FLS at Boston results

Jeremy Rowe, 36, of Houston was our fastest FLS runner in the 113th running of the Boston Marathon on Patriot's day Monday. Conditions were good: 46 degrees and overcast, but very windy. And as always...hilly! Jeremy was running his first Boston and came in a steady 3:16, a pace of 7:30. He felt good afterwards with little soreness. Next was 62-year-old Lenord Burns in a strong 3:21. Both were in the first heat at 10am.

In the second heat at 10:30am, Rick Reynolds ran a fine 3:41 PR. Dr Alice Jenney of Missouri City, age 52, fought back her Lupas and liver problems with a 4:15 in her first Boston! My wife Jean Leach-Stewart was right behind her with a 4:16 she was very happy with. Nina Janetti of FLS followed with a 4:24.

All six FLS Boston Marathoners had a great time! We brought our 9-year-old Caitlin and she now LOVES Boston. The Red Sox went on a five-game winning streak while we were there. We were in the bleachers for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Americans Hall and Goucher were third overall male and female. Close finish. It was an exciting day to be at the finish on Boylston.

2008 FLS Christmas Party

A great time was had by all at the annual FLS Christmas Party here at the store last night. The Pot Luck Dinner was delicious, featuring chili, lasagna, chicken enchiladas, cookies, and Starbuck's Coffee, among many other treats.

It was a cold night outside, 45 degrees and windy, but we had a campfire thanks to Wes and over 40 guests showed up. Try Andy's Tri First-Timer Essay Co-Winners Josh Reno and Masumi McLaren read the accounts of their first triathlon. Pastor Kevin Kleinhenz, one of Houston's best triathletes, then gave an inspiring Christmas message concerning life's priorities.

The final part of the evening was FLS 2008 Yearly Award winners. Outstanding Runner Award went to JP Machemehl. JP, age 24, ran a 1:09 in his first half marathon in January. At Impact A Hero 5K in June, he was second overall with a strong 15:24 on a hot day. JP sustained a foot injury late in the year and turned to volunteering at FLS races.

Next were our Most Improved Runners, Greg Witherow and Walt Yarrow. Greg, a former UH pitcher, brought his mile down to 6:39 and five-mile down to 39:22 after losing 80 pounds in the past few years. Walt ran a 25-minute PR marathon of 3:19 in January at Chevron Houston Marathon to qualify for Boston. Walt also dropped his 5K PR to 18:32 at Bellaire Trolly Run.

Michelle Nelson was FLS Outstanding Triathlete. Only in her second year, Michelle was first in her age group at Sugar Land Women's Tri with 58:35 (with cracked ribs) and second ag at Try Andy's Tri with an outstanding 56:46. Michelle is running her first marathon in January and is shooting to qualify for Boston.

Adina Norris won our '08 Remembering Irma Award. At FLS Beginners Speedwork, no one cheers like Adina. Like Irma, she is an encourager to everyone around her. Adina is a member of Fort Bend Fit.

Carlos Franco won FLS Outstanding Service Award for 2008. Carlos works every Saturday at FLS, is my assistant at Beginners Speedwork, and works the FLS races. Whatever is needed, Carlos is there. Carlos has Aggie Spirit.

Merry Christmas to all!

Happy 80th Aunt Jean!!!

Last night, we had a great party at our house in New Territory for Aunt Jean's 80th birthday. Over 50 friends enjoyed fajitas from Pappasito's, lots of wine, and three fantastic cakes from Maureen's Bakery. Several friends warmly toasted Aunt Jean and her positive can-do nature. Dr. Dave Calvo, Sandy Lord, Terrie Gorney, Sandy Sessions, niece Lyn Stewart, and nephew Steve Stewart all told stories. It was a beautiful evening outside for the occassion.

Anut Jean was touched and said so many times. She briefly addressed the crowd. Generous gifts were showered on her as well. It was a night to remember! Thanks to all who came and honored this sweet lady who heads up refreshments at all FLS races.

We hope to have her around for many more years. My Grandma Ocie, Aunt Jean's Mom, lived to be 100 and was active at FLS races well into her 90's.

Love, Andy

Mardi Gras Marathon

Yesterday was the 44th Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans. The attendance was the best in many years, 5800 for the marathon, half, and 5k combined. The weather was gorgeous, 50's and clear. Everyone was excited about a new course and the great weather.

Autumn Ray of Galveston and FLS scored her first victory in a big race with a 2:58 marathon win among women. She won by over three minutes, after being in fourth at the halfway point. Autumn is a 28-year-old medical school student at UTMB. She wore her FLS tri top, giving our club some nice publicity. It was "one of the most exciting days" of her life. Ironwoman Karen Nelson of Katy was second in her age group of 45-49 with a strong 3:35.

In the half, Mandy Luna, age 26, ran an 11-minute PR of 1:36, placing 21st female overall. My brother Steve also ran the half, and ran a respectable 1:50, on very limited training, an 8:26 pace. Jay Stabler, 70, ran the 13.1 miles in 2:19, which was second in his age group. Jay is making a comeback!

The brand-new course included the French Quarter's Bourbon Street, up and down St Charles Ave, and a full loop around Audubon Park. It was beautiful. Start/finish is the Louisiana Superdome, as in past years. Generous time limits were four hours for the half and seven hours for the marathon, to be walker-friendly.

New Orleans is always a great place to be a tourist, one of the best. We ate at our favorite restaurant, Tony Angelo's, Saturday night. We also listened to jazz on Sunday afternoon in historic Jackson Square.

Next year's date is Sunday, Feb. 1.

Dandy Don Ruggles completes Rocky Raccoon 100-Miler

This past weekend, Dandy Don Ruggles, age 63, completed his first 100-miler at Rocky Raccoon in Huntsville. His time was 29 hours and 31 minutes. Wow!

Don overcame foot injuries which prevented his finish the past two years. The third time was the charm!

Congrats to Don on his perseverance. He is a teacher at Hightower High School and long-time FLS member. Audrey Christiansen, Nina Janetti, and Patti Muck of FLS were there to cheer and pace him.

Way to go!

2008 Chevron Houston Marathon beautiful!

Weather could not have been better for the 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Half on Jan 13. Times reflected the 45 degrees with little humidity on a clear, glorious day. The winning Kenyan female broke her course record by over two minutes in the marathon. She won $25,000 with a $10,000 bonus.

In the Aramco Half, JP Machemehl, age 23, led the way for FLS with a 1:09 in his first attempt at the distance, a pace of 5:19 per mile. Those of us who run with him at Tuesday night track at Clements knew he would do great. I am trying to talk him into the marathon next January with a shot at 2:25. Ino Cantu, age 74, set another national age record with a fine 1:38. Ino is an amazing man.

Our fastest female in the Chevron Marathon was 2007 FLS Outstanding Runner Jana Yowell, a personal trainer, with a two-minute PR of 3:34. She will run Boston again. My wife Jean ran with heart and also qualified for Boston with a near-PR of 3:49. Her tough training podna Wanda Buxton of Pecan Grove was right there also with a 3:50.

For the FLS men, two broke three hours...Ed Sturdivant of Missouri City, age 41, ran a FANTASTIC ten-minute PR of 2:46!! Wow. Way to go Ed!!! Brett Cole, Sugar Land, another Masters runner, ran a fine 2:58, his best in many years. Congrats!

One of the most amazing performances for FLS was by newbie Walt Yarrow. He had struggled mightily in the Marathon Warmup Series. At 195 pounds, hot weather really slows him down. However, on Sunday he ran the race of his life. Walt, age 40, qualified for the Boston Marathon by one minute with a 24-minute PR of 3:19! Great to see.

Finish Line Sports manned the Mile 23 water station for the 18th time. Thanks to my sidekicks bro Steve, Brian Stud Watson, and Woody McAndrew. Twelve students from Dulles High were there. We had over 50 volunteers out there and had fun with Peter's sound system. BBQ Dinner for volunteers is in The Heights Jan 25.

It was an inspiring day. Perfect weather. Exciting event.

Congrats to all!

FLS Christmas Party a blast!

FLS Annual Christmas Party was a blast last night. Cold and clear weather was brisk out front where we help the party. Wes brought a nice gas fire, and we had plenty of blankets. Hot cider was extremely popular.

Speakers were Dale, President of East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry in Stafford and Darrell from The Rainbow Room in Rosenberg, two excellent local causes our FLS races give to.

Caitlin Leach, age 8, did a Jumprope For The Needy she had been working on for months. A total of $301 was raised from FLSers attending and given to our two race causes.

Peter from Other Brother played Christmas music and provided a p.a.

Pot Luck Dinner was delicious. Chili, spaghetti, meatballs, pizza, lasagna...on and on...it was great! Thanks to all the cooks.

2007 FLS Awards were given out, and the winners were: Outstanding Runner Jana Yowell, Most Improved Runner John Thiem, Outstanding Triathlete Dave Depinet, Outstanding Service Lajuan Ellis-Thayer, and Remembering Irma Award Kevin Kline. Jana ran 3:36 PR at Houston, and John has PR'ed at all distances and has lost 25 pounds. Kevin Kline even surprised me with a philantropist award.

The party was one of our best ever. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

-Andy