Turkey Trot, 5K & 5M, Nov 22, 2018, Traverse City

Race director, Amy Fritz, welcomed over ­­­­2600 runners, walkers, babies and dogs to the 11^th annual Traverse City Turkey Trot 5K and 5Mile races starting and finishing at St. Francis School on 11^th Street. It was a grand day for a stroll along Boardman Lake and the neighborhoods of Traverse City (TC).

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The website, Turkey Trot 2018 , says the following; The 11th Annual Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot has been a family favorite for the past eleven years. We start Thanksgiving day off right with two different race distances; a 5K and a 5 mile, to promote healthy lifestyles as well as give back to local charities. All runners receive a commemorative long-sleeved Turkey Trot t-shirt as well as a cooler lunch bag loaded with bottled water, coupons and SWAG worth well more than the price of entry! Invite the whole family to participate in this one-of-a-kind event starting at St. Francis High School in Traverse City, MI. The Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot has contributed more than $100,000 to many great local area causes over the past 11 years. This year’s race will benefit TART Trails Boardman Lake Loop Project and local youth teams/organizations in support of your community! Children under the age of 3 in a stroller are free. Dogs are also free! Medals were given to the overall male and female runners in each race, the top three age group finishers and the best costumes. Snacks were provided to the finishers.

The Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot was presented by 4Front Credit Union, the race was also sponsored by Pure Water Works, image 360, Blarney Oil, GoGo SqueeZ, Schmuckel Oil and IPR Radio. Proceeds went to improve the Tart Trail. Troy Daily, of TC, passed out samples of Strongbrew Cofee.

As article author, I am honored to be able to pick my own winner. She was not the fastest but without a doubt she was the most inspiring. And the “winner” is Pam Roach, 69, from Pentwater. Pam survived not one but two bouts with often fatal melanoma cancer. Pam is an inspiration to us all. I’ll let Pam tell you in her own words. What health benefits do you receive from walking? I walk 6 days a week and mentally I feel better and physically I just ‘have’ to walk (I’m blessed). When did you first acquire cancer? 1970. When was your second time to acquire cancer?  1999. What prognosis did the Doctor give you? 1970- Surgery and “go live your live”. 1999-stage lll metastatic melanoma-15% chance of surviving a year. Treatment methods?  1999 one year of interferon – brutal, but did it-plus 6 year clinical trial through Karmanos in Detroit (but treatment was in Grand Rapids). Message you would give to others? oh my gosh, my husband’s parents are all cancer SURVIVORS- please don’t ever give up.  Attitude-faith- of course medicine – are necessary.  Have you been in other 5Ks or other races?  Never- this was my first. You were telling me about painted rocks you place as a volunteer. Please explain? I started the Pentwater Rocks group on Facebook. It is part of an international group. Today at 9 am on the Today Show it’s explained. Rocks are painted and hidden for others to find. Others take a pic, post it and re-hide it. It’s all about joy and kindness. Making another person happy and it’s for all ages. Check out the page on Facebook. Other volunteer efforts?   _my husband and I for many, many years volunteered at the American Cancer Society in Grand Rapids. We ran the Relay For Life many years. We also ran a volunteer program at Cancer and Hematology- Grand Rapids largest cancer treatment center. Volunteers would visit with patients as they received chemo. I provide prayer shawls to patients- a nice warm blanket full of love, hope and prayers. I made over 2,000 and we handed out at least 3600. Last question, as a visitor to the TC area, you also represent the boost to our economy from area races. How many nights did you stay in or near TC and what other paying experiences did you incur, such as meals, gas, shopping, etc ?   We stayed 2 nights at the wonderful Cambria- where we stay each time. Shopping, TJmaxx, Target, Kohl’s, BIGGBY, McDonald’s, North Peak, this morning the Green Cafe. Pam Roach, you are a winner in this race we call life. Congratulations. Pam, you are representative of the reason these races are so important to many folks.

Let’s meet more “winners”. Reverend Tim Manzer, 59, of TC, is lucky to be alive and participating in another Turkey Trot. Tim survived a near fatal head-on motorcycle accident several years ago. After weeks in the hospital, Tim was released and started a program of good health. Tim, a well-known area runner, recently required hand surgery to correct a compound fracture suffered in the motorcycle accident. The result of the hand surgery is less pain as Tim continues his remarkable recovery. Tim recently returned to TC after spending several weeks on a mission in Guatemala. This is Tim’s first race since July. Tony Anderson, 56, from Buckley, and managing director of Cherryland Electric, runs marathons in various states to raise funds for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. To date, Tony has completed 43 marathons in 43 states. #44 will be in Jackson, MS. You can learn about Tony and participate in his good works at www.marathon4kids.com . Oh, by the way, Tony is running his races on a new hip. Tony says “the hip feels fine”. Remarkable!!

Jan Altizer, 57, of TC is my big loser of the 2018 Turkey Trot, Jan lost 60#, her blood pressure dropped from 185/120 to 126/60 and her pulse dropped from 185 to 60! Jan, is a long term care nurse, who smoked 40 years ago. She recommends exercise to her patients. Jan also whipped my butt, passing me in the Kalkaska 10K. Way to go, Jan. Lettie Sternicki, turned 50, today. She wore a happy 50th birthday sash and pin. Lettie is from Commerce Township, and runs for stress release. She has the right to plenty of stress from her job. Lettie is a second grade teacher. Fred Swaffer, 56, of TC, runs to stay in shape for his main sport, biking. Kayla Kroning, 22, is a grad student in the PHD program at UM and plans a future of working in academia. GO BLUE! Kayla’s dad lives in TC. Alan Heidt, 62, bleeds Maize and Blue. He is a respiratory Therapist at Munson Hospital, and recommends exercise to his clients. Alan’s daughter is Lydia Bedford, 31, from Grand Rapids. Lydia is an insurance adjuster, and is a “crazy” UM fan. Lydia’s two year old daughter chants “Hail to the Victors” and yells “GO BLUE”. Two years old???? Ed Roy, 59, from TC, is a prominent attorney and Eagle Scout (like my sons). Ed runs periodically to stay in shape for hunting. Dick Napperella, 73, of TC, normally beats me like a drum. Today, Dick is recovering from a torn meniscus which slowed him down, allowing me a unique experience of “whipping his butt”. In the past, Dick suffered from high cholesterol. His 225 cholesterol has dropped to 143! Dick was accompanied by his son and grandson. who slowed down to have the privilege to run with their dad and granddad. Troy, 44, and Kyle, 15, represented three generations of Napperellas. Anne Steye, 72, Dan, 68, Stas, 37, and Finley, 9, all of TC enjoy the “runner’s high” they receive from running. Jennifer Simons, 37, of TC, is another special “winner”. Jennifer lost 60# and wanted to be a good example to her daughters, Fiona, originally from Kenya, 18, Lucy, 6, and Violet, 4. The Turkey Trot is Jennifer’s first 5K. Lori Fasi, 56, of TC, runs for motivation as does Peggy Ferrill, 64. Rick Ward, 65, my neighbor in Woodcreek subdivision, loves running because he runs as a family activity along with his wife, Sue, 61, Son-in-law, Tom Owen, 46, and daughter, Shannon, 39.  Volunteers were critical to the success of the race such as Mark Vanderklipp, who was course marshal. Mark is also on the Traverse City Track Club racing team and a UM fan. GO BLUE!!! Chris Wendel is in charge of processing awards and medals. Chris has been volunteering for the Turkey for 5 years. Prior to his participation in the race, there were no awards. Chris is an accomplished runner. A track Club member, Chris has trained over 600 miles this year. Chris has completed over 200 races mostly 5Ks and completed one marathon.

Race director, Amy Fritz, encourages you to enter next year’s Turkey Trot and the Blue Ribbon Run for Prostate Cancer. She also wants to thank all of the volunteers that make this event possible! You will feel good for the experience. Remember to ask your doctor before starting an exercise program.  

Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 76, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed over 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. He is an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! A U of M grad like his kids, (GO BLUE), he plays blues harmonica globally and with area bands. If you’d like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com. Today, Mickey took fourth place his age group, 70-120. 

Vasa Run, 5K, 10k, 25K. Vasa Trailhead, Acme, MI. Nov 10, 2018

Race director, Jen Teeples, welcomed 207 hearty runners and walkers to the venerable Vasa 5K, 10K and 25K Run at the Vasa Trailhead in Acme, Michigan, on November 10^th, 2018. How many Vasa runs have been held? One of the runners recalled my participation nine years ago. Maybe the race has been around 30 years? Results were organized by RF Timing and were available on line. Results can be found at Vasa Run results 2018   .  Glad to see Trevor was no longer wearing a walking boot as a result of a soccer accident.

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The Vasa Run website says the following; The Vasa Run is a fun, scenic November run to keep you motivated through the fall months! RF Events presents Run Vasa! A beautiful 5K, 10K and 25K run through the Vasa Head Trail in Northern Michigan. If it snows, not to worry, it keeps the wimps at home! Bring it on!

Vasa is a nice wide, beautiful trail with all the beauty northern Michigan has to offer. Soon to be your favorite trail to run! Michigan’s premier cross-country trail through the pristine serenity of the Pere’ Marquette State Forest of Northern Michigan. Maintained by dedicated volunteers and supported by public donations, the Vasa Pathway is operated by the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and preserving non-motorized trails in the Grand Traverse region. For more information on the Vasa Pathway and Tart Trails go to www.traversetrails.org . Named after King Gustav Vasa, a monarch in Sweden several centuries ago, the Vasa Pathway is also host to three of the Midwest’s most popular ski events. A portion of the entry went to maintain the Vasa Pathway, but feel free to drop a couple of bucks in the trailhead donation box! Prizes were awarded to the top male and female finishers and top three male and female finishers in each age group. Tee shirts were optional.

Today, there were 207 “winners” in the Vasa Race. Runners and walkers experienced better physical and mental health by participation. Many others stayed at home, sat on their couch and watched TV. These couch potatoes are not “winners” as you will learn from meeting some of our racers.

One special “winner” is Keith Conway, 49, of Traverse City. Why is Keith a “winner”? Let Keith tell us as follows; “I run for the love of good exercise. I used to weigh 300 Pounds. Now I weigh 175 pounds. I keep the weight off with an active diet and exercise.” Keith has not checked his blood, but he knows his blood pressure is lower, his pulse is lower, and his cholesterol is better. Keith, you are an inspiration to us all. You are a real “winner”. You are remarkable!

Another special “winner” did not compete in the race. Angel Voltikos, walks most days for exercise and enters many races. She is a member of the PHRC Running Club. What is inspirational about Angel, is that she runs/walks on a prosthesis leg. Angel, 45, from Westhaven, is a twenty year amputee who used to be active in sports. Now she says she walks 5Ks for exercise. Angel showed me her beautiful new prosthesis. She is still getting used to the new leg. At this time, the leg is somewhat uncomfortable while Angel is getting used to the leg. Angel and her friend, Jennifer West, from Woodhaven, volunteered at today’s Vasa, in registration and handing out post-race snacks.

Dr. Craig Denholm, 64, from Kalkaska, is a third “winner”. Dr. Denholm runs to relieve stress largely caused by the loss of two sons. The first son had a rare, serious disease. The second son died from cancer. Craig does not show cancer anywhere else in his family. This is Craig’s third Vasa Run. Craig’s resting pulse is a remarkable 50 counts. OK, what was really remarkable about Craig were his U of M gloves in bright blue and gold. I had to snap a photo of Craig with these amazing gloves, which you will see in the article. GO BLUE!!! Dr. Craig is a chiropractor who recommends exercise to all his patients regardless of the type of exercise. In addition to exercise, Dr Denholm recommends good rest, a good diet, and stress release, reasonable rules to live by. Dr. Denholm has been a chiropractor for seven years. Today he took second place in his age group in the 10K.

The “winners” keep coming. Rhonda Workman, 63, from Mesick, is director of the Mesick Mushroom Festival 5K, a beautiful, trail run along the backwaters of the Hodenpyle Dam and through extremely primitive, hilly woods. Try this exceptional race next spring and find some mushrooms, if you are lucky. Rhonda is also a veteran. Thank you for your service! Rhonda trains kids, is in her uniform for the event, and conducted some of the veteran’s day activities in Mesick. Rhonda, you are incredible! Rhonda and I trade beating each other at races. Prior to the race, we were “trash talking” each other. Our friendly competition proves runners can have fun regardless of where they finish a race.

Jeff Miller, 62, of Boyne City, says he would gain weight if he did not run. Hillary Sawchuck, 31, from the Detroit area, was running her first 10K. She enjoys the outdoor activity. Hillary is a journalist with “Overadrink”. She interviews folks, oddly enough, over a drink. I’ve got to see her website! Kristin, mom, was not running. But her brood ran and excelled. Lilly is 16, Jane, 11, Landon, 9, and Betsy, 4, helped mommy watch. Steve Weldon, 66 of Acme, runs for health and strength. His buddy, Chris May, 35, wins the longest distance award, if there was such an award. Chris came in all the way from Seattle for the race. Ann Madison, 61, from Traverse City, runs for the friendship and because of the positive people who are so supportive. Lyndsay Oswald, 38, from Three Rivers, runs for the mental health benefits. I ran for several miles with Lyndsay and her kids, Jacob Howes, 12, and Reece Howes, 10 all of whom handily beat me across the finish line. But, regardless of the finish position, we had fun running the Vasa. Lyndsay and family are a good example how these races help the local economy. They stayed at a local motel, ate at area restaurants, shopped at local businesses including (of course) Running Fit, and had a great time visiting the Traverse City area. All because of the Vasa Run. Elizabeth Trost, 28, from Traverse City, runs so she can spend quality time with her dad, Tom Trost, 53. Together, they have done many runs.

It was especially fun the see Dr Jim “Woody” Woodburne, an old running friend. As we raced together, we reminisced about one of our former running buddies, Dr. Vern Wolfgram, who died a few years ago. Woody shared with me how he and Vern ran the Boston Marathon together, not because they qualified, but because they were members of a special doctor’s medical group. Either could have qualified because of their fast times. Jeff Gaft was the “volunteer of the race”. Among other duties, Jeff and his kids marked the entire race course and he was stationed at the main turn for the 5K. Brrrrrr!

Race director, Jen Teeples, encourages you to come out for next year’s Vasa Run. You will feel better for the effort and you will love the beautiful course. Before starting an exercise program, consult your doctor.

Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 76, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed over 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. He is an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! He plays blues harmonica globally and with area bands. If you’d like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com. Mickey won his age group, 70-120. Don’t tell anyone, but other runners in his age group must have stayed home!