National Outdoor Recreation Society of America

2011 Camping Year in Review

2012-01-22T13:58:00.026-05:00

2011 was yet again a most excellent year for backpacking and hiking. NORSA members hit up some old favorites and a few new sites too. The year ended for Steven S with three nights out in back-to-back weekends. On to the highlights: April - Ramsey's Draft - 2012 backpacking started with a bang. Lots of fun despite lots of rain and hail. Fourth of July - Staunton River / Jones Mountain

Joe’s Ride, Jaguar 5K & Race to Donate Life 5K

2011-06-01T10:58:00.005-04:00

Joe’s Ride (45K bike)May 21, 2011Olney, Marylandhttp://www.joesanford.com/This was Allison’s 6th consecutive “riding” (hell, you know she’s racing it!) of Joe’s Ride held annually for Joe Stanford who passed away in 1999 from a brain tumor. The 45K (actually, about 29m or so) ride takes one through the rolling countryside of Burtonsville and Laytonville before coming back into Olney for the

Storming through Ramsey's Draft - NORSA Spring Backpacking

2011-04-19T00:02:00.018-04:00

April 15 2011 - Team NORSA member Steven S, along with Cody L and Marvin W set out to conquer the challenging Ramsey's Draft wilderness trails.Ramsey's Draft is quite an adventure, with 20+ stream crossings, remnants of virgin hemlock forest, and spectacular ridge climbs. If that wasn't enough, this expedition took place on a weekend with 100% chance of rain including thunderstorms and flash

Yuengling Shamrock Marathon

2011-04-04T15:11:00.007-04:00

March 20, 2011 Virginia Beach, VirginiaAllison ran her first marathon. And it hurt. No, actually it went really well! The wind, though, was downright brutal (which was a ghost-town as racers filled hotel lobbies looking for a break from the 35-40 mph gusts). It died down a bit yet provided a steady 10+ mph force for runners; normally nothing terrible but the “wind tunnel” along Atlantic Avenue

Tobacco Road Half Marathon

2011-03-28T12:22:00.000-04:00

Tobacco Road Half MarathonMarch 20, 2011Cary, NCAuthor's note: this post marks a number of firsts. It's my first blog post ever on NORSA, and the subject matter is my first ever race. I will now enter the 3rd person narrative, as is NORSA custom.Early in 2011, Eugene decided he would join a few of his UNC Kenan-Flagler friends in training for this race. After all, he had always been jealous of

Late 2010 Updates: Steven L. did some additional things

2011-01-15T18:12:00.005-05:00

Hey y'all - I ran the Giant Acorn Triathlon back in October. For the second year in a row, I chose the Olympic-distance option. I cut off about 7 minutes from my previous time!! (Completed in 2:40:44). Much of that time off came from the run, where I actually stopped to heed the call of nature. Despite the time lost from stopping, I was able to run significantly faster after doing so...A

2010 Camping Year in Review

2010-12-26T18:11:00.028-05:00

Although the DC area "Snowpocalypse" shut down the annual ICE, the year of 2010 still had its share of backpacking and camping adventures, with myself and other familiar NORSA faces. Just back from my last trip of the year, it is time to recap them all. NORSA camping is truly an event for all seasons:Spring - one week solo (Steven S) in the George Washington National Forest, around Trout Run

Jingle All the Way 10K

2010-12-15T13:42:00.005-05:00

Jingle All the Way 10KDecember 12, 2010Washington, DCSpirits were high at the Capital Running Company’s Jingle All the Way 10K despite a cold and rainy Sunday morning in December. Costumed and serious runners alike toed the line for the 6th annual race held at DC’s West Potomac Park. The flat out and back course allows for attainable PRs but not for a certain NORSA running on this day. Allison

Blue Moon Wicked 10K

2010-11-12T11:58:00.003-05:00

Blue Moon Wicked 10KOctober 30, 2010Virginia Beach, VirginiaAllison participated in the second annual Blue Moon Wicked 10K held in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She did not miss her starting wave (first wave!!) this time and was able to cruise along the flat, coastal course at a 7:54/m pace and notched herself a new 10K PR.Allison “beat the train” (a group of employees from a local running store

Army 10 Miler

2010-11-01T14:40:00.005-04:00

Army 10 MilerOctober 24, 2010Washington, DCAllison ran 9.95 miles of the Army 10 Miler on October 24, 2010 while skidding the remaining 0.05 miles. 30,000 runners registered for the race with 21,669 crossing the finish line in the allotted time. The course takes runners from the Pentagon, across the Arlington Memorial Bridge and circles the Lincoln Memorial before heading up Constitution and

Freedom’s Run Half Marathon

2010-10-04T16:28:00.002-04:00

Shepherdstown, West VirginiaOctober 2, 2010http://www.freedomsrun.org/Allison participated in the 2nd Annual Freedom’s Run Half Marathon in Shepherdstown, West Virginia on Saturday October 2. Despite two absolutely torturous hills followed up with 6 miles of rolling hills (not as cute and cheery as one may suspect), she was able to clock a 4 ½ minute PR while running through arguably one of the

Steven L. Completes Diamond in Rough

2010-08-13T19:45:00.008-04:00

Hello Norsaites - I did the Diamond in the Rough for the 3rd year in a row. This year it was converted to a Duathlon because the race began in the middle of a brutal thunderstorm, canceling the swim portion. The race began with a 2.7 mile run (replacing the 1-mile swim), and continued with the typical 27-mile bike and 5 mile run. It never stopped raining throughout the entire race, resulting in

Rockville Twilighter 8k Race

2010-07-18T12:11:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, July 17, NORSA runners gathered in Rockville for the annual twilight 8k hosted by the Rotary Club. Several thousand racers toed the line near 9:00 PM on a hot, humid Saturday night. Among those runners were Matt White, Steven Long, Allison and Sean Tully, Emily Paladino, and Tom Saffell. The course takes the runners from downtown Rockville through some neighborhoods of Rte 355 and

2010-06-07T14:44:00.004-04:00

DC Capital Striders 8KMay 29, 20106:30 PMAllison participated in her first 8K with the DC Capital Striders this past Memorial Day Weekend. The race was simple yet well run; no chip timing or elaborate set-ups here, just a $15 entry fee, toe the line and get ready to go! The out and back course began at the start (or end, depending on which way one looks at it) of the Capital Crescent Trail in

Steven Completes 2010 Rumpus in Bumpass Sprint

2010-06-04T19:30:00.005-04:00

Steven completed the 2010 Rumpus in Bumpass Sprint on April 18. It was fun. You should join him for a race.

Norsa Ski Trip 2010

2010-06-04T19:24:00.004-04:00

Matt, Nora, Steven, Russ, Leo, Jon and a bunch of other people went skiing in the Lake Tahoe area this spring. It was norsa-tastic.

2010 Care First Frederick Running Festival

2010-05-10T17:30:00.004-04:00

May 1 – 2, 2010Thank God I Only Ran the Half…Springtime can be an “iffy at best” deal for many runners and unpredictable heat and humidity can and will destroy one’s goal of a 1:48 half even after she trained oh-so-hard to improve her speed and endurance and made sure to properly hydrate and replenish her electrolytes which a lack of had caused issues with calf strains and pulled Achilles tendons

2010 Kaiser Permanente Pike’s Peek 10K

2010-04-30T14:53:00.005-04:00

April 25, 2010Just a quick recap since I need to spend a good amount of time researching how not to die running a half marathon in 92° heat (Frederick Half Marathon on May 2).Pike’s Peek is a community run through the heart (The Pike) of Rockville, Maryland. And, may I emphasize “community run” to the gentleman who crossed the finish line with his arms outstretched, middle fingers extended? Yes,

2010 CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield National Half Marathon

2010-03-24T13:27:00.011-04:00

2010 CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield National Half MarathonI Beat Michael WardianNo big deal, but I spent my Saturday morning out on a run through our Nation’s Capital with four-time winner of the Boston and New York Marathon Bill Rodgers and Joan Benoit Samuelson, winner of the first women's Olympic Marathon. No need to mention that I paid $85 for the privilege of rising at 4:30 AM and began my

St. Patty's Run Green 2010

2010-03-08T12:05:00.005-05:00

On March 7th, 2010, NORSA member Adam, along with newcomers Amanda and Nam, strapped on their running shoes to participate in downtown Raleigh's St. Patty's Day Run Green 8K. Sponsored by local Irish Pub Tir Na Nog (which is getting quite involved in the Raleigh running scene - sponsoring many races and hosting its Monday night Nog Run Club), this road race featured approximately 2,500

Mt. Isabel de Torres

2010-01-21T23:04:00.009-05:00

NORSA members Alan and Adam, while taking a short leave of absence from regular scheduled NORSA events, took the opportunity to re-invigorate themselves in the NORSA lifestyle in the most proper way possible: by climbing a mountain.Currently based in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, Alan and Adam began the day with their sights set on the nearby 2700 ft summit of Isabel de Torres. The

2009-12-31T17:53:00.003-05:00

NORSA Planning Trip to White Oak Canyon on Sunday Jan 3rd to see frozen waterfalls.http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/WhiteOakCedarRun/We are planning to leave at 7:15 am on Sunday morning from 1600 N.Oak St. Parking should be available on N.Oak Street. This is 2 blocks from the Rossyln Metro Station. It is 2 hours to the trailhead. The hike should take about 5 hours. Everybody should bring

Jingle All the Way 10K

2009-12-29T09:06:00.008-05:00

Welcome to my inaugural post; here's hoping I don't sound like an idiot. Sunday, December 13, 2009"It is not warm out"The chilly 36 degree temperature, light drizzle and fog was, surprisingly, a welcomed treat for the record 3,763 runners who were told to prepare for below freezing temperatures, snow and ice during the 2009 Jingle All the Way 10K in Washington, DC on December 13, 2009. The mist

Bethesda Turkey Chase 10K

2009-12-02T21:08:00.021-05:00

Thursday, November 26, 2009 - Nearly 5,000 runners showed up for the 27th annual Bethesda Turkey Chase 10K. It was a cold and gray Thanksgiving morning, but the rain held off until later in the day. NORSA representation for this race included Steven L, Matt, Tom, Steven S, and Emily. Some had picked up packets at City Sports the day before, and some picked them while the first waves were

Sky Meadows hiking

2009-11-21T13:16:00.015-05:00

Sunday, November 15, 2009 - With much nicer weather than previous NORSA outings, Matt, Steven S, and Emily decided to check out another Virginia state park at Sky Meadows. Less than an hour from the DC area, the park was recommended by a fellow hiker at Duncan Knob. The park has 12 miles of trails and also connects to the Appalachian Trail.Starting on the North Ridge Trail, the group explored

Veteran's Day Expedition to Great Falls

2009-11-17T22:16:00.010-05:00

NORSA veterans Steven S., Emily, Nora, and Matt celebrated Veteran's Day with a hike at Great Falls National Park in Virginia. Undeterred by the frigid temperatures, driving rain, and impending floodwaters, the four intrepid hikers explored several miles of the southern bank of the Potomac River. The hike started early at the main parking lot and proceeded west along the Powtowmack trail.

Duncan Knob Hike

2009-11-08T07:42:00.021-05:00

Sunday, October 25, 2009 - A beautiful day with clear skies set the stage for the latest installment of the 2009 NORSA fall hiking series. Hoping to see the fall colors at their peak, Matt and Steven S headed out to Duncan Knob, site of previous NORSA excursions. On the way out they stopped for gas at BP and couldn't help but note the billboard advertisement for body massage. Then they

NORSA sends EOTW on its way!

2009-11-02T20:25:00.009-05:00

NORSAites Steven and Andrew traveled to Hampton, VA to see off the Eye of the World Crew on their around-the-world voyage.Unfortunately, the weather turned very bad, very fast. Fast-thinking Andrew emphatically announced an imminent "white squall" to a nervously laughing crew: Adam fired up the engines and ran on deck to steer the ship clear of trouble. But, alas, something went wrong:

Race for World Peace 5K

2009-10-25T22:46:00.012-04:00

An overcast, humid morning with expectations of rain greeted NORSA members Steven S and Emily, who had eaten at Matchbox in DC with friends the night before. They had enough time for breakfast before taking the metro to make the 9:00 start time of the inaugural Race for World Peace 5K. Since Steven had picked up the race packets the day before, they already had bibs and timing chips. They

Bike DC 2009

2009-10-17T19:48:00.028-04:00

Saturday, October 17, 2009 - On a morning when bicycle advocacy overruled common sense, hundreds of cyclists braved 40 degree and rainy weather to participate in Bike DC 2009. The annual community bike ride offers a unique opportunity to ride on car-free streets in DC and northern Virginia. The WABA event has been around for several years and similar events are held in Portland and Chicago.

Giant Acorn 2009

2009-10-08T17:02:00.006-04:00

I competed in the Giant Acorn International Triathlon on Saturday, October 3, 2009. I previously competed in the Giant Acorn Sprint in 2006 and 2008. Since this race was double the length of the Sprint, it made up for missing the Sprint in 2007. ).Two races in which NORSA members have previously competed in, the Kinetic Sprint and the Sandman Sprint, have been moved to new weekends this year. The Kinetic Sprint has been moved back 2 weeks and is now held in May. The Sandman

Krispy Kreme Challenge 2009!

2009-02-08T13:55:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, Team NORSA members Adam, Alan Stewart, Tim Josey, and Taylor Hinson were joined by newcomer Scott Hinson and over 5,000 other runners to compete in the 5th annual Krispy Kreme Challenge.The official event involves running 2 miles from NC State University's belltower to the historic Krispy Kreme doughnut shop in downtown Raleigh, eating 12 Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and then running the

define: NORSAriffic

2009-01-20T00:39:00.000-05:00

The results of the NORSAriffic survey are in! To define what it means to be a NORSA member, what standards are expected of NORSA events, and what you can do to be more NORSAriffic in your everyday life, we issued a survey to gauge public perception on a NORSAriffic scale.Respondents were asked to rate a number of events on their degree of NORSArifficness. Below are the results. Averages

NORSA ICE Conquers Another GWNF Peak

2009-01-19T00:31:00.000-05:00

On January 17th, 2009, NORSA members convened for the annual Insane Cold-weather Excursion (ICE), an extreme camping trip in below-freezing temperatures. This year's ICE, though different in many ways from last year's, had much in common with ICE 2008. For instance, this year saw no more turnout than last year, and once again, ICE was confined to just three intrepid adventurers. Repeat-offenders

McTrouser Gravy Bike Challenge a ... success!

2009-01-12T12:52:00.000-05:00

Long ago, NORSA cycling veterans Tim Josey, Alan Stewart, and Adam gathered over drinks and hashed up a new type of competition. This would combine elements of Ironman, the Krispy Kreme Challenge, and the Virgilinia Twelvety. A sort of Mythbusters crossed with Fear Factor, the event would require stamina, endurance, and perseverance. After many months of rescheduled dates and school conflicts,

Sunday Afternoon Hiking on the Billy Goat Trail

2009-01-11T18:14:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, January 11th, NORSA members gathered to hike the Billy Goat Trail along the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Steven Splitek, who is preparing for the Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon in March, was the impetus behind the trip, and carried a rucksack with 35 lbs of text books and water along the hike. Joining him on the trip and starting off down the C&O Canal Towpath to the

NORSA Annual ICE 2009

2009-01-07T13:35:00.000-05:00

NORSA is kicking the New Year off right with its annual winter camping trip (ICE or the Insane Cold-Weather Excursion) in the Massanutten Mountains of Virginia. This year, there is actually enough interest that a cold-weather trip may occur twice in the early months of 2009. The first confirmed trip is scheduled for January 17 - 18. Please contact Tom Saffell or Steve Long if you'd like to come

A NORSAriffic New Years

2009-01-04T16:14:00.000-05:00

NORSA members Steve, Alan Stewart, Julia Brockman, Taylor Hinson, and Adam spent New Years at Steve's beach house in North Litchfield, South Carolina. Just south of Myrtle Beach, the destination provided opportunities for a broad range of NORSA and non-NORSA activities, including New Year's Eve at Club Kryptonite along with trips to Brookgreen Gardens, Castle Atalaya, Georgetown, and Maze Mania.

From our family to yours ...

2008-12-18T14:16:00.000-05:00

And a NORSAtastic New Year!

Team NORSA's EYE of the World 5K!

2008-12-09T20:32:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday marked Team NORSA's first self-sponsored and organized competitive race, the EYE of the World 5k! Participants braved the cold and wind to race for bragging rights over this prestigious event.NORSA regulars and Louisville Ironman participants/supporters Alan Stewart, Julia Brockman, Adam, Taylor Hinson, and Anna Blount, were joined by NORSA newcomer Reagan (Ian's 9 month old

Turkey Chase 2008

2008-11-30T20:39:00.000-05:00

NORSAites Steven, John and Matt completed the 10K Turkey Chase on Thanksgiving Day. Sadly, last year's record setting appearance of 9 NORSA members and affiliates was not matched because of [insert unsatisfactory excuse].Unlike last year, runners faced cold conditions as evidenced by a layer of morning frost. As usual, the 6.2 mile course took runners on a tour through Bethesda, MD, passing NIH,

EYE of the World Oyster Roast and 5K Fun Run!

2008-11-06T10:47:00.000-05:00

Team NORSA is partnering with EYE of the World to sponsor the first annual EYE of the World Oyster Roast and 5K Fun Run!What: EYE of the World 5K Fun RunWhere: Lion's Bridge, Newport News, VAWhy: To support EYE of the WorldWhen: Sunday, December 7, 2008Start: 10:00 AMPacket Pickup: 8 - 9:30 AMCourse: The race will be a 5k (3.1 mile) loop starting on the Lion's bridge and traveling through the

2008 Turkey Chase

2008-10-27T17:07:00.001-04:00

It is time to sign up for this year's Turkey Chase: Registration is $26 before November 24. Several thousand people participate in this race, making it one of the DC Area's largest. It is also a NORSA favorite - last year 9 NORSA members and friends ran the event. See the 2007 NORSA Article.

Team NORSA at the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

2008-10-19T13:21:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday October 15th, 2008, Team NORSA member Adam flew to Baltimore to take part in the 19th Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. His brother and fellow NORSA member Mark had been planning on traveling to Galveston, Texas to participate in a different sailing regatta; however due to the recent hurricane his plans changed. Mark came to the docks at Fells Point with Adam and was able to

2008 Giant Acorn Sprint

2008-10-13T18:39:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, October 4, 2008, NORSA sachem Steve completed the Giant Acorn Triathlon, which is a standard sprint distance race (750 Meter Swim, 20K Bike, 5K Run). This is the second time Steven has run the Giant Acorn, the first being in 2006. The race was held at Lake Anna in Bumpass, Virginia. [Matt – the essential information has now been disseminated. You may stop reading here, or “hang up

NORSA Represented at 2008 Kensington 8K

2008-09-30T15:00:00.000-04:00

NORSA member Tom Saffell participated in the annual Kensington 8K to benefit area schools. The very hilly running course begins by the old Kensingon armory, which is now the town hall, and immediately spills out on to historic Antique Row as it follows Kensington Parkway. After the runners approach their first mile marker, they then enter Rock Creek Park and run on Beach Drive up to Connecticut

Team NORSA Wins One for the Gipper at the Nation's Triathlon in Washington, DC

2008-09-28T23:30:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, September 14, Team NORSA tore down another wall by finishing the Nation's Triathlon. NORSA veterans Adam, Steve, Matt White, Leo Weitzenhoff, and Jon Spurlock were joined by NORSA newbie Russ Morton for this olympic-distance triathlon running through downtown Washington, D.C. The race started with a 1.5 kilometer swim through the AIDS-infested waters of the Potomac river, followed by a

Matt White Fails to Deliver NORSA Article

2008-09-26T15:47:00.000-04:00

Although he told NORSA members Adam D. and Steven L. he would be covering the Nation's Triathlon on the NORSA website, Matt White has failed to produce anything. In fact, this post is an experiment to see how often Matt even checks the NORSA page. Do not tell him about this post. Let's see what happens.(File Photos)

NORSA Films Visits Iron Furnace!

2008-09-20T00:34:00.001-04:00

Team NORSA members Alan Stewart and Tim Josey took a canoing expedition to Iron Furnace last weekend. NORSA Films was in tow to document the expedition. Enjoy!A NORSA Films Production

The First to "Brown" Themselves Loses

2008-09-09T08:40:00.000-04:00

What: The first ever NORSA-sponsored "McTrouser-Gravy-Bike Challenge."When: 3:00 PM, Sunday, September 21st, 2008Where: Raleigh, NCWhy: ... Following on the heels of the previously NORSA sponsored "Pork and Beans Race" and "Gallon of Crappy Ice Cream Escapade" comes the "McTrouser-Gravy-Bike Challenge." Conceived at a bar and nurtured through many beers, this event carries the NORSA name to new

Team NORSA Featured on Nation's Triathlon Main Web Page

2008-09-05T15:44:00.000-04:00

Another groundbreaking feat was accomplished by Team NORSA when member Steve appeared on the Nation's Triathlon main web page. The web page cycles through a group of pictures at random, and sometimes, Steven shows up. Neat-o!

140.6 Miles - Team NORSA Completes IRONMAN Louisville!

2008-09-03T19:53:00.001-04:00

Team NORSA has reached new heights. On Sunday, August 31st, 2008, at 7:22 AM, tri-team members Alan Stewart and Adam hopped into the Ohio River in Louisville Kentucky to culminate a long year of training. Over 14 hours later, they were Ironmen.They both signed up for this grueling day on September 13, 2007. Since that day, they swam, ran, and biked their way through training injuries, miles of

Louisville Countdown!

2008-08-23T15:52:00.000-04:00

With less than a week to go until the 2008 Louisville Ironman, NORSA racers Alan Stewart and Adam are at the peak of their taper and are focusing on being as strong as they can for race day.In Louisville?There are many places to watch the athletes. Either from downtown to view the swim, run, and bike transitions, or LaGrange to watch the bike loop.Where do the athletes plan to be during their

Olympic Triathlon Coverage

2008-08-10T13:33:00.000-04:00

Credit: the following information was obtained from coachjoeenglish.wordpress.comThe Olympic Distance races feature a 1,500M swim, 40KM bike race, and 10KM run. The men’s and women’s triathlons will be held as separate events on Sunday, August 17th (Women) and Tuesday, August 19th (Men).US TV Coverage: Women’s Olympic Triathlon:NBC Prime-time, Sunday, August 17th, 2008 10:00PM-Midnight*Second

The NORSA Guide to the Olympic Games

2008-08-09T07:14:00.000-04:00

As the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing get underway, here are a few events outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy:Whitewater Kayaking/CanoeingThese events feature a race down a whitewater course where athletes zig zag through a set of gates (both up and down current) and hope finish with the best time. The US team used to train in the DC area until the opening of the US National Whitewater Center in

Culpeper Sprint

2008-08-07T07:55:00.000-04:00

Steven finished the Culpeper Sprint in 1:42:26 with over 500 other racers. Although the website indicated this race was identical to the Little Pepper Sprint, the bike course was actually reversed and a mile longer (almost 17 miles by computer vs. 15 on website). The weather was awesome that day, however, Steven was feeling slightly under the weather with a minor chest cold. Steven continued to

The West Coast!

2008-08-05T10:37:00.000-04:00

Congrats to NORSA member Mike Rhodes, who this past weekend, reached Portland, Oregon in his trans-American cycling adventure!Mike and two friends left from various points on the east coast (Richmond, VA and Raleigh, NC) on May 27th and thus began an epic journey across the Appalachian Mountains, through America's heartland, over the Rockies, and into history.View Larger MapThe entire journey was

Final Race Before Louisville: Team NORSA at the Lake Logan Triathlon

2008-08-04T01:18:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, August 2nd, 2008, team NORSA members Alan Stewart and Adam (accompanied by Brian Stynes and newcomer Julie Griffin) participated in the third running of the Lake Logan Triathlon near Canton, NC.This relatively new race proved to be an excellent one for the racers and spectators alike. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina south of Asheville, the course featured

Strong Showing at the Rockville Twilight Runfest!

2008-07-23T14:39:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, Team NORSA members Tom Saffell, Steve, Matt White, Julia Brockman, Leo Weitzenhoff, Bethan Haaga, Fred Kukelhaus, and Adam participated in the popular Rockville Twilight 8K. The race started in downtown Rockville and snaked through hilly suburban neighborhoods before emerging on to Route 355 near Montgomery College for the one-mile downhill finish. Despite the start getting

Giant Acorn Sprint 10/4/08

2008-07-21T10:51:00.001-04:00

The Giant Acorn Sprint (VA) is still a couple of months away - this is just letting you know that you can register at a discount rate ($60) until August 1st. You should also be aware that this race sold out fairly early last year (39% filled as of 7/27/08).(47% filled as of 7/31/08)(52% filled as of 8/1/08)

First NORSA Picnic at Carderock, MD

2008-07-19T15:42:00.001-04:00

The first of hopefully many picnics to come was held this past weekend at the park in Carderock, MD, off Clara Barton Parkway across from the David Taylor Model Basin. NORSA's DC area contingent gathered in force to enjoy picnic food, good times, and a some summertime fun by the Potomac. With dogs, burgers, and sides on the menu, the happy NORSA folks filled their agenda with frisbees, footballs

Diamond in the Rough Race Recap

2008-07-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

Steven completed the Diamond in the Rough Triathlon in 2:55:49, finishing 236 of 378 competitors. The race featured a 1-mile swim where the Susquehanna River joins the Chesapeake Bay. The 27-mile bike course was among the more hilly to be raced. It included the infamous "mile 22" hill - a mile-long uphill climb. Fortunately, the downhills were as rewarding as the uphills were punishing.

NORSA's Couchman Rocks Yellow Creek Sprint

2008-06-25T22:18:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, June 14, I (Kurt Couchman) ran the Jackie Kallal Triathlon at Yellow Creek State Park, near Indiana, PA, with the support and encouragement of my lovely wife Liz. Despite forecasts of ugly weather, the morning was perfect for a race: little wind, partly cloudy, warm but not hot.Although I had less than the ideal amount of time to warm up, a twenty-five minute delay between being

NORSA Dominates Yorktown Sprint Triathlon

2008-06-11T14:34:00.001-04:00

Yorktown, site of America’s final victory over tyranny and injustice in the Revolutionary War. Now Yorktown is the site of the NORSA Triathlon Team’s victory as well. On June 8, 2008, Setup Events sponsored the eighth triathlon in the Virginia Triathlon Series in Yorktown, VA, on the historic battlegrounds where Cornwallis surrendered. NORSA triathletes Steve and Tom Saffell represented the

Yorktown Sprint Is a GO

2008-06-01T15:38:00.000-04:00

NORSA Co-Founder Tom and NORSA Grand Ayatollah Steven were among the last 8 people to register for the Yorktown Sprint Triathlon, maintaining NORSA's presence at the race for the 2nd year in a row. Lodging for the race is being graciously provided by their mysterious friend, known only as "Latman."

Little Pepper Sprint

2008-05-30T12:58:00.000-04:00

NORSA's Grand Ayatollah Steve successfully completed the Little Pepper Sprint in Culpeper, VA, on May 18th. The race was well organized and the weather was just fine as 400 or so competitors gathered in Mountain Run Lake Park. Steeper-than-would-be-expected Appalachian mountains provided a scenic backdrop for the event. In stage 1, Steven was one of a few competitors who opted to not wear a

Where Is EYE?

2008-05-23T11:31:00.001-04:00

With the SPOT tracker on board, you too can become part of the journey and see where EYE is in almost real time. Just CLICK HERE to be directed to the viewer page. If it does not load or says there are no new messages, try refreshing. The software is still in Beta so give it a break..

EYE Bound for Crown Point

2008-05-22T23:40:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Mike "Let's Ride Bikes" Rhodes for helping keep up with EYE on their journey to Belhaven, NC. Here are some pictures of the crew and the new boat on the water.Having made it safely thus far on her way to Crown Point Marina in Virginia, her shorthanded crew of Adam and Alan are preparing to finish the journey this weekend. They will be joined by fellow NORSA members Alan Witt and friend