Purple Stride 5K

June 16 -

A sunny morning  greeted NORSA runners Emily and Steven S on the day of the Purple Stride 5K in downtown DC.  They rode their bikes into town for the race, arriving with plenty of time to meet friends from Team Papa Schorr and pick up t-shirts before the 8:30 a.m. start.

The race took the runners around the national mall and was a flat course ending on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of Freedom Plaza. The race was chip timed and the fellow who won was from Portland, Oregon. Steven S finished 27th out of a small field with a time of 20:29. The event raised over $500,000 to benefit pancreatic cancer research.

After the race, bananas, cookies, and a cover band could be found past the finish line - the usual post-race stuff.

The team watched everyone finish and then enjoyed brunch together.  In all, good fun for a good cause.

Late 2010 Updates: Steven L. did some additional things

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 trick to keep in mind for future races. Per tradition, I stayed at Lat-Man's crib in Richmond for the rest of the weekend. Per more tradition, we did the pipeline walk on the river.







Additionally, I did the Turkey Chase 10K again, making my 5th consecutive appearance. I posted a 46:56 for that, which is a PR!

St. Patty's Run Green 2010

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 competitors and a mildly rolly course which took the runners through the residential neighborhoods immediately east of downtown.

Starting and finishing in front of Tir Na Nog in Moore Square, the runners were treated to bag pipes, green race shirts, an Irish rock band, and free pints and glasses - the usual post-race shenanigans that follow most road-running races sponsored by Irish Pubs that take place around St. Patrick's Day. The temperatures warmed up to the 60's with sunny skies, striking a wonderful balance between cool running and warm post-race shenanigizing.

Here are the results:

Name     Age_Group_Place     Time 
Nam      18                  37:55
Adam     33                  42:03
Amanda   20                  46:12

Full results can be found here

Bethesda Turkey Chase 10K

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 starting the race.   The black long-sleeved shirts were better than your average race shirt, but Matt preferred the purple shirt from the Luray Sprint Triathlon.

The course started by the YMCA Bethesda and went out on Cedar Lane, through the local neighborhood, followed Wisconsin Avenue past Bethesda Naval Hospital to downtown Bethesda, then back on Old Georgetown Road to the finish.  It was a hilly course with a good portion of the Wisconsin leg being uphill.  As in past years, Wisconsin Avenue was not completely closed to traffic for the race and the runners were supposed to squeeze into the far right lane of the road.  Things got a bit congested and many spilled over the cones into the next lane.  The finish was downhill and fast.  So fast that Steven S forgot to turn in his timing chip and had to mail it in.

Steven L led the pack with a fast and furious 48:37, with Steven S close behind.  The rest of the NORSA group put up equally impressive times.  Tom beat his time from the 2007 race, and Matt, Steve L, and brother John beat their times from 2008.   Full race results are available here. 

Steven S partakes in post-race shenanigans.

Due to holiday obligations there was not a NORSA post-race event.  But after this great day of running Team NORSA gives thanks for our friends, our health, and the opportunity to challenge ourselves.

Race for World Peace 5K

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 warmed up and headed to the starting line with a group of Emily's friends from work who were also running.

The race started promptly at 9:00 AM near the Foggy Bottom metro station and the course headed down to Constitution via 19th St, then made a loop on Pennsylvania and returned on the same route.  The runners finished with an uphill stretch on 19th St between the 4 and 5 km mark, with the final few hundred meters on I st NW.   The fellow who won the race is from Ethiopia.  Since the times were chip-computed, the local running report noted that he established the event record at 15 minutes and 10 seconds.

After the race, a dance troupe performed on a stage set up for the accompanying festival for world peace.  Bananas, granola bars, and water were provided also - the usual post-race shenanigans that follow most road-running races.

Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest 8K Recap

On Saturday, July 18th, 2009, many NORSA members ran in the 24th annual Rockville Twilight Runfest in Maryland. Returning NORSA members Matt White, Russ, Leo , Nora, and Tom S joined new and aspiring members Laura, Laurel, Jared, Mike, and Vic. This race brings Laura on board as a full-fledged NORSA member, too. The Twilighter, a race sponsored by the Rockville Rotary Club, has been a race in which NORSA has had solid representation for several years now, and this year was clearly no exception.











Race-day conditions were fair, with the heat dying off a little as the night approached. The official start time was 8:46 PM, and night was creeping in swiftly as the runners left the start line. The course winds through downtown Rockville, its surrounding neighborhoods and schools, and Montgomery College's campus before popping the runners out on to Rockville's main drag of 355. After crossing the finish and removing their timing chips, all runners were invited to head over to the Michelob Ultra beer tent and enjoy four frosty beverages.

Results are available here: http://mcrrc.org/racing/2009/09twilighter.htm

Run for Peace 5K

A partly cloudy morning greeted NORSA co-founder, Adam D, as he awoke at 7:00 AM after getting immunizations and watching Jay Leno's final Tonight Show the day before. Not bothering to shower since he was about to run a race, Adam made it to the start with plenty of time to register and stretch before the 8:00 AM start time of the St. Francis of Assisi "Run For Peace" 5K. So, after tying his running shoes, Adam went to the packet pick-up and donned his bib for the race.

The race started promptly at 8:00 AM and took Adam and the other runners through neighborhood areas near St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The course went through a pleasant neighborhood with mild to moderate rolling hills. The fellow who won the race was from Raleigh, NC. The times were chip-computed and it's a pretty solid fact that he finished in exactly 16 minutes and 2 seconds.

After the race, massages were available, bagels and Gatorade were provided, as well as bananas and oranges - the usual post-race shenanigans that follow most road-running races.

31st Annual BOLDERBoulder 10K

May 25th, 2009 – Memorial Day – Denver, Colorado: NORSA co-founder Tom Saffell awakens on the couch in his cousin’s apartment. Tossing on some shorts and an old shirt, Tom and his cousin, Tim, hop in the car for the forty-five minute drive to Boulder for the 31st Annual BOLDERBoulder 10K road running race. Boulder’s elevation is 5,400 feet above sea level and altitude sickness is a concern for coastal runners. Roughly 53,000 runners participated in the 2009 BOLDERBoulder and, though, they started in many, many different waves, many would not even finish because of the fun sideline events and goings-on along the course.

Throughout the race, there were Blues Brothers impersonators, belly dancers, people giving beer away out of keg parties in their front yards, slip-n-slides, and at mile five next to the last water stop, there was also the last chance for bacon. The course rolls through downtown Boulder, several portions of the surrounding neighborhood, and finally finishes with an uphill run into the University of Colorado’s stadium where the finish line comes up after runners run ¾ of the way around the stadium track while the Jumbo-tron follows their progress.

After the race, Michelob Ultra, the usual health food sponsor snacks, and some fruit were distributed to the racers in nifty little lunch sacks after they turned in their timing chips. Tom’s cousin ran in wave DC and Tom ran in wave G; the waves went up to the letter combination of NP. Post-race events included a sky-diving team parachuting into the stadium with flags commemorating POWs and a runners’ expo with many tents set up for the races many sponsors.

The altitude definitely played a role in the race and many people were unable to finish. Other folks didn’t finish because they were content to simply stop running and join one of the sideline parties. Professional photographers caught some shots of Tom mid-race (above) and as he rounded the track to finish the race. Tim (Bib # DC089) finished in 00:53:49 and Tom (Bib # G014) finished in 01:19:14 and results are available on the race's official website.

Rise to the Challenge 5K

An overcast morning greeted NORSA co-founder, Tom Saffell, as he awoke at 7:00 AM after a late night at McFadden's in DC. Rushing to shower and get to the race before the 8:00 start time, Tom later realized that he was an hour early for the 9:00 actual start time of the St. John's "Rise to the Challenge" 5K to raise money for the church and support healthy lifestyles for youth across the county. So, after sleeping in his car for 45 minutes, Tom went to the packet pick-up and donned his bib for the race.

The race started promptly at 9:00 AM and took Tom and the other runners through areas of the township near St. John the Evangelist Church. The course was interesting since it was seemingly very short, but the runners soon discovered that they would have to lap the long loop in the middle of the course twice. The fellow who won the race was a University of Richmond Track & Field athlete and, though the times were not chip-computed and are yet to be confirmed, it's a pretty solid estimate that he finished in roughly 26 minutes

After the race, blood pressure readings were available, blood donations signups were accepted, bagels and Gatorade were provided, as well as bananas and oranges - the usual post-race shenanigans that follow most road-running races.

Shamrock Sportsfest 2009

On Sunday, March 22nd, six NORSA members traveled to Virginia Beach to participate in the Annual Shamrock Marathon and Half Marathon. This event, coupled with its flat course, strong organization, large cheering crowds, and great post race finish party featuring essentially unlimited Yuengling and all you can eat beef stew, was a hit with NORSA members last year, and so were joined by three additional competitors this year to make it one of NORSA's largest events (and without a doubt the highest female to male ratio).



Bethan repeated her performance from last year by running a strong full marathon. This year she brought along a contingent of fellow classmates to also participate in the full. Julia, Adam, Anna, Alan, and Taylor meanwhile settled for the half marathon. This was a NORSA-filled weekend for many of the competitors, as Julia, Alan, and Taylor participated in Sir Walter's HHH 800th R*n and Adam returned from the NORSA Ski Trip to Wyoming the day before.

The race conditions were perfect (if maybe a little warm by the end of the marathon) for strong finishes by all competitors.

Full Marathon:
Bethan 4:22:28

Half Marathon:
Julia 1:38:45
Adam 1:49:36
Anna 1:51:47
Alan 2:15:36
Taylor 2:49:23

After the race, all NORSA participants, as well as three of Bethan's classmates ate a celebratory meal at Olive Garden - the site of a similar celebratory meal after the 2007 Sandman Triathlon.

Legs and joints ached at the end of the day, but all members were satisfied with an excellent race and a successful challenge. Special thanks also to NORSA newcomer Jasmin and the Tidewater HHH for a motivational refreshment stop on the course.

Krispy Kreme Challange covered by ESPN

This year's race was covered by ESPN reporter Greg Garber.





Also, check out Greg's article on the race.

Team NORSA's EYE of the World 5K!

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 black lab).

Results:

1 - Reagan
2 - Adam
3 - Alan Stewart
4 - Julia Brockman
5 - Anna Blount (tie)
5 - Taylor Hinson (tie)

Special thanks to the ever-kind Newport News host Ian Harris, as well as the Mariners' Museum and the Riverside community for providing an excellent race venue.

Turkey Chase 2008

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, downtown Bethesda, and the neighborhoods.

Results:
Steven: 50:16
John: 57:41
Matt: 1:02:47

Here is Steven, captured in his smooth running form:

Followed by brother John:

And tall Matt:

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

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 Run
Where: Lion's Bridge, Newport News, VA
Why: To support EYE of the World
When: Sunday, December 7, 2008
Start: 10:00 AM
Packet Pickup: 8 - 9:30 AM
Course: The race will be a 5k (3.1 mile) loop starting on the Lion's bridge and traveling through the Riverside area of Newport News, VA. There will be two water stations and plenty of course and post-race support.
Prize: Overall course winner will receive a free ticket to the Oyster Roast (see below)
Registration: Online (see link below)
Registration fee: $15 for adults, FREE for kids ages 15 and under!


What: First Annual EYE of the World Oyster Roast
Where: James River Marina
Why: To support EYE of the World
When: 2:00 PM, Sunday December 7, 2008
About: Come meet EYE of the World's board of directors, learn about the program, and enjoy all you can eat Steamed Oysters, Chowder, and Jambalaya
Registration: Online (see link below)
Registration fee: $35

Sign up for both events for only $40!

- Select Event -

Oyster Roast $35.00 5K Fun Run $15.00 Oyster Roast & 5K Fun Run $40.00 5K Fun Run (age 15 and under) $0.00

*To register an under-15 competitor, simply send an e-mail to 5Krace@eyeotw.org. Be sure to include name and age of the participant, and a return e-mail address so we can send a waiver.


We'll see you there!

2008 Turkey Chase

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.

NORSA Represented at 2008 Kensington 8K

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 and then back down until it hits Old Spring Road. Once there, the course then cuts into the neighborhood of Rock Creek Hills and up a monster hill on East Bexhill Road until it re-joins Kensington Parkway. The home stretch is around the circle at the Noyes Library for Young Children and then a sprint down the flat straightaway of Armory Avenue.

The morning of the race dawned humid and damp as it had rained all through the previous night. The runner's were spared the precipitation, but they had to contend with the damp and, in the park, the junglish heat that was very unusual for late September. Dodging huge puddles and areas of light flooding along Rock Creek, many runners found themselves hindered by fallen branches and even passing deer. It was a very interesting run, indeed.

Tom raced alone for NORSA and finished the race in exactly one hour (and 51 seconds), an addition of eight minutes to his previous year's time. He attributes the extra time to a combination of his own lack of preparation and the sloppy conditions of the course. Furthermore, he looks to next year and hopes to beat his previous time of 00:52:53 in the 2007 Kensington 8K.

140.6 Miles - Team NORSA Completes IRONMAN Louisville!

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 pavement, and countless laps in pools and lakes. Training involved swimming in the NC State pool and nearby Lake Jordan, running half and full marathons, and spending hours on the bike - both in the frigid cold and the blistering sun. As of three weeks ago, they were as strong as they were going to be. The final long workouts were scheduled before beginning a two-week taper in timid anticipation of race day.

On Thursday at noon, the team departed Raleigh (along with supporters Taylor Hinson and EYE of the World member Anna Blount - they were later joined in Louisville by NORSA veteran Julie Brockman) in the decorated team car, and drove nine hours to northwest Kentucky.

Friday and Saturday were spent registering, prepping gear, checking in equipment, and previewing the bike and run courses by car. After a final carb-loaded dinner Saturday night, the racers went to catch a few hours of sleep. They awoke at 4:30 in the morning, made their way down to the transition area to do final preps to the bikes, and then headed to the swim start.

This race is unique in that the age groupers have an individual time-trial start. Instead of a mass start which features much unintentional grabbing, kicking, and fondling in the water, the racers stepped over a timing mat one by one before jumping in the water. The swim was a 2.4 mile up and back in the Ohio river. The water temperature was 83 degrees making it non-wetsuit legal (which are allowed up to 78 degrees and help with buoyancy).

Out of the swim and into the transition area, racers were handed a bag with their bike apparel and headed to a changing tent where helpful volunteers took their swim gear and sprayed the racers with sunscreen.

Leaving the transition area, bikers headed northeast for 112 miles in the rolling hills of Kentucky horse country. Temperatures were in the mid-90s with a triple-digit heat-index. Both the hills and heat took their toll on the racers, but were fortunately supported by 9 aid stations and 1 special needs bag hand-off. The two-lap course passed through a thick cheering crowd in the town of LaGrange twice before beginning the 30 mile descent back to Louisville.

Special note needs to be given to the Team NORSA IRONMAN support team featuring Alan's parents Dawn and Paul, Alan's sister Tana, Adam's parents Piotr and Maria, SWH3 member Doug/A.C., and of course, the 'That's What She Said" cheering squad of Julie, Taylor, and Anna. Seeing them at the transitions, in LaGrange, and throughout the run course was incredibly motivating.

This motivation came in greatest need on the run. After a beautiful and fast bike, the racers changed into running shoes and began the final portion of the event. They headed out to cheers of "You're almost done!" which were both appropriate and lies at the same time. The majority of the event had already been completed - both in time and mileage - but the thought of that didn't ease the fact that they still had to run a marathon - 26.2 miles.

Aid stations were positioned every mile. Sometimes, even that was too far. The greatest pain the racers felt wasn't in their legs or knees, but rather in their stomachs. Nutrition and hydration were the biggest challenges of the day, and it took every bit of effort to keep putting countless packs of PowerGel and Gatorade-Endurance down.

As night fell, the racers were given glowsticks, but as the night approached, so did the finish. The ultimate goal was to cross the finish line alive, standing, and ahead of the 17-hour limit. Alan and Adam both succeeded.

The Race

The Finish

Adam's stats. Alan's stats.
Adam's official race photos. Alan's official race photos.

Check out Alan's description and additional photos at http://sailnaway.blogspot.com/.

Thanks again to the support team at the race and everyone who followed online. Thanks to everyone who spent miles on the bike and pavement training with us. A super NORSA thank-you goes to the team host, David Wicks. David is a Watertribe member and three-time Everglades Challenge competitor who hosted the team at his wonderful house, took them kayaking late at night, and introduced them to the wonders of Kentucky.

And by the way, if you think an IRONMAN teeters on the brink of absurd, how about a double, triple, quadruple, or even 15X IRONMAN? That's right, a 36 mile swim, 1680 mile bike, and 393 mile run. The current world record is 312 hours and change.

What's the next grand feat for Team NORSA? Who knows, but we'll try and keep it interesting.

Strong Showing at the Rockville Twilight Runfest!

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 pushed to 9:00 (originally 8:45), the temperature and humidity of the evening still lingered and made the race quite a challenge. Thankfully, there were plenty of water stops for the runners along the course. Also, several homeowners came out to their front yards in order to shower the participants with cold water from their garden hoses, helping to keep racers from overheating.

This year's event showcased the increasing competitiveness for Team NORSA, with Steve and Adam both beating their goals and setting personal records for the course. They had both previously run the race in 2006 (40:42 and 42:44, respectfully) and 2004 (43:15 and 42:32, respectfully). The race also served as training for future NORSA races; the Nation's Triathlon (Matt, Leo, Steve, and Adam), Louisville Ironman (Adam), Culpeper Sprint (Steve and Fred), and the Lake Logan Tri (Adam).

The team results:

Rank        Bib # Name            Age Time      Pace
318         649   Adam   25  36:54     7:26 
323         672   Fred Kukelhaus  25  37:02     7:27 
82          606   Julia Brockman  24  37:56     7:38 
419         640   Steve           25  39:49     8:01 
440         721   Leo Weitzenhoff 26  40:05     8:04 
171         642   Bethan Haaga    25  43:06     8:41 
748         666   Matthew White   25  47:17     9:31 
1087        639   Thomas Saffell  25  64:10     12:55 

A bit of NORSA history: this is the first race at which NORSA made a showing, with Adam and Steve participating on a whim in 2004. Prior to that point, NORSA had been exclusively an outdoor recreation society (e.g., camping and canoeing). It was with this race, and the many to follow, that NORSA members found ways to challenge their fitness level in the outdoors.