsky

2- “On Sundays We Go Long”, by, Ty Strange (fellow ER member and XC National teammate(2011)

I will begin the review this weekend, but a here’s a teaser line:

“I enjoyed it and everything from the book cover to the storyline itself will be familiar to many Empire Runners who have run the PAUSATF XC Circuit and our many trails in Annadel and Santa Rosa Creek. You might even recognize some of the characters.”

This is Ty’s second novel and one runners have been looking for: A novel written by a runner for a runner.

Keep reading:

Brad Zanetti
Brad’s Corner

BRAD'S CORNER, DECEMBER 2016

Brad’s Corner – What’s under the Christmas Tree? (running in neutral)

December 10, 2016 Dale Peterson Leave a comment

This is the time of the year when many of you will be treating yourself to an (early) Christmas present. Or if you are lucky enough to have a family member or significant other who is also a runner you might be looking to place a surprise under the Tree. Lucky for you there are literally hundreds of choices for your hard earned dollars. And there are dozens of styles of shoes from trail to road to racing flats, from zero drop to modified drop to full drop, from maximal to neutral to motion control. The choices and combinations can seem endless at times and that’s before you take into account if you like the color, the color combination or choice of colors for an individual product.

This article won’t be all inclusive but rather what has and has not worked for me over this last year. Since it is my personal experience with some generalizations let me just start by saying that there are a number of shoe companies I haven’t even tried yet or just don’t use much. Probably the largest company I don’t ever buy is Asics. That being said I think they make a great shoe and millions are sold; they have just not been for me. Contrarily I did test run their new DynaFlyte shoe, a maximally cushioned neutral shoe which felt great and I may find them on my shelf in the future (though a bit pricey at $140). I also have not tried any Altra products but I see more and more people wearing them and loving them so I guess there will be a test run or two in them for for me in the future as well.

To further understand where I am coming from you must be aware of my stats and eccentricities. I am a male, 62 years old, short (5’7”) and stocky (165lbs). I have been running off and on for 47 years and consistently for the past 25 years. I average around 40+ miles per week. I have trained to race for the last 10 years which means: tempo, track and hill repeats, long runs, pickups, drills and fartlek. I train alone and with multiple groups. In short I have put in a lot of running miles. I also played ball sports until I was 45 (softball, basketball). I have had a number of foot, ankle, knee and hip injuries that have made me miss running time. The bottom line of all of this is after making many slow changes I now tend to choose neutral, low drop(~4mm, not zero drop), cushioned and light shoes(<10oz, size 9).

This last year I have had 7-8 shoes move in and out of my stable. If you have read previous reviews you may remember my love of Hoka shoes especially for the over 50 set (50 years or 50 mi/wk). Well I just retired my last pair of Clifton 1’s (yes I shed a tear or two).

But my smile has returned as I am 60 miles into the Clifton 3 and what a remake; nearly perfect (the tongue is, shall I say it, Voluptuous?!) Both the tongue and insert are almost too plush and in a perfect shoe could be minimized to shave of a bit of weight but they feel great out of the box (10 miles on day 1, perfectly settled in by day 3). I tried the Clifton 2 and hated it ( 1 snap). Hoka narrowed up the shoe box to the point of foot pain for me (and a lot of others hence the rapid update time for the ‘3’). Just be careful if you are getting the Clifton 2 on a great deal.

Hoka Clifton 3 – 8.5oz, 5mm drop, maximal cushioned, neutral, road sole but I use them all over the mountain/trails.

If you like these see also: Challenger 3(9.5oz, Clifton with trail sole)

Instinct(8.4oz, 3mm, trail sole)

I put 30 miles on the Hoka Claytons (7.5oz, road sole) and didn’t fall in love with these as I thought I would and also had some foot pain issues with these as well. Thought to be more of a performance shoe, I didn’t get that at all. If that was the goal consider the Tracer.

I just retired the Kinvara 5’s from Saucony and have used all of the models from the original to the 5 over the last 5 years. I have loved the feel of every pair I have owned. The Kinvara 6 felt weird in the store so I haven’t ever owned a pair. Now that I am out of Kinvaras I will check out the model 7. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Also most of the new Saucony models have a new cushion technology-Everrun. I am looking forward to try new models with this tech.

Saucony Kinvara- 7.8 oz, 4mm drop, cushioned, neutral performance shoe.

A new model for me this year is the Saucony Zealot which I have absolutely loved each and everytime I have put them on. They are a heavier more cushioned version of the Kinvara and are a perfect easy-day shoe. They run very smooth with efficient turnover and are well cushioned for long easy miles. I have run in a couple of pairs of Rides and find the Zealots far superior(as a side, I liked the Rides as well)

Saucony Zealot – 9.6oz, 4mm drop, cushioned, neutral, smooth

From another large company that I haven’t run in for 10 years, I tried the Adidas Boost Boston. I have been very happy with these except for the foot box is a bit narrow, but they work very well as a speed day shoe especially along flat trails(SR Creek) and up to say the 2^nd bridge on canyon trail and smooth hill repeats. The Boost foam is pretty amazing stuff both responsive and cushioned. The Boston uses a thin layer in the forefoot which limits the use for me.

Adidas Boost Boston – 8.8oz, 10mm drop, neutral, performance.

Also picked up a pair of Supernovas for work. A more cushioned shoe, I haven’t run in them but they are a plush choice for long walks with your honey.

Through the years I have raced in many New Balance road and cross country flats and spikes; the 1400’s and 1600’s. After about a year of hearin about Freshfoam tech from NB I ventured to try the Fresh Foam Zante. The FF Zante is another neutral, cushioned, performance oriented shoe for fast training and the occasional road race. They feel lighter than their stated weight and have a glovelike fit. I have enjoyed every run with them with my only complaint bein that they wear a bit fast (maybe 250mi max) and you feel the pebbles underfoot.

NB Zante – 8.6oz, 6mm drop, neutral, cushioned, performance.

I am still looking for the perfect trail specific shoe (any help out there?). I have tried the NB Hierro. I don’t love them but am still trying. Will update when I have made a final decision. In looking for a lightweight, trail specific shoe which could be light enough to race on (my feet cant handle XC flats any longer and road flats often don’t have enough traction). With that in mind I ventured toward the NB Vazee Summit TR, a trail specific shoe with a rock plate. First of all they are on the Vazee last which for me is a bit narrow through the instep; so much that I had to go for the wide version. This fixed the fit issue and they feel light and responsive on first try and feel good on dirt but with the rock plate a bit harsh on roads. I have used them on trail/hill runs of less than 8 miles and a 6.5mi trail race at Folsom Lake. They worked well at the race on a rainy Saturday. I get into a little trouble if the downhills exceed Lake Ilsanjo to Spring Lake. For me the cushioning is not adequate for a run down from South Burma to Spring Lake.

NB Vazee Summit TR- 8.8oz, rock plate, neutral, varied trail running.

Well I have my eyes on other models from Hoka, NB and Brooks. Maybe its time stretch my horizons to the Altra Lone Pine. Zero drop(all Altras) may be a deal breaker though. Well Christmas is just around the corner so don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a slick new pair of running shoes.

BRAD'S CORNER, NOVEMBER 2016

Brad’s Corner – Do You Know Steve Prefontaine?

November 7, 2016 Dale Peterson 1 Comment

Do You Know Steve Prefontaine?

Part I (The Early Years) by Brad Zanetti

As I sit in my writing chair, wearing my OU green and gold Prefontaine Memorial Run sweatshirt and spying the iconic RIP picture of Steve running at Hayward Field, I am remembering how impacted I felt when I first heard of his car wreck and demise. I have always been a huge Prefontaine fan (Prefontaine-o-phile?). I can’t tell you how many times I have been to Pre’s Rock or have run on Pre’s trail at Alton Baker Park in Eugene. I have been to Coos Bay multiple times and made a roadtrip with my son, Michael, his 8^th grade year to race in the Pre Memorial Run where we met Pre’s younger sister, Linda and his mother, Elfriede. In a strange bit of fate, Michael and Pre share the same birthdate, Jan. 25. Just this last summer during our quadrennial visit to the Olympic Trials in Eugene we met Neta, Steve’s older sister and shared many thoughts with her at Pre’s Rock.

I have read everything I can get my hands on about Steve in hard copy and the web so I thought, why not share my interest via a multipart article?

Steve Prefontaine was a meteor in full glow, not a sleepy permanent planet. In the world of track and field from 1966-1975 he was, in a word, a phenomenon and known worldwide simply as, “Pre”. He was brash, fearless and outspoken and at least in the USA, invincible. Watching him race fearlessly from the front, backing up his talk was a thrill to his admirers and frustrating to his competitors.

In short, you were either a fan of Pre or you weren’t. I, obviously, am a Fan! If you only know him as a world class runner you are missing the whole story. He was so much more than just that, most of which wasn’t even known by those who thought they knew him. Even to those who were close to him were in agreement; it was difficult to get close to him but it was so worthwhile if Pre let you in. If you only are aware of his running history and multitude of quotes(misquotes?) you may be surprised of his many other exploits. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

…On Jan 25, 1951 Steven Roland Prefontaine was welcomed to his family home on Elrod St in Coos Bay, Oregon by his dad, Ray, his Mom, Elfriede and his sister, Neta. 2 years later Pre’s little sister, Linda, was added to the Prefontaine household and they lived a happy, near idyllic life in the hardscrabble, often harsh coastal town.

Steve was raised in a clean, neat household with rules and chores. His parents were hardworking, Ray a carpenter/welder and Elfriede a seamstress. Hard work was the expectation in their logging/ocean fishing community. Ray had met his future wife in Germany during WWII and brought her back to his hometown.

Having spoken German most of his early years posed a problem for Steve when he started school, making him Initially shy and reserved. Steve was a very energetic child who had early difficulties in school as well. Combined with his short stature(barely 5 feet and 100 pounds in the eighth grade) and not making the football team, Steve was less than confident in many situations. Still he was very athletic and strong for his size and was searching for an outlet for his special abilities, a sport of toughness for a person with something to prove.

To truly understand Pre you have to appreciate growing up in Coos Bay, a logging and fishing village where hard work is a given. The terrain and weather is harsh with toughness a badge of courage. Perhaps because of its isolation sports are enthusiastically followed, especially football and basketball and the pressure to participate is intense. Hence, the Varsity letter from Marshfield High is a sign of manhood that follows you long after you graduate. (Think ‘Hoosiers’).

In 8^th grade, Steve noticed the cross country team practicing. He thought, who would run 2-3 hours a day? During a 3 week conditioning program in PE he noticed in the 660y and 1320yd runs he got faster the longer the distance (4^th overall for the 1320y). He joined cross country freshman year and started the season #7 man, but ended up #2 man and 53^rd at State. Track was less auspicious finishing up with a 5:01 PR in the mile. Sophmore year XC State Meet, Steve began to show his special qualities, pushing the state mile champion and eventual XC champion to the finish, even passing them before finishing 6^th overall. He was nearly inconsolable, screaming, “Lets run it again!”

What really focused Steve’s desire to be special was failing to make the State 2 mile championship his sophmore year after the promising XC finish partly due to his incessant running around yelling encouragement to his teammates. Even at this young age his focus, team orientation, leadership and ability to accept severe punishment, mentally and physically during training was legendary. His junior year summer training (including 2 workouts daily year round) led to being undefeated and winning a state championship in XC and a state record 9:01.3 in the 2 mile on the track. By this time, the moniker ‘Pre’, was the norm and much of Coos Bay is scheduling time to watch their precocious ‘son’. Pre is the boy who is always running and his 6am daily runs are peppered with waves from the garbagemen, bread truck drivers and street cleaners. This is the beginning of his feeling of responsibility for ‘his people’ started in Coos Bay and cultivated in Eugene.

Pre’s senior year again was punctuated with an undefeated XC season and state championship which led to unprecedented track goals of 1:52 half mile, 3:56 mile, 9:00 2 mile by the end his senior year. By April Pre was ready to attack the national High School 2 mile record held by Rick Riley in 8:48.4. On a very cool night at the Corvallis Invite running alone Pre, feeling nervous, started out in a slow 69 second first quarter mile but he got back on track quickly running a negative 2^nd mile with a 61.5 last quarter and a new national record of 8:41.5 by nearly 7 seconds. As the Marshfield High track team was in a close battle for first further record attempts were traded for a mile/ 2 mile double of 4:07/9:03 at the State Meet. Pre was satisfied with this result and the national 2 mile record in particular led to a huge gain in his confidence.

His senior year was also non stop recruiting and something Pre wasn’t comfortable with. His Marshfield coach, Walt McClure, took over and steered the recruiting path. Pre was interested in going to the University of Oregon where legendary Bill Bowerman coached many world and American record holders or Oregon State. But Pre was perplexed that Bowerman had not visited him but rather had sent some of his U of O runners and an assistant. His pride bruised, Pre finally received a handwritten note from Bowerman stating that if Pre came to U of O he would make him the best distance runner ever. That was all Pre needed to hear. He was to be a Duck. After his acceptance Bill Bowerman sent an open letter to the community of Coos Bay thanking them for their part in Steve’s success so far and that if he kept his eye on the target and his dedication with his background he would become the greatest distance runner in the world. With that Bill Bowerman picked Pre and Pre picked the U of O. All that was left was the mile at the national meet in Sacramento, the Golden West Invitational won by Pre in a high school PR of 4:06. That ended his high school career…And almost immediately he made the plunge into world class competition.

Next month: Do you know Steve Prefontaine? – Part II (The College Years)

BRAD'S CORNER, SEPTEMBER 2016

Brad’s Corner

September 7, 2016 Dale Peterson Leave a comment

“First Ladies of Running”, Amby Burfoot, Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA, 2016, pp275

A new book landed on my Kindle library a couple of months ago. Actually a few books did but I had lost track of the iPad and have gotten behind in my reading. This particular book interested me due to the content: twenty-two short stories – inspiring profiles of the rebels, rule-breakers, and visionaries who changed the sport (womens running) forever; with a foreword by Shalane Flanagan. And the author, Amby Burfoot.

Amby Burfoot was an outstanding distance runner (Boston Marathon winner 1968) and is an outstanding writer and editor for Runners World. He has written four other books about running, all well worth a good read. His marathon PR set in 1968 in Fukuoka Japan in 2:14.28 was only one second off the American record at the time.

At the age of 70, Amby continues to run today including the Boston Marathon annually and he has run the Manchester Road Race fifty-four times in a row as of this year. If you have read Runners World you have undoubtably read one of his many articles. Amby is a veritable running historian.

What he has brought to the table in this, his fifth book, is a complete history of women’s development and impact in the running world; our world. Whether your recollection of the history of women runners may be the indelible photo of Jock Semple chasing after Kathy Switzer and attempting to physically extricate her from the 1967 Boston Marathon or equally indelible photo of Mary Decker down on the infield during the 1984 Olympics 3000M and Zola Budd looking back, you will have a complete understanding of the road that has been travelled.

I suspect that many readers of this review will recall the span of time between when women weren’t allowed in road races, through the first women running in marathons, Title IX with its many implications, to the first women’s Olympic Marathon in Los Angeles in 1984. Some of our readers were likely impacted by such and may have gotten their running start with the original Avon 10K/Marathon series. I also imagine there are some women readers who have never heard of Title IX and take running in local and national races for granted (as they should).

Prior to 1928 women were only allowed to run up to 200m by the powers that be (Men!) because it was thought they would injure their reproductive organs. At the 1928 Olympics women were allowed to run 800M. At the end of the race, one collapsed to the track and several looked tired and in pain (as did the men in their race). Because of this it wasn’t until 1960 (Rome) that women were again allowed to run 800m. Then in 1972 the 1500M (metric mile) was added to the Olympic schedule (as a result of women jumping into long road races/marathons in the mid 60’s?). In 1984 the 3K and marathon were added (thanks to the international Avon series). In 1988 the 10K was added and in 1996 the 3K was extended to the 5K. The steeplechase wasn’t added until 2008.

[Editors note: at this time men and women compete in all of the same standard distances the only exception being the 110M hurdles for men vs 100M hurdles for women]

Yes, you have come a long way baby. Of the many rights that took so long to achieve; voting, equal opportunity to education (college, post-graduate, medical and law schools), to have to fight for the right to be free to run in a road race seems almost ridiculous and at the same time it is an activity, to me, that is basic to life. I am happy that in my life I have had the opportunity to run with and against women in many races beginning at Central Jr High in San Carlos when a young lady named, Roberta ‘Bobbi” Clapham, could out sprint all of the boys. The first real race of my life was in 1970 (Age 15) at the Bay to Breakers where I was passed by many women many of whom were not only better trained but were frankly superior to me. And for the last 45+ years I have looked forward to running with women especially the shared experience of training and racing together multiple times a week.

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely. I think everyone should read it. It is an important part of the history of our sport and lifestyle. The format of twenty-two short stories makes it a book that can be read all at once or over time. It would even make a nice nightly read of one or two chapters but I found that reading it as one story allows for more fertile connections between the intricacies and interactions of each woman depicted.

As an avid fan of all things running for most of my life and a reader of running history it always intrigues me when a book is informative and adds to my knowledge base. Amby Burfoot has written an excellent and informative book for everyone including children and adolescents. If the history of women’s running is of interest to you this is a must read.

Rating: Excellent *****5/5

AUGUST 2016, BRAD'S CORNER

Brad’s Corner – by Brad Zanetti

August 10, 2016 Dale Peterson Leave a comment

“SHOE DOG, a memoir”, by, Phil Knight (creator of NIKE), Simon and Schuster, New York, 2016, pp. 383.

For those of you who are regular readers of this blog and my particular posts you may have read my review(s) of the trilogy of books about NIKE. I have reviewed each book individually and mentioned them in the Christmas wish list posted in the December 2015 blog. To this list I will now add the aforementioned “Shoe Dog” a memoir written by THE Phil Knight, the creator of NIKE (along with Bill Bowerman). The other 3 books are:

1- “Out of Nowhere” , by Geoff Hollister

2- “Swoosh”, by JB Strasser and Laurie Becklund

3- “Bowerman and The Men of Oregon”, by Kenny Moore.

The first two books were written by former employees, employees who had some kind of falling out with Mr. Knight. The third book, written by Kenny Moore, was written with a bit of the voice of Bill Bowerman but also included insight from many of the U of O athletes and Nike employees for a rounded storyline. I felt “Out of Nowhere” written by Geoff Hollister, one of the original inner circle employees, gave a bit more of the inside story without pulling all of the punches. “Swoosh” was written by an inner circle employee(Strasser) who ended up being fired (or did he quit?) at great odds with Phil Knight (in fact in SHOE DOG, Phil mentions he wishes that he and Strasser could have reconciled but forgiveness wasn’t in eithers makeup. Since “Swoosh” was written by a disgruntled employee, it is the most expose’ like in its approach. “Shoe Dog” is definitely written in ‘vanilla’ like manner.

I am not sure which book about NIKE is closest to the truth but I feel ‘Shoe Dog’ is written in a veiled manner to give Phil Knight and NIKE the best appearance. Although some of the story seemed purposely incomplete, Knight’s writing style is quite good and makes for a smooth and easy read. Of course, as is my style, I would advise reading all four books now but if you can only stomach one book about NIKE I would read ‘Out of Nowhere” by Geoff Hollister. If you want to read all of the ‘dirt’, then read only, ‘Swoosh’. If you want to read a sanitized version of the author and owner of NIKE, then read ‘Shoe Dog’.

In grading this book I will split up the grades for readability and storyline:

Readability: 4/5

Storyline: 3/5

Overall: 3.5/5

Lastly, I feel any and all of the books are a worthwhile read. Take a chance(s?) and learn the true story of NIKE, Inc.

BRAD'S CORNER, JUNE 2016

Brad’s Corner, by Brad Zanetti

June 1, 2016 bradz54 Leave a comment

“The Boys in the Boat”, by, Daniel James Brown, Penguin Books, New York, New York, 2013, pp 370.

In the past I have reviewed mostly books about runners and running, for runners and running, written by a runner or had running in the title(how slick?!). So on a great recommendation from a friend(and the Sonoma Gals Book Club) I began reading a book about rowing, specifically the nine-man crew that went to the 1936 Berlin Olympics with a quest for the Gold Medal. Now I straight up don’t know a lot about rowing and although I watch it during the Olympics I don’t follow the sport regularly. Still, I felt this book was a great choice for two main reasons: 1) It’s an Olympic year and June is Olympic month and 2) I am fascinated with the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin and the politics of the era.

Upon starting the book I kind of read over the quote that begins each chapter. As it turns out each quote or thought is by a man named George Yeoman Pocock. In chapter three his character is formulated and it turns out that Mr. Pocock is a former rower from England who is a (the) master builder of the 8 man cedar shell (boat). In fact the Pocock shell is still considered the premiere shell. Well I went back and restarted reading the quotes prior to each paragraph and found that they added much to the storyline.

In lieu of giving a detailed telling of the story (’cause why would you read it then?) let me just say this is one of the finest sport stories I have ever read. Character development was excellent and complete. You really feel like you know what makes each character tick. Each chapter covers a number of storylines and character developments and repeats them in a way that makes you part of a story, part of the character’s life – a part of history.

The historical time frame covered extends from the late 1800’s through 1943 with excellent historical perspectives throughout the storieline. The epilogue chapter covers the lives of the characters through the 21^st century. The reader will get an interesting feel for the times of the early 1900’s, the development of Seattle, the depression era, the politics surrounding the Olympics (and Avery Brundage) and the politics of Hitler, a rebuilding Germany post WWI and the way Hitler snuck up on the world prior to trying to rule it.

This will happen by following the life story of Joe Rantz, one of the nine rowers on the 1936 Olympic Rowing team from the University of Washington. You will learn about his rather sad early life and how it developed his resolve. You meet his teammates, how they relate to one another as the team is formed from over a hundred young men over four years under the watchful eye and tutelage of Coach Al Ulbrickson and Master shell builder George Y. (Yoda?) Pocock.

The Boys in the Boat is incredibly well written in all ways. I was especially impressed with the historical perspective and the development of an understanding of this new sport to me, Crew. The individual and team aspect of crew parallels in many ways running and cross-country although even more linked due to the synchronous nature of rowing. The story telling of the actual races was very good and I found myself immersed in the crew racing experience much as if I was in a race myself. I don’t often give an unequivocal thumbs up but with this book I am prepared to do so. If the story alone was not enough I was definitely enamored with the G. Y. Pocock quotes that begin each chapter.

Two examples of George Pocock’s insight circa the 1930’s are prescient of the type of things I shared with my high school runners and have shared with other Empire Runners:

“ Men as fit as you, when your everyday strength is gone, can draw on a mysterious reservoir of power far greater. Then it is that you can reach for the stars. That is the way champions are made.”

and

“Where is the spiritual value of rowing?…The losing of self entirely to the cooperative effort of the crew as a whole.”

And in an homage to the “Runner’s High”:

“When you get the rhythm in an eight, it’s pure pleasure to be in it. It’s not hard work when the rhythm comes… that “swing” as they call it. I’ve heard men shriek out with delight when that swing came in an eight; it’s a thing they’ll never forget as long as they live.”

My recommendation is to read this book as soon as you can. It is a wonderful read full of depth and detail, characters and history, sport and its impact. Read it NOW, before it becomes a movie.

Rating: Excellent 5/5 *****

BRAD'S CORNER, MAY 2016

Who Was Peter Norman Part 2, by Brad Zanetti

May 1, 2016 bradz54 1 Comment

Peter Norman was born June 15, 1942 near Melbourne, Australia. He was raised in a strong Christian family by parents that were Salvation Army missionaries. His parents were poor and growing up there wasn’t enough money to afford the gear necessary to play his favorite sport, Australian Rules Football. As a teenager Peter’s father was able to find used track spikes. Peter was elated and began his track career.

Peter’s Christian upbringing was essential in the development of the man he became. A little background on the doctrine of the Salvation Army is essential. In 1865 William Booth took his version of Christianity to the streets, the poor, the destitute. By 1878 his East London Christian Mission was noted as a volunteer army. Not liking the sound of that he penned salvation in place of volunteer and the Salvation Army was borne. The mission statement of the Salvation Army is 3 fold:

1- message is the Bible

2- ministry is motivated by the love of God

3- mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs without discrimination.

Peter had developed into a fine runner, the finest in Australia prior to the 1968 Olympics. He was the top 100/200 runner in Australia but felt his best event was the 200m with a time of 20.6 at the Australian Olympic trials. However, he was not well known on the world stage and not even in the discussion for a medal. But when he arrived in Mexico City at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario, Peter ran consistently good times through to the finals. He exploded in the first heat winning with a 20.17(setting a national and short lived Olympic record). He won his quarterfinal heat in 20.44 and was second to John Carlos in the semis in 20.22. In typical Norman fashion he yelled across to Carlos, “You can have that one!” Carlos just waved him off indignantly. The final was a phenomenal race with a late surge by Peter, squeaking by Carlos at the tape in 20.06 for the Silver medal(and a national record that still stands today). Tommie Smith ‘jetted’ down the backstretch to the Gold in a new Olympic, National and World record in 19.86. John Carlos content with what he thought was a Silver shut it down a hair early and accepted the Bronze.

Prior to the Olympics there was much rhetoric and public fighting over a possible boycott of the Olympics by the black athletes. A combination of the deaths of Rev Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy and a lack of solidarity of all of the Black athletes led to them not boycotting the Olympics. This allowed each athlete to express themselves individually. The significance of Carlos and Smith display goes as follows: the gloves were for Power(Black) and Unity. The shoeless entry(stocking feet) was for poverty. The beads they wore represented lynchings(‘Strange Fruit’). Carlos entered with an unzipped jacket(against Olympic protocol) as a tribute to blue collar workers.

Just prior to the walk up to the Olympic podium, John Carlos and Tommie Smith made Peter Norman aware of their plan. They asked him if he believed in human rights. Peter answered that he did and that he believed strongly in God. Peter said, “I will stand with you, how can I participate?” They asked him to wear the Olympic Project for Human Rights(OPHR) badge. Remembers Carlos, “ I expected to see fear in Peter’s eyes, but instead we saw love.” Norman reached for Carlos’ badge but he said, “this is mine but we will get you one.” Paul Hoffman a Harvard and Olympic crew team member offered his to Norman. Just prior to the walk in to the dais, Carlos realized he had forgotten his gloves. It was Peter who suggested that Tommie and Carlos each wear one, which they both agreed. The three men, united, walked to the dais…and history was soon to be made.

“I couldn’t see what was happening, Norman said, but I knew they had gone through with the plan when a voice sang the American anthem but then faded to nothing. The stadium went quiet; what followed was a shower of boos”. As the threesome walked off the crescendo of boos turned to vicious racial slurs; their lives forever changed and forever linked.

As you are probably aware Tommie Smith and John Carlos were stripped of their medals, kicked off of the team and sent back to the US. Their lives were ruined as they were not allowed to race again, received numerous death threats, fired from their jobs and found it difficult to get substantial jobs for decades. What you may not know is that after the Olympic medal ceremony, when asked about the Americans demonstration by reporters, Peter Norman responds, “I believe that every man is born equal and should be treated that way.” He was then reprimanded by the Australian Olympic committee, banned from racing for 2 years and finally not sent to the 1972 Olympics in Munich even though he was the 5^th rated sprinter in the world in the 200m and qualified in the 100 and 200m. He was torn to shreds by the Australian press and returned to apartheid Australia not a star or hero but rather a pariah. He, too, faced a daily challenge of acceptance and any opportunity at all. Even after Australia renounced their apartheid philosophy and long after Carlos and Smith had been forgiven in the U.S. Peter Norman was still persona non grata at home and was not invited in any capacity to be part of the 2000 Olympics in Sidney. At that late date they still wanted Peter to renounce his part in the 1968 demonstration. He of course would not. In fact, Peter was invited to be part of the US Olympic group reuniting with Smith and Carlos, whereupon Michael Johnson introduced himself to Peter and said, “Peter you are my hero”. Peter said, “I didn’t know you even knew who I was. Michael responded, “Of course I know who you are”.

Over time the disruption of the status quo by the 1968 Olympic demonstration has been seen in a different light(change is slow). Nearly 4 decades later in 2005 a heroic 23’ tall sculpture of the medalist podium moment was erected at San Jose St University. Curiously, Peter Norman’s place is vacant so that visitors can stand in accord with Smith and Carlos. It was Norman’s choice to leave his spot vacant since the sculpture is in America, on the duo’s college campus. Per Peter, “ It wasn’t about me. All I did was wear a button of support. That platform is for anybody across this world to stand up for justice and equality.”

The trio have remained close throughout the years. In fact, Peter was at the unveiling of the statue and presented and introduced John Carlos. Tragically, Peter had a variety of medical and chemical issues and died of a heart attack on Oct 3, 2006. Both John and Tommie were pallbearers at his funeral and eulogized him and consider Peter’s mother their “Australian mom”. They often tell Peter’s story, their story at their speaking engagements. Peter remains a friend, a brother, a hero to them and to all who know his story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu5K2cOeD4M(John Carlos about Peter Norman)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dc5MiEs8aY(Statue unveiling with Peter Norman introduction)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4LvwXYmt3Q(who was pete norman by the young turks-TYT)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–lzACn0aZ8(200m final race)

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