Post-race refueling time: (from left) Barefoot Josh, AC, Lori, Iris, Wayne.

MadMayosians and friends whipped themselves into a frenzy at the Beat the Heat 5K in Winston-Salem. Barefoot Josh imported his speedy runner/blogger pals AC and Wayne from the eastern part of the state. Wayne nabbed himself a cool mug for his speedy efforts. Lori and Iris also scorched the route, earning Iris a PR and Lori the title of Best Coach Ever. Also? Barfing and near-barfing was involved (and that was before the beer and pizza!), so you know it was a good time.

Read Iris’s recap here >>

Read Barefoot Josh’s recap here >>

Read AC’s recap here >>

Beat the Heat 5K 2010 results >>

Skorts rule! From left: Barefoot Josh and Iris Sutcliffe, Jack Plymale, Dena and Blair Harris, Nathan Daughtrey.

Wow, what a morning! Three trophies, four PRs, skorts aplenty. MadMayo was like a giant sparkler blazing its collective way through the Kernersville Rotary Club Fourth of July 5K—and in a totally fun, totally cute way! With results this good, everyone gets to tell their story. We’re posting ‘em as they arrive…

BAREFOOT JOSH
Time: 19:45 (PR! No shoes!)
Place: 25/407; 3rd AG!
I think it was the Goya Coconut Water (with coconut chunks!). I chug-a-lugged half a can after we parked. My legs, back, and neck were still stiff from a tough fitness assessment by RunnerDude and a day of shrub planting, but I felt like I had a good chase in me anyway. I played around with a slight adjustment in my stride, which I think warrants further investigation. The upshot: I PRed with a 19:45, placing third in my AG. If you’re wondering how my shirt stays so brilliantly clean, I’ve got two words for you: Charlie’s Soap.

DENA
Time: 22:30 (PR!)
Place: 85/407; 2nd AG!
I ran most of the race thinking about how much I hate running 5Ks. Give me my slow, plodding marathon pace any day. Still, perfect weather and a mass of MadMayo runners on the course made for a great day. I ran a PR of 22:30, meeting my goal of a sub-23 race. More important than a strong finishing time, however, is the fact that Iris and I rocked the skort look.

Sing it with us: Weee are the chaaampions!

JACK
Time: 27:45
Place: 227/407; 2nd AG!
[Check back for Jack's recap!]

BLAIR
Time: 28:15 (PR!)
Place: 243/407
What a great day for a race! The weather was perfect and everywhere I looked, I saw a lot of happy, smiling people. I enjoyed the turnaround on the course as it gave me an opportunity to see our front-runners in action (I never get to see Josh, Dena, Jack, and Nathan run as they’re incredibly fast). Kudos to my fellow MadMayo runners who took home awards, set PRs, and generally just killed it. The MadMayo group is really starting to make a name for itself!

IRIS
Time: 32:20
Place: 324/407; 19th AG
32:20! Seriously? That’s five minutes faster than I thought I’d run. It’s 1:34 faster than my previous PR. Who knew running the hills of Madison would slow me down and make me faster at the same time? And walking really does make me run faster! Once I remembered that it’s okay to walk every few minutes, everything fell into place and I actually got faster in the second half. Baby’s first negative split! I sprinted across the finish! Who am I? But my favorite part? The running skort is clearly gaining momentum. Run! Be cute! At the same time!

MadMayo Shout-Out to fellow Madisonians and—whether they like it or not—new MMRC members Ana and Brad Bumgarner. Everyone in the club has spotted Ana and Brad running around town while pushing their TWO kids in a doublewide stroller. They are hale, hearty, and fast! The four Bumgarners ran the K’ville 5K today—kids in said stroller—and crossed the finish line as a family in a stout 32:42. Now that is MadMayo Moxie! Welcome to the cult—er, club!

Kudos to involuntary (and therefore highly intelligent) MMRCer Nathan Daughtrey for peeling through the course at a new PR of 22:50! We’re betting he’s composing something on his new vibraphone to celebrate.

Check out the Rotary Club Fourth of July 5K results here >>

Funny what a little heat and humidity will do to people, isn't it?

Remember winter? You know, the season that makes you shiver uncontrollably as the chill freezes the marrow in your bones? Sounds refreshing, doesn’t it? In no way does that describe Saturday’s Fun Fourth Freedom Run 10K.

MadMayosians present for this drippy furnace of a race were Iris, Blair, Jack, and Nathan (he’s one of us whether he admits it or not), plus Christine from MadMayo: Asheville Division. And me, Josh. We all finished a few pounds of sweat lighter, and the general mood around the tables of bananas and Krispy Kremes was, well, cranky.

“That was hard. Hot.”
“Yes, hot.”
“And that hill at the end? Uncivilized.”
“I agree, hot and uncivilized.”
“I don’t feel I did as well as I could have, but it was so hot.”
“And uncivilized.”
“Yes, I was going to say that. Hot and uncivilized.”
“Did anyone place? No? Let’s go home. I need a gin and tonic.”

And so forth.

The organizers, who were not responsible for the climate, did an excellent job. The volunteers were skilled in the art of the water hand-off, and there were plenty of post-race goodies like the aforementioned doughnuts and bananas, as well as bagels, oranges, Gatorade, and some kind of tasty apple bread.

While the course was hillier than I thought it would be (although the heat might have made the hills bigger and steeper), it was nice running through some of the prettier neighborhoods of Greensboro. Most of the course was in the shade, which was certainly appreciated. Thanks, trees!

We did bring the camera; however, would you believe those things still require batteries in this day and age? Crazy, right? I should have brought some paper and a pencil. I could have drawn us. Or maybe not, as sweat and graphite are not artistically compatible.

“I guess I understand why there aren’t many races in July and August,” Iris said as she stopped, dropped, and rolled, thinking she was on fire. “Yup,” was all Christine could say in response, struggling to open a fire hydrant with her bare hands. Sniffing, Blair asked, “Is something cooking?” “We are,” answered Jack from underneath his fancy parasol. “Air conditioning and couch. Vamos, amigos,” I said, hopping from foot to foot, toes smoking a little.

With no further ado we drove off to our respective homes, soon to forget the trials of the day and start looking forward to the next race—next Saturday’s Kernersville Rotary Club Fourth of July 5K.

Fun Fourth Freedom Run 10K results here >>

Jack departs in style at the PTI 5K on the Runway.

Enjoy this week’s MadMayo race recap by Jack Plymale:

Prerace at the PTI 5K on the Runway had the feel of a big event (lots of first-time runners, buses to the start line, planes, security, and race officials everywhere). This is the first time I knowingly participated in a one-time event—this race will not be repeated on the FedEx runway.

The race started about 30 minutes late due to a late surge in registrations (700 preregistered, and several hundred more registered on site). It was more of an event for most of the participants than just a race; it seemed as if people were there  to be seen and not just race. The race was well organized and well run in every aspect, except that they ran out of water at the finish, so the runners who did not finish in the top 50 percent had no water at the end of the race. This was not a big deal since it was just a 5K. I saw one runner receiving medical assistance (it was very hot and muggy) but he was up and walking around later.

The race was chip timed, so it was a little crowded at the start going between the timing devices, but then we had the largest track I have ever run on for the race itself. I’m sure at least 100 or more runners could have run side by side on the huge runway, which had little grooves cut in it (would have been hard on barefoot runners, as well as hot).

I finished first in my age group (65–69), but I did not hang around for the awards ceremony. This is the second time that I wore my MadMayo Running Club shirt, and the aero design propelled me to my second age group win (guess what I will be wearing at the upcoming Freedom Run 10K in Greensboro and the July 4^th run in Kernersville?).

See the full results of the first and only PTI 5K on the Runway >>

Martin just ran his 100th marathon. Not 100 over his lifetime. Just this year. Let that sink in for a minute. He just ran his 100th marathon this year. Don’t bother getting your calculator out (you shouldn’t need to; all you have to do is move the decimal point), that’s 2,620 miles. He still has 3930 miles to go.

We like how his local coffee shop shows its appreciation:

That’s carrot cake. Delicious, delicious carrot cake.

So why is he doing this? From his website:

“Right To Play is an humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace with children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.”

Move over, Superman. We’ve got a new hero.

Congratulations, Martin, keep up the good work. We’ll be following your progress and rooting for you all year!

“When you spend a lot of time working on fitness, it’s easy to become a Type A Exerciser: Obsessed with performance. Constantly striving to improve. Always comparing yourself to others. Never stopping to enjoy the moment, or appreciate the positive benefits the activities can bring.

“I don’t want to live like that, dude.”

It can be tough for beginning runners—and not-so-beginning runners—to keep a healthy perspective about their pace. After all, every race we enter is timed and awards are given for speed. Heck, usually by the time many of the slower runners cross the finish line, the post-run snacks have been reduced to peels and crumbs and the awards ceremony is well underway. Maintaining an upbeat attitude in those circumstances should garner a medal—or at least an intact banana!

Remember: It’s not about anyone else’s run but yours. Walking isn’t a crime. And crossing the finish line, whether you’re first or last, or whether the finish line is at the end of a 5K or the end of your block, is your only goal. No, check that—your only goal is to keep moving and HAVE FUN!

Have fun at the next MadMayo Running Club Run/Walk Meetup: Saturday, June 19, 9:00–10:00 a.m., Chinqua-Penn Walking Trail. Shop at the Rockingham County Farmers’ Market afterward! Scenic 1.68-mile smooth dirt/gravel loop. Kids, leashed dogs welcome. BYO drinks/snacks.

Yeah, we were surprised by Jack's choice of headgear, too, but he insisted that this is how they do 5Ks in the Sahara. (We think he misheard "Siberia," but you can't argue with a hat this fabulous.) From left: Barefoot Josh Sutcliffe, Iris Sutcliffe, Dena Harris, Royce Richardson, Jack Plymale.

That was a blast! Kudos to Greensboro Parks & Recreation and Janes on the Run for putting together a great inaugural event for a totally worthy cause: the Trail Mix 5K at Bur-Mil Park, with 100 percent of all donations benefiting Greensboro trails and greenways. Greensboro has more than 80 miles of awesome trails and it’s gotta be no small feat keeping them in runnable, bikeable, and hikeable condition. Consider investing in this valuable resource and make a donation. And a hat tip to the volunteering Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, who earned a badge or two today for their service keeping the runners hydrated, motivated, and moving in the right direction.

MadMayo members representing North Carolina’s North Star were:

Jack Plymale
Royce Richardson
Dena Harris
Iris Sutcliffe
And of course your humble author, me, Josh Sutcliffe.

Some other Rockingham racers were also in attendance: Jay Jones, who won February’s Run to the Endzone 5k, and Brian McCandless, who won the Phoenix 5k just two weeks ago. Talk about a star-studded field.

This was my first barefoot trail race, so I was a little nervous. I have run many of the trails around Bur-Mil without shoes, but never in a race. I will also say without reservation that in previous trail races I was very grateful for the footwear I had, however “minimal” or whatever the kids are calling aqua socks these days. So I had to be smart. Not my strong suit.

For instance, Iris and I were a little preoccupied before and after the race with thoughts of our coffee machine. Neither one of us remembered turning it off. Fortunately, it was off when we got home. Maybe the dogs did it.

Click the pic to make a donation to help maintain GSO's greenways and trails!

Dena and future MadMayo Member (once all the paperwork is turned in and notarized) Nathan showed up ready to go, having run a few miles beforehand(foot?). Jack and Royce hobnobbed with the crowd, since they seem to know everybody. Iris was looking mighty sporty in her new racing skort, I must say. I might have to add a kilt to my racing wardrobe.

Okay, the race. Awesome. Nice out-’n-back on the greenway, where some jockeyed for position while others saved it for the trails. I started in the middle, with Iris, Jack, and Royce. Thank you, volunteer at the turnaround who laughed at my lame “U-turn. Who turn? Me turn?” joke. Above and beyond the call of duty, my friend. And then, the trail…

I really like the Big Loop. It’s a nice mix of technical and smooth, with a few muddy puddles. Getting muddy is one of my favorite things about trails, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Of course, I hope some of my footprints survived long enough to confuse a future hiker or two. I am pleased to report that I released an expletive only once, when I failed to notice a medium-size rock underfoot. That brings my average to about 8.37 miles per swear word. Not too shabby.

The real obstacle, however, wasn’t the terrain, but the humidity. Hoo-boy. I wasn’t sure if I was running or swimming at times. But hey, better to run in the shade of the woods than out on the road in such blazing sweatiness. Another reason to pony up.

The only MadMayoite to win his age division was Jack. For his exemplary representation of our club, he shall receive a Josh Art Original (well, sort of original—it’s a linocut print):

Shameless Plug: If anyone is interested in learning the principles of running barefoot, and maybe even wants give it a try, I’m conducting a FREE workshop and you’re invited. We’ll talk for a bit, then run around a bit, then talk some more. Should be fun, and maybe even educational. Friday, June 11; 6:30–8 p.m.; RunnerDude’s Fitness, 2307 W. Cone Blvd., Greensboro. Info: 336-288-6155.

Race results are posted at the Janes on the Run website >>

Thanks again to all of the organizers for putting on a splendid race. See you at next year’s Trail Mix!

• Only one in four kids gets at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Kids and teens obesity rates have doubled in the past 20 years.
• Health-care expenses and productivity losses related to obesity problems cost Americans more than $100 billion annually.
• Because of changes in diet and lifestyle, Americans are increasingly at risk for diseases that can significantly diminish the quality, productivity, and length of their lives. The time to act is now.

Read on to learn some easy ways to get started >>

Run or walk with the MadMayo Running Club at the next group meetup: Chinqua-Penn Walking Trail, Saturday, June 19, 10:00 a.m.