Tom is an ambassador for the track club, loves meeting new runners and helping them with any questions they have. You can see Tom at our Monday Night Well Run and at many races across the city giving soft tissue massages.

Rarely when I run do I pay attention to the world around me. Most of the time I’m either thinking about my splits or replaying the latest Lady Gaga song over and over again in my head. However, on this one particular evening back in 2007, something caught my eye…

It was my senior year of high school and we were in the middle of track training. A group of our long distance boys were out for a run through the unthreatening suburban streets of West County St. Louis. So here we are, casually jogging down the street at 4:30 mile pace, talking about the struggles of being a teenage boy. All of a sudden, from a distance, I notice this couple making out next to a dumpster behind a music store. So I think to myself, “Wow. That’s gross.” Not quite sure how to properly react in this situation, I could not help but inform my running partners. Apparently they had never been in this situation before either. So we get up closer to this couple and they are really getting into it. As we come within close proximity of the crime scene, I choose to notify this couple they that are not alone, thus stopping what never should have started. They immediately stop kissing each other, understandably embarrassed. Though the female seemed amused, the dude did not receive it well.

Well the story continues. Some girls from our school are running the same route, just about 5 minutes behind us. After they get back from the run, I ask them if they saw the couple behind the music store. It ends up that as they were jogging by the store, they saw this guy proposing to the girl. They actually heard him ask, “Will you marry me?”, thus prompting the girl to say, “Where’s the ring?” So at this point, I’m kinda feelin guilty about interrupting this guy who was about to propose. But the more I thought about it, I realized I was actually doing him (and even more so, her) a favor. I almost saved this girl from getting proposed to in a back parking lot next to a dumpster. Though I have yet to do a follow up study, I think it is safe to assume that their marriage did not last very long… Which brings us to the moral of the story –don’t propose next to a dumpster.

Cameron helps to lead the ambassadors of the track club. He has been running for years and has made his love of running his career. You can see Cameron around the city helping time events and on Monday nights helping with the Beginning runners class.

5/12/2012 – Brookside, Kansas City, MO

For results, click here!

5/11/2012 – Blue Springs, MO

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5/11/2012 – St. Joseph, MO

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1.      We started CrossFit training three days a week.  I did it because I seem to feel used up at about mile 16, and that didn’t happen even a few years ago.  Holly did it just because it seemed to make sense to her.  CrossFit is a one-hour intense workout that combines weight training, body weight tactics, running, rope climbing, stretching and a lot of other things to try to strengthen your core.  The coaches are intent upon you getting the most out of your workouts, so they tailor the reps and weights “on the fly” for each person to that the workout is really hard to do, but not too hard to complete.  We started this in February.  You get really, really sore and maybe tired for the first three weeks or so, but as your body adapts to this different type of training (than running) and you get stronger, everything gets better.  In our case, we just want to get stronger, but there are many people who are in it to lose weight.  I am still testing to see if this is worth the effort for runners, but I think on a preliminary basis I can say “yes”.  I have run two marathons since we started this and in neither one did the 16 mile mark become a “wall” as before.  We can keep you updated if interested.\

 2.      We just recently went to a “paleo” diet!  Wow!  I never thought I would do anything like that, but it works nicely with what the CrossFit workouts are trying to do, and the food is great.  Basically paleo means that if you cannot kill it, grow it or pick it, then you should not eat it.  There is more to it than that, but that does get you maybe 80% of the way.  In our version dairy products are included.  Benefits are supposed to be significant weight loss, better sleep, better digestion, increased testosterone/estrogen ratio, lower triglycerides, higher HDL, and other things.  They also encourage you to get your calories from fat instead of so many carbs, so we get to eat a lot of bacon & eggs, quality hamburger and steak, whole milk, vegetables and fruits, and a lot of nuts.  It seems that cave men actually ate pretty good.  We are one week into a 30 day trial commitment and will up date more in the future!

Bill Smith is one of the ambassadors for the track club.  Bill and his wife Holly travel around the country running 10-to-12 marathons a year, and love “talking shop” with anyone.

I stayed with my aunt and uncle and had plenty of rest, relaxation, shopping, eating and drinking in the days before the race.  I was pumped and nervous when race day arrived.  We attended the Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta and stayed at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center.  The expo was the largest that I have attended so far.  It was definitely a good experience and I picked up several freebies.  The hotel was nice and we enjoyed the “carb loading” pasta dinner experience offered.  The best part about staying at the hotel was being able to sleep later and just walk outside the door to the start line.  We didn’t have to worry about parking or getting lost.

The race began in Centennial Olympic Park and continued along the streets of the Georgia State University campus, the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District, the Georgia Tech campus and several parks and historic neighborhoods in Atlanta as we made our way back to Centennial Olympic Park.  It was a beautiful course and the weather was wonderful (despite it being warmer than normal).  I learned many lessons about running (and myself!) during my trip and I hope that it makes me better prepared for future races.   I didn’t get a new PR or do as good as I wanted, but I still had a great experience and a great run.  I have already signed up for next year’s race and am looking forward to it.  One of the lessons learned during my trip was that Atlanta is not a place where you can find green beer on St Patrick’s Day.  I guess it is a good thing that I don’t drink beer!

This post was written by ambassador Melissa West.  She helps lead the Running Group in Liberty on Saturday mornings and often helps with the Beginners Running Group on Monday nights.

5/6/2012 – Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO

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5/6/2012 – Theis Park, Kansas City, MO

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5/5/2012 – Lee’s Summit, MO

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Click here for Results

5-5-2012 North Kansas City Mo

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5/5/2012 – Parkville, MO

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5/5/2012 – Prairie Village, KS

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5/5/2012 – Olathe, KS

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Everybody has one.  When people hear that I average 60 miles a week (which I’m sure is on the low end of the KCTC Ambassadors!!), they always ask how I got into running.  This is my story.

I had lived in Wichita for a few months and didn’t know many people.  This was definitely my own fault- I woke up, went to work, came home, went to bed.  On the weekends that I did not have to work (I was working retail at the time), I would go home to Manhattan.  I would occasionally go see my boyfriend at the time in Topeka.  My life was repetitive, dull, and uneventful.  I clearly needed a hobby.

My mom has always been a runner and suggested that I try it.  In college, I would run 2-3 miles tops, and hated every second of it.  To me, running was just a means to stay in shape and was always used as a form of punishment when I was a cheerleader at Colorado State University. It was never enjoyable.

So I began running every day after work, starting with just 2 miles.  After running every day for about 3 weeks, I really started to enjoy it and upped my mileage.  After a month and a half, I was running 8 miles a day.  On a trip up to Manhattan, I logged 14 miles! It was that day that my Mom signed me up for a marathon- 2 months later.  I will tell you that looking back it is not wise to train this fast for a marathon, but if you ever have the pleasure of meeting my Mom, you will understand- she is the biggest go-getter I have ever met in my life.

Over the next 2 months, running became something different to me- rather than something to fill the boredom, it became a passion.  It was a means to let out the stress and loneliness I had thus far experienced in Wichita. When things ended for good between the boyfriend and I, running truly healed me.  I joined a gym to cross train in an attempt to prevent injury, and ended up meeting my closest friends.

I ran my first marathon in May of 2009, after just 2 months of serious training.  I logged a time of 3:52, which beat my goal of under 4 hours.  The feeling of crossing that 26.2 mile finish line was pure bliss.  I have never been more proud of an accomplishment in my life.

Running really changed my life, and the direction it has now taken me.  I don’t log more than 10 miles a day unless I am training for a race, so running has become more relaxed and easy for me. I will be a lifelong runner from here on out, because running is a sport that gives back what you put into it- and I am so grateful for how much it has given to me.

Erin Butler is one of the ambassadors for the track club, her passion for running is deep and she loves inspiring and helping others!

I personally thought this was a great idea not only to bring out members from the Kansas City Track Club but everyone in the Kansas City area.  The watch parties help others who feel the same way as I did about the elite races. My hope is that some of the crowd at our watch parties will start walking or running after the race. They can also meet some of the members and feel like they can get connected into local group runs and activities that track club has.

Anna suggested that the first  “Watch Party” should be Rock the Parkway ½ Marathon and 5K Race, on April 14, 2012 at 64^th and Ward Parkway (a little past the nine-mile marker). Anna made fliers for the party and we posted the information on our facebook page and twitter feed to get the word out for the new event. On the day of the race I arrived at the “Watch Party” location at 7:30 AM to setup a table with information about the Kansas City Track Club, noise makers, and posters boards/markers for sign making.

It was a small crowd however everyone CHEERED their hearts out for the runners and walkers. The crowd displayed the signs they made and the runners and walkers in the race really appreciated it. I felt the “Watch Party” was a success since the location of the “Watch Party” really helped out the runner/walkers to take on the last few miles and drive for a hard finish.

The next “Watch Party” will be at the Hospital Hill Run for June 2, 2012 and we are looking to establish a larger “Watch Party” with the same enthusiastic crowd as the first “Watch Party”. Everyone is welcome to attend! Please invite your family and friends. Location and time will be announced soon, watch out of the flier on the blog, facebook page and twitter!

This blog post was written by our ambassador, Gabe Esteban. He has a love for running and getting to know others in the community who need a friend to help the start running or walking.

4/28/2012 – Shawnee Mission Park

For results, click here!

4/28/2012 – St. Joseph, MO

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4/28/2012 -Kansas City, KS

For results, click here!

4/28/2012 – Topeka, KS

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4/28/2012 – Lawrence, KS

For results, click here!

Being a part of the KCTC I’ve had the opportunity to see many types of runners and get to know them thru their stories of running. I just wanted to share what I saw in a recent Monday night group run at Ward Parkway, where most runners are new runners aspiring to be great runners.

One evening, I saw one of our regular ladies, normally a walker, RUNNING! She was so excited to have another gal on her same level. Both ladies said it was alright if I ran along with them. They apologized for not being fast, or running the whole time. I told them they never needed to apologize for their accomplishments. Anyway… they set small distance goals and met each one, out of breath, yet with excitement. They would ask me for advice and where their next goals should be. They kept on going!! One of the ladies was so excited, she wanted to take on the hills! RUNNING!

The pride they showed got me excited for them! It was very sweet. Each of their short goals became longer on the return. They were so funny when they finished & realized they had gone 3.38 miles. Again, they apologized for not being fast. I told them there was no race & that they were faster than those not doing anything. They asked me if I would cheer them on and help them set goals the next week. They said I was motivating & inspiring. I don’t think they realize that they were exactly the same for me.

Having a couple of injuries & taking it very slowly the past 4 weeks has been torturous for me, but that night felt amazing! How could it not with such beautiful weather and wonderful people…

My point in this I think, is to remind you there are so many wonderful stories out there among our KCTC runners and walkers. I hope you’ll take some time from your running and training schedules to help out your fellow runners. If you do, you just may find yourself INSPIRED!

This post was written by ambassador Dianna Villigan. She works for Weight Watchers and is involved with New Beginners Class. She can be seen running with the Liberty Running Group on Saturdays if she is not out running or volunteering at a race!

This past weekend the track club was asked to help teach running safety at the Independence Safety Event. Ambassador Courtney Foster attended the event and spoke with participants on running safety and handed out free shoe tags.

Did you know the track club will come to your health and wellness events? Our ambassadors are working with companies across the city helping to get the word out on our running groups and the things we offer to get you running or walking with the club!

If you would like us to come setup a booth at your event, email us at kctcambassador@gmail.com

Osawatomie, KS -4/21/2012

For results, click here!

(Karen Before Picture, bottom left corner)

Before getting healthy, Karen was 115 pounds heavier than she is today. Having  developed some health issues (high blood pressure, hypertension) the doctor continually warned her about the consequences of her weight. She finally realized she needed to take better care of her health to have a better quality of life. With a combination of Weight Watchers (doctor recommended), 24 Hour Fitness classes (Body Pump, Boot camp, Cycling, TRX Suspension Training), and studying martial arts, Karen began her weight loss journey. Running came as a natural progression to wanting to better her health and workout!

(After pic, with her old pants!)

Karen realized that her eating and exercise has truly become a lifestyle change! She now enjoys working out and it is not hard for her to avoid the bad foods that made her overweight. In the end, she believes, it’s all about making the healthy choices in eating and exercising.

#816.228.3842

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you . . .”  Come celebrate Lou’s bday  tonight.  Come prepared to run and then take a dip in Lake Tapawingo before we start in on the song.

913.449.9091

email:  susan.robinette224@gmail.com

(near 435 and Midland Dr.)

Let’s just keep on celebrating tonight.  The Shawnee hills are alive with the sound of our feet.  Enjoy every note.  Then let’s chow and watch for deer.

4402 W 63^rd Terrace

Prairie Village, KS 66208

#913.262.1873

Get in your run and your dinner at Maggie’s house tonight.  After dinner, we will go out on our street to watch the fireworks set off at the nearby country clubs.  Don’t miss this red white and blue WNR! You may want to bring a portable chair to watch the show in the sky.

At the south end of Lee Boulevard

Come enjoy running on a very interesting trail and food and conversation with the wonderful Heartland Racewalkers.   We will be in the largest shelter house in Leawood Park.  See you there.

12 W 63rd St. Kansas City, MO 64113 (P) 816- 361-8841

Bob and Mark hosted us for this wonderful venue last fall.  We must have behaved, because we get to return.  See you all at Charlie Hoopers for a run either through the neighborhood or along the trolley trail.  Then, we will have to decide what wonderful food and beverage we want afterward.  Now, that’s the tough part.

OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214

#913-894-2056

We will be there.  We will run.  We will eat.  We will tell tall tales. Oh, and we will get to hear some great piano music, if we are lucky.  Keep your fingers crossed, and we will look for a great time at the Cookers’ home tonight. 

April 7, 2012

Shawnee, KS

For results, click here!

To achieve proper running form, the goal is to run as smoothly and efficiently as you can. There are a few things that can be done help achieve that.

• Run over you center of gravity.
• Don’t lean too far forward or backward.
• Try to keep your head up with your eyes on the horizontal.
• Keep your arms bent at 90 degrees and try not to cross midline when swinging your arms.

These considerations will decrease the amount of energy the body has to spend balancing your body. Try to land on your forefoot with a bent knee. Landing on your heel with a straight leg causes more shock to your body.The most efficient running cadence is 180 steps per minute.  This will help keep you from over-striding and decrease wasted up and down movement.

These are all the things that minimalist running is trying to achieve as well. Running more smoothly and efficiently is one of the main goals of minimalist running. Minimalist running can be achieved by most runners. Over course there are always exceptions, but most people if they have the patience to take the time to transition into minimalist running can do so without injury. The key is very gradually breaking into minimalist shoes. Listen to your body. Stretch after runs. Don’t increase your distance if you haven’t been able to be soreness free post-run.

This information was presented at our Running On Solid Groud Series by Dr Tom Cotter from Active Health Solutions, Chiropractic and Rehab. Tom is an ambassador for the track club, loves meeting new runners and helping them with any questions they have.

Kansas City to Lawrence

4/1/2012

For a complete results listing, click here!

March 17, 2012

Liberty Memorial Park

For results, click here!

This year’s racing series is unlike any racing series that has preceded it. It is seasonal, consisting of 8 races over a 3 month span. This makes it easier to keep track of your participation and gives you more opportunities to win prizes! It’s a series that is sure to add a little pep in your step and joy in your heart. Participants of this series are sure to experience high levels of euphoria and bliss. They will instantly become mesmerizing, turning the heads of co-workers, mothers, and potential girlfriends (or boyfriends).

How do you sign up? Just click here. It’s easy! It’s free! And it’s not too late! There are 7 races left in the series, and you only need to participate in 3 to win a prize. You don’t even have to run. You can walk or volunteer and still win! If you’ve already participated in a series race, you can still sign up and have your points for that race counted toward the standings.

Be sure to check out the next race in the Series coming up this weekend–the Dash for Diabetes 5K.

If you’re still unsure about it, you may need to consult a physician. Or just click the “Race Series” link up top for more information.

9627 Summit Street

Kansas City, MO 64114

# 816.398.5607

We had a great time last November at Carolyn and Brian’s WNR.  Come south again tonight for a run through their lovely neighborhood, followed by some great treatment back at the Purcell home.  We might even get to hear about their plans for Carolyn’s next international marathon.

Shawnee Mission Park – Shelter 4 (by the marina)

7900 Renner Road, Shawnee

Leave the pavement behind tonight and venture into a more natural theatre.  The Trail Nerds are treating us to some more fun on the trail.  Bring your dinner contribution to add to the feast we will have in the shelter house.  See you amidst all the fun.

Kansas City, MO 64145, 816-588-3647

For all who missed the WNR at Ann and Jim’s house last year, you missed a good one with a nice route in south Kansas City. Hope to see you there.

When Lightning Strikes!  What’s this?   We will be enjoying our running friends and food at The Waldo Well and we’re talking LIGHTNING?  Tonight we get – not only a wonderful run along the Trolley Trail, yummy food and drink, and this great company –  but, we get to be part of one of the first public screenings of “When Lightning Strikes”.  This is an award winning video produced by our running friend, Danielle Mowsley.  The star of the video is none other than our own Terry Harms.  I may cut my run short tonight, so I can get a front row seat.

We will get the room at the back of the Waldo Well.  Come in the front door, at the corner of Broadway and 74th St.  Keep going to the back of the bar/dining room area to the VIP room.
Don’t miss this one, whatever you do!  We will be ordering from the menu tonight.

Ryan, Lisa, Grace, and Zoe McCamy

4617 W 69^th Terr., Prairie Village, KS 66208

#913.362.8840

The McAmys have a way of making you feel like Prairie Village is right next to Guadalajara.   Come enjoy some incredible edible creations on Ryan’s deck.  Bueno!

> > 6931 Charlotte, Shawnee, KS  Take Shawnee Mission Parkway to Lackman Rd. Go south on Lackman to69th St.  Go east on 69th. The street changes to Charlotte. The Bridges’ home is the 2nd house on the east side or on the Left.   Green/blue color.   #913.226.6474 or 913.226.6712

> > 

> > Barb and Ken have set aside an evening for us.  This means that they will take time out from their dancing and traveling and international service to be with us.  This will be an evening of hills, beautiful horticulture, and wonderful dining.

Bridgeworks Lofts

522 Locust St (unit 203)

KC MO 64106

#810.241.9649 (cell)

Oh boy, we get to have our post-Boston WNR at Roger’s again!  Due to Roger’s travel schedule, we will be celebrating our home town Boston marathoners a week later than usual.  These Boston runners may be a bit more energetic tonight anyway.  See you at Roger’s.

March 10, 2012

Westport, Kansas City, MO

Dust off your running shoes and get them out of the house and onto the pavement this week! With such a great response to our Spring I class, we have decided it was time to start a Spring II Beginning Runners Class! This Monday night, March 5th, you can join us at 5:45 in Ward Parkway Mall at Gary Gribbles location!   This is a class for new walkers/joggers/runners,  those who gave it up but want to start again, persons who walk with a vengeance or anyone looking for good conversation on a Monday night!  By the end of the ten weeks, we will run a a 5k and beyond!  Track Club members are able to take the class for free! Paul Gorman will be leading this class with the help of Courtney Foster.  The famous Lou Joline will be stopping by to run with us in-between his crazy schedule!

If you have any questions contact kctcambassador@gmail.com

We can run on the beautiful Indian Creek Trail tonight.  We might get to cheer for a few soccer practices along the way.  Then we will return to BJ’s wonderful home.   BJ has the bucolic location that is easy to get to.

6256 N. Mercier

KCMO 64118

#816.587.2095

Wow, Shirley and Pete played a major role in putting on the Brew to Brew Relay on April 1^st, and here they are hosting us for WNR.  The party at the Winklers’ is always lively.  It is a great way to top off your run.

5060 Oak Street, KC, MO 64112

It is spring, so we will convene at Pizza 51 tonight.  We will run on that sweet little trolley trail and then return to Pizza 51 for some great pizza and conversation.  We may be lucky enough to be able to eat outside tonight.

Come to midtown for some great running and a wonderful menu afterward.  Jennifer Ristau lined this up for us, so let’s all come and enjoy. 

Next Door Pizza

3385 SW Fascination Drive, Lees Summit, MO 64081

Telephone: 816-763-1200

How’s this for an invitation you can’t pass up?  “Please join our Lees Summit Running Group for WNR! We will be meeting at Next Door Pizza in Lees Summit for a group run inside the beautiful Longview Lake Park. The roads are closed to vehicles right now so its  nice car free road with beautiful scenery! If you have any questions contact Courtney Foster courtneyfoster82@gmail.com.”   To get to Next Door Pizza, take I-435 east to I-470, and continue east to the Exit #5, View High Drive.  Go south on View High Drive past SW 3^rd Street to the traffic circle.  Take the first right off the traffic circle onto Fascination Drive.  Next Door Pizza will be on your left.

4426 Sunrise Dr

Kansas City MO 64123

816-721-2827.  

Come celebrate Pi day with a 3.14 mile run or walk & then have pie. Bring your favorite pie; chicken pot, peach, pumpkin, pizza , etc. Run longer if you want but we may eat all the pies. .  Don’t let this important day slip by without acknowledging it on your Wednesday Night Run!!! 
 

6229 Brookside Blvd

The people at Bella Napoli in Brookside have agreed to take us in tonight for another one of those great little tastes of Italy.  They will hold the tables in the deli area for us.  This is a great place for us to run, eat, and enjoy the ½ price bottles of wine.  We love it here, so meet your running friends at Bella Napoli tonight.  The trolley trail is calling us.  Some of you got word that we would be at Longview Lake tonight.  The Longview WNR has been rescheduled to March 21.

Let’s get in our run in KCK tonight!   Paul has agreed to host us at his home that is pretty centrally located.  Come from whatever direction you are in, and let’s run and celebrate the last Wednesday in February.  See you at Paul’s tonight!

Winter address: 11140 Thomson Ave, Olathe, KS – Take College Blvd west past I-35.  Turn south on Thompson Ave.

We will join the Olathe Runners at 6:30 tonight for a run. It is always fun
to mix with the Olathe group. We might even hear some new jokes. We will join the Olathe Runners at 6:30 tonight for a run. It is always fun to mix with the Olathe group. We might even hear some new jokes. After the run, we will go to Johnny’s Tavern (10834 South Ridgeview Road, Olathe, KS). 

1/15/2012 -Wyandotte County Lake Park

KC, MO 64131      #816.926.9268

Donna has been out of town again – this time for work.  She has some great stories to tell.  And – she makes great food.  Bring your running gear and side dish to Donna’s tonight. 

7421 Broadway
www.waldowell.com 

(816) 361-1700

We love The Well.  We love the trolley trail. Don’t miss these two favorites tonight.  Meet at the front of The Well, run the trail, then come on back to chow.

816-444-0605

Directions to the house:

State Line to 67th street, turn east onto 67th into Missouri. Turn left or
north on Wyoming. The house is the 5th house on the left, second bridge, red
brick ranch.

Nancy has come back from Arizona to treat us to a WNR at the Flores/English
home.    We will see if anyone else’s trek to WNR tonight will compete with
Nancy’s.  See you on the street and then we’ll look at each other past our
bowls of Nancy’s wonderful soup.

Who says Italy is on the other side of the planet from KC????   Meet your
running partners at Bella Napoli this evening for a run in the Brookside
area.  Then return for some wine – oh, I mean dinner.  You may end up
wondering which side of the planet you are on.

January 12^th, Garry Gribble will discuss dressing for the weather and safety. The Norwegians have an expression, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Come and have your questions answered on winter attire to ensure you are training no matter what the weather brings.

January 26^th, nutritionist Shannon Beattie and Mindy Coolman will present “Running Nutrition” as they discuss improving performance and health via diet. Attend and have your questions answered on sports drink or not, post workout diet, carbo-loading, etc.”

February 23^rd, Dr. Tom Cotter presents “Running Form/Running Trends.” Gain efficiency in your stride and hear about the benefits of minimalist running.

March 1^st, Dr Tom Cotter and Brad McCleary present “Injury Prevention/Performance Enhancement/Physiological Effects.” Come and get the most current medical research to minimize injury while simultaneously improving performance for your spring race.

March 22^nd, Beth Salinger, race director for Hospital Hill will be walking us through preparations for “Conquering Hospital Hill”.. Prepare for this fun race with getting details on how to make it a successful run! This will be broken into two sections the first will start a 6:30 and will focus on “Preparing for your Initial Hospital Hill Half Marathon” and the second will be at 7:30pm focusing on  ”Race Strategies and Advance Training Tips for the Hill”

For questions contact Jim Greene at jamesgreene5@hotmail.com, Tom Cotter, thomasrcotter@gmail.com or KCTC at kctcrunner@gmail.com .

Mission, KS

816-853-0842

Jennifer is one of these gifted people who really know how to bring out the fun of running.   Tonight we will enjoy each footfall, each chew, each gulp, and each laugh.  Runners, you won’t want to miss any of this.

Find Trudy’s quiet little street tucked into Roeland Park tonight and find out what nice running is available here.  The running is only the start of one great evening.  Let’s all enjoy it together.

5801 W 115th Street

Overland Park, KS 66210

913-327-4693

We will have the choice of running an outdoor route or running on the indoor track at the Jewish Community Center tonight.  Erika will introduce us to all the wonderful offerings at the J!  Don’t miss this WNR with a different twist.

7401 W. 91^st St. OP, KS (just west of the corner of 91^st and Metcalf)

Tonight you can get in your run and then eat the yummies of your choice.  Meet at the front of the store to find your pace group.  Upon your return,  pick up your food choices and then join your running buddies in the deli area. 

‘Tis the season to enjoy running, eating, and laughing at the Williams/Geoghegan home.  It will be especially fun to run through this neighborhood with the holiday lights.  The trolley trail is just down the hill from Karen and Andy’s.

6229 Brookside Blvd

Tonight we will gather at Bella Napoli to run along the trolley track trail.  When you finish your run, you can get a wonderful taste of Italy.  The food is great here, and Wednesday is their half price bottled wine night.  

7838 Windsor, PV, KS, 66208, #913..642.3393, 816.674.6678

We get to return to the Schupp home tonight.  Can’t wait to see what Mike and Barb are involved in now. 

Three very fast and classy ladies set MO State Age Group records at the 2011 KCUMB Cliff Hanger according to records guru, Mike Lundgren.

Audrey Smith 9 yrs in the 5K and Kathy Johnson and Cindy Cameron in the 8K.  Cindy and Kathy were also RRCA MO State Champs in the 8K.  You can check the latest updated awards standings and all results by clicking the Race Results tab above.

7236 Belleview Ave

Kansas City MO 64114

(816) 523-0221

Start your Thanksgiving celebration off right.  The Turkey Eve run will be at Richard and Misty McNally’s, and they will supply Big Bird, dressing and potatoes. Please bring a veggie, fruit, salad, side dish or dessert to share. We’ll celebrate full stomachs and good health! (Well-behaved children are welcome, but please, no dogs.) 

7800 Birch PV, KS 66208

We got to go to Tom’s chiropractic office for a run last summer.  Now we get to go to Tom and Emily’s home.  Can’t wait for another great run route followed by a wonderful gathering at the Cotters’.

9627 Summit Street

Kansas City, MO 64114

# 816.398.5607

Come explore Carolyn and Brian’s new neighborhood tonight.  The newly-weds will be treating us to a wonderful run and feast. 

10/23/11 -Columbia, MO

10/23/11 -Olathe, Kansas

10/23/11 -Lee’s Summit, MO

10/22/11 -Lake Perry, KS

There’s information and links to sign up at www.cliffhangerrun.com.

AND We need volunteers.  You can sign up to volunteer at Enter2Run or send us an email at sue at cliffhangerrun.com

http://smeharbinger.net/opinion/jogging-through-generations

9709 Shepherds Drive, KCMO 64131.

#816.941.4578

Come to Lisa and Dave’s house tonight.  These two just can’t get too busy to find time to welcome us to their wonderful home in south KC.   Let’s bring in November in style.

1517 E. 97^th St.

KC MO

#913.940.0077

Chris has been doing some major work on his new home.  He is ready to show off the fruits of his labor tonight.  We can’t miss this.

9651 Canterbury

Leawood KS 66206

#913.710.4754

Tonight we get to run from Monica’s Leawood home,  We will enjoy the run, but not nearly as much as we will enjoy the food and company afterward.

Charlie Hooper’s Bar and Grill.

12 W 63rd St. Kansas City, MO 64113 (P) 816- 361-8841

Bob and Mark are hosting us at Charlie Hooper’s tonight.  We will have our own room to enjoy some food and drink after our run on the Trolley Trail.

We go 3.5 miles to start and work our way up to 5 or 6 miles by the end of 10 weeks. Each class is preceded by a fifteen minute discussion of a topic related to running. Students are given a pamphlet with notes on each discussion topic.

The wonderful neighborhood, the fantastic food, the lively company are all
great.  However, make sure you take the time to hear about some of the
amazing things that Mary and Doug have been doing – like a trans-U.S. bike
trip from coast to coast.  Clear your calendar for tonight.  You don’t want
to miss this.

The Novoveskys always have some special fun going on.  Tonight is no exception.  Denoya has arranged to have child care for this evening, so those of you who have some small ones, you may be comfortable bringing them along tonight, since they will be cared for while you are running.

10102 W. 96th Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66212

#913-492-2878

Come to the Gramercy Park Club House tonight to run some friendly streets in Overland Park and then return for the wonderful treatment that Dave and Joyce Boone provide.

Yummy is the word for today.  Bring your side dish to the meeting room at
Foo’s in Leawood.  After our run we will chow on Jeff’s wonderful main dish
as well as our contributions and – oh, just maybe – something that is
beckoning from the counter in the front.

The Kansas City Track Club Ambassadors are a tight-knit community of runners and walkers in the Kansas City area. As a KCTC Ambassador you do not have to be the fastest runner, or the most experienced, but you do have to be passionate and dedicated to helping grow the running community in Kansas City. KCTC Ambassadors are role models in their communities, lead group runs, volunteer at local events and help all runners achieve their personal best.

How do I become a KCTC Ambassador?

Besides being awesome, we are looking for people who are outgoing and can make a difference in the Kansas City running community by promoting the mission of the Kansas City Track Club. Here are a few more things we are looking for.

• Member in good standing of Kansas City Track Club.
• Passionate about running and motivating runners of all skills and ability to achieve their best.
• Passionate about achieveing YOUR personal best.
• Able to volunteer three (3) times a year for the KCTC community at events or races.
• Contributing on a monthly basis to the KCTC Blog, telling your ambassador story.
• Ability to inspire others and lead others to greatness.



What are the benefits of being an Ambassador?

• Free entry to KCTC races.
• Warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with helping a new runner toe the line at their first race
• Official ambassador team gear, provided by KCTC.
• Deals on gear and opportunities to test and review new products.
• Promotional items to hand out at races or training.
• Ambassador profile on KCTC website, recognizing you as helping grow the running community.
• Limited entries in other local races (to be determined).
• Donation of $100 to a charity of your choice at the end of 12-months of serving as an ambassador.



How do I sign up or apply?

We are currently accepting applications for the Ambassador program. Our inaugural Ambassador team will be no more than 20 runners (10 male, 10 female) of all ages, sizes, abilities and experience levels.

Click here to visit the Kansas City Track Club Ambassador page and fill out the form to apply today!

Dave and Friend

Our very efficient KCTC Treasurer, Dave Boone, is BACK!  Dave has a brand new hip and just took 2nd in his age group at the Chance for Children 5K.

Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKDY7KmIZj0

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/08/02/3053517/traveling-marathoner-has-competed.html#ixzz1Tz42LMkT

Make a note of this new location for WNR ReRun 2011!    We get to run on the trolley trail and then return to the Well for some wonderful munchies provided by the Track Club.   Beers for $3.00 will be available.   Anyone needing more food than they find on the appetizer trays can order a dinner.  Not only will the food and drink be nice, but the program will be great fun.

OP KS 66213

913-645-9567

Laurel has joined us to run on Wednesday nights.  Now she is hosting us.  We expect her to cook as well as she runs, so our mouths are already watering.

Chiropractic and Rehab

8839 Roe Ave. Prairie Village, KS 66207 www.ahsKC.com

Office: 913-341-1200

WNR will convene at Dr. Cotter’s chiropractic office tonight.   Tom will set us up with run routes in the Franklin Park area.  Wait a minute – what’s this?  When we return from our runs, not only do we get our WNR feast, but we can get free soft tissue treatments.

Kansas City MO 64114

(816) 523-0221

Adults only tonight. We’ll be doing a hash, assisted by Ryan McCamy. It doesn’t involve smoke, but it does mean you’ll be running a wacky course, looking for a marked trail…and false trails, backtracks, and “shiggy” (that’s mucky landscape in Hash House Harriers’ lingo). Nasty rugby songs and beer included. On on!

OP KS 66210 (entrance to their neighborhood is across the street from JCCC)

#913.663.0268

Oh boy, it’s the Kovacs’ home tonight.  Whether inside or on the patio, we love to refuel at the Kovacs’ wonderful home while we get caught up on the many events of their lives.

816-444-0605

Directions to the house:

State Line to 67th street, turn east onto 67th into Missouri. Turn left or north on Wyoming. The house is the 4th house on the left, second bridge, red brick ranch

Bring your swim suit and towel to Nancy and Raul’s (along with your wonderful food contribution).  We will be partying down after our run tonight.  Can’t wait!

10K & 5K,

This is an out-and-back course, with a “lollipop” at the end of the out and back. A FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP IS REQUIRED TO RUN ON THIS COURSE.  This is the oldest night trail race in the Midwest. Read the 2009 Running Times article. 

Athlete                          Division             Awards

Jean Brunnenkant          W 95-99            Gold:1500-meters

Tom Young                    M 90-95            Gold:1500-meters

Alan Poisner                  M 75-79            Gold:1500-meters; Gold:5K

Eileen McManus            W 55-59            Silver:1500-meters; Bronze:5K

Fred Adams                  M 75-79            Silver:1500-meters; Bronze:5K

BJ Thornburg                 W 65-69            Bronze:1500-meters; Bronze:5K

MartieDelon                   W 80-84            5^th Ribbon:1500-meters

Floyd Delon                   M 80-84            8^th Ribbon:1500-meters

Julie Haller                    W 70-74            6^th Ribbon:1500-meters; 6^th Ribbon:5K

Want to run the KC Marathon? KCTC has a marathon training group starting Sun. June 19th in conjunction with our regular long run group. Meet at 7:30am at Mission and Tomahawk Roads in the Hen House/US Bank parking lot. As distances increase, marathoners will meet earlier. Bring your own water bottle.  Program Description 

10712 W. 101^ST STREET (NOT TERRACE OR PLACE)

OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214

#913-894-2056

Do we really deserve the wonderful food  AND piano music that we get at the Cook’s WNR?   I dunno.  Come to the Cooker’s house tonight and let us know what you think.  Bring those running shoes.   You have to earn this kind of treatment.

64 Anchor Dr.,Lake Tapawingo  (Enter off Highway 40.  Bear right ¼ mile.  Park on side of road away from the water.)

#816.228.3842

Come for Lou’s annual birthday WNR.  We do love to celebrate Lou’s b-day running around Lake Tapawingo and then jumping in before we eat that great meal.

email:  srobinette at kc.rr.com

(near 435 and Midland Dr.)

Wait!  Did you hear what I heard?   The hills of Shawnee are calling us.  Get on out for some running that will challenge the idea that Kansas is flat.

2417 E. 126th St., Kansas City, MO 64146

Kyra is an enthusiastic member of the running community.  In addition to being in charge of the Thursday night run, she will be hosting Wednesday Night Run for us tonight.  Come prepared to choose between street and trail running tonight.  For the trail runners, there is an entrance to the Blue River Parkway Trails at the intersection of 125th and Woodland.   Here is a map of the Blue River Parkway Trail:

ttp://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.earthlink.net%2F~brptrailwatchers%2Fbrpnp.gif&h=d739cfad5sCFLo1djHH6Q_kMsQw

Get on out to the south part of town tonight for a great run and celebration afterward.

Classic KC BBQ Catering will be providing the Buffet. Paul is owner/head chef with 30 years experience BBQ’ing.  (Paul hosted a WNR recently and we can testify he’s the real deal – a Bar B Que artist!).

The location is  Paul’s home, a 102 year old church, which has been converted into a residence.  Bet you’ve never eaten BBQ in a church, here’s your chance!!!!

Date and time:  Saturday June 18, 7:00pm til ?. cost is $20.00 per person. Hurry while tickets are still available. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance by calling 913-371-8992. Mon thru Friday.  mastercard/visa/american express accepted.

Last but not least, there is a silent auction PLEASE call Paul 913-708-5556 with any donations you may have.

You get GREAT BBQ and help some children, now’s that’s  a great way to spend a Saturday night!!!!

When: Saturday, August 13, 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: Harvesters, 3801 Topping Avenue, Kansas City, MO

What: Working to organize or sort food donations at the food bank/distribution center

Join us after for pizza or a cool beverage at Pizza 51, across from UMKC. RSVP to Misty McNally,

mistymcnally at sbcglobal.net, by August 6

You don’t have to be a member, just enthusiastic about donating a couple of hours of your time to one of the biggest and best food banks in the country. Kids over 6 years old are welcome, too. You’ll also get a tour of the facility, if you’d like!

• If you are able, bring a donation of money or nonperishable food to help
• It’s a nonsmoking facility
• Please dress casually, ready to work in a warehouse
• No sandals, flip-flops or other open-toed shoes
• Minimal jewelry, etc.
• Children under 6 are not permitted to participate, for safety reasons, but there is no child care provided. All participating children should be closely supervised by parents at all times!
• For those interested, we’ll meet up at Pizza 51 afterwards for pizza and beverages. (The order and tab is the responsibility of each individual party.) If the weather is good, there is a lot of outdoor seating.

Questions? Email Misty McNally,

mistymcnally at sbcglobal.net, or call Harvesters directly.

Harvesters, 3801 Topping Avenue, Kansas City, MO‎ (NOTE: Harvesters is NOT at 1811 Topping anymore), (816) 929-3000‎

Pizza 51, 5060 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO‎, (816) 531-1151‎

Google Maps links for directions from Harvesters to Pizza 51:

RSVP to: Misty McNally,

mistymcnally at sbcglobal.net, by August 6

After ten days of rain and tornado warnings,  clear blue skies greeted the first KCTC Brew-Ha-Ha. About sixty members and guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers, on the outside patio at The Well in Waldo.

Leaders of club activities (Trail Nerding, Intervals, Long Runs, Beginning Running, Run/Walk Local groups) were introduced.  Inside, President Nancy set up a colorful display of club clothing at fire sale prices and we had a slide show of great KCTC photos running on the giant TV.

It was a great beginning, so keep your eyes open for the next one.

10th Annual Tom Logan Memorial

Experience one of Kansas City’s Most Beautiful Rides Fully supported with 4 SAGS – 3 distances: 10.7 miles around Longview Lake; 30.8 miles around Longview and Raintree Lakes; 62 miles around Longview, Raintree, Lakewood, Blue Springs and Lake Jacomo. One of the prettiest, and best-supported rides in the Midwest. Packet pick-up is Friday evening at Gusto’s Coffee Bistro (formerly JP’s Longview Coffee) in New Longview.  Pick up your registration packet Friday evening between 5 and 8 and watch the 48^th annual Tour of Kansas City bike races in New Longview…this is the 3^rd year that the first day of the Tour of Kansas City bike race (4 classes of crit races) has been staged in New Longview.

Call Monica Lazkani with any questions

We love to run in Diego’s neighborhood.  Come enjoy his wonderful home for munching and chatter after our workout.

Roeland Park, KS 66205

Jennifer has brought a lot of new energy to WNR.  It will be fun to experience WNR at her house.  Come prepared for a great time!

Bjthornburg@gmail.com

Come to B J’s home tonight.   We get to run on the trail and then we get to enjoy ourselves at  her home right by the trail.

Shawnee Mission Park – Shelter 4 (by the marina)

7900 Renner Road, Shawnee

Tonight we take to the trails.  Come join us at Shawnee Mission Park for a wonderful run through the woods and prairie.  We get to eat some great stuff afterward at our spot by the marina.

7401 Holmes Rd

KC, MO 64131 #816.926.9268

We get to return to the streets in Donna’s neighborhood tonight.  Come on over and enjoy them.  Then we get to return to some yummy après run treats.  Here we come!

Leawood City Park, main shelter house

At the south end of Lee Boulevard

Come to the south end of Lee Boulevard, to Leawood City Park and find the shelter house with the fun people and the good food.  This is your WNR for this week.  The Heartland Racewalkers are masters of the art of racewalking, and the art of hosting WNR.  Enjoy!

4617 W 69^th Terr., Prairie Village, KS 66208

#913.362.8840

Last year we had a Cinco de Mayo WNR at the McCamy’s.  This year we will celebrat  Once de Mayo.  Come journey south of the border right here in Prairie Village.

108 West 123rd Terrace,

Kansas City, MO 64145.

Phone: 816-588-3647

Come to Ann’s house to run a new tree-lined route in south Kansas City.

This will be the “Quatro de Mayo” warm-up to the McCamy’s “Once de Mayo”

celebration a week later!

Due to safety considerations on a narrow, private street, please park

ONLY on the east side of the street (away from the houses) or

consider parking on 124th Street.

7236 Belleview, KC, MO 64114

home/office/msg: (816) 523-0221

cell: (816) 260-7663

We love to come to the McNally home for WNR.  Run those streets, eat that great food, and laugh at all those jokes that will be told in this crowd.  What more could one ask for?