Run the Runway 5K, TVC5K by Wings of Mercy, May 18, 2019

“Run the Runway”, wasn’t just a hollow name. A most amazing event! Yes, we actually ran the entire TVC5K on giant, lengthy, wide, Cherry Capitol Airport runways. Accompanied by all sorts of amazing, giant airport plows, firetrucks, police cars and other equipment, we conducted the entire race at (as our tee shirts read) at 44-44’48.1N, 85-35”15.8 W, the exact compass location of TVC, which is the symbol of Traverse City Cherry Capitol Airport. Steve Melvin conducted an historic event for over 350 runners, walkers and kids in strollers, for the benefit of Wings of Mercy and Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.

 

Wings of Mercy, Goodwill Industries, and related groups, welcomed us as we drove into the facility and were guided to the proper parking area. The groups also served as volunteers with set-up, registration, tear-down and all important course marshalling. To assure we did not veer onto an active runway, the runways were well marked and included many guides, including airport officials, to assure us we ran true. For patients who can’t afford to fly, Wings of Mercy will get you there, flying between 200 to 300 mercy flights each year. Goodwill helps end homelessness to those in need. Together, these loving organizations help make life in Northern Michigan, a little better. TVC5K results can be found at this link;   TVC5K 2019     Lots of delicious food and drink were available for finishers. Booths were set up to explain about various supporting groups.

Sponsored by AVFLIGHT, Bill Marsh, and Haggarty, the race was supported by mBank, Peterson McGregor and Associates, Lucky Marmot Aviation, Alfie Logo Gear, American Waste, UpNorthLive, Old Mission Investment, benefiting and raising awareness for Wings of Mercy and Goodwill Northern Michigan.

Kevin Klein, Director of the Cherry Capitol Airport and his wife, Leslie, participated. Kevin explained the airport supports Wings of Mercy and Goodwill of northern Michigan.  Mike Coco,  airport commissioner and former rugby coach to my son, Adam, helped organize the race. Grace Spelde, is managing director of Wings of Mercy. Grace seemed to be everywhere helping lost runners navigate their way around the large tented space. Ryan Hannon, Goodwill leader, shared that “Goodwill, works to help people end their homelessness.  Goodwill believes homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring”. Sue Vado, in charge of events for Goodwill, was her always her pleasant self as she assisted around the race site. Volunteers, Bradley Roswell and Kacy Smith, passed out tee shirts.

Sandy Denton, a pilot herself, ran a booth for Michigan 99s, a group promoting women pilots. Sara Peterson and Jessi Martin had a space for WAI, Women in Aviation International, promoting women in flight and supporting women in all aviation roles. Both ladies are active pilots. Michael Hall, explained a special plane on display to inquisitive runners. Representing the group owning the plane was Eric S. Nuffer.

The race was started in a unique manner. A special helicopter, lowered an American flag to a waiting crew on the ground. An inspirational sight. A unique experience.

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As author of this article, I have the honor of selecting the “winners” of the race. My “winners” were not the fastest, but were folks who epitomized the reasons we were out there braving today’s rainy weather for a cause bigger than us. John Wenner, 57, walked the course with his friends from the Gaylord area, to honor the memory of his brother, Matt Wenner. Matt recently passed away, but during a low point in his life, Matt was “rescued” by the saving graces of Goodwill of Northern Michigan. Accompanying John were, his wife, Ann, Barb Fandrick, Alicia Haney, daughter of Matt Wenner, Karen Comella and Michael Berry. They all wore photographs of Matt as their way of honoring his memory. You are all “winners”. Matt Wenner’s inspirational story is found at this link; https://upnorthlive.com/news/neighborhood/a-cry-for-help  

My “big loser” of the day is Kim Stevens, 58, of Charlevoix. Kim looked especially fit. One would never know she is a fifty pound loser over the last 1 ½ years. Congratulations to Kim. Joining Kim, was her sister, Beth Walters, 53 Beth is starting to run. Barb Meredith, 70, from TC, won an age group medal. Barb has experienced lower cholesterol as a result of exercise. Donna Keysserian, 61, another age group medal winner, finds running is a great anti-depressant. Patti Lyon, 63, of TC, dropped weight and lowered her cholesterol. Homer Hiller, 62, quit smoking four years ago. His wife, Terri, 59, stopped smoking twenty years ago. Zac Ligon, 46, of TC, has completed over 20 marathons as has his wife, Jen. My children are friends of the Ligon family. Jacob Dean 19, is a junior in engineering at U of M, GO BLUE! His dad was a runner on the varsity at Saginaw Valley State University. Scott Jones, 61, of TC, ran the 5K. Donna Lay, 56, of TC has run actively since middle school. Jody Hansen, 55, has lost weight by running. Don Leright, 56, dropped 15# and lowered his high blood pressure from 180/105 to 140/80. Mark Evans, 60, of Charlevoix ran the 5K. Grey Lewis 59, lost weight. Bill Rokos, 66, of TC, won his age group. Dr. Stan Kulka is a physician in general surgery at the U of M Medical School. Stan was joined by his buddy, and fellow surgeon, Steve Melvin’s son, Dr. Jake Melvin. They proudly wore their UM colors. GO BLUE!

If you missed the TVC5K race, you missed a special event. Steve Melvin, the folks from Wings of Mercy, Cherry Capitol Airport and Goodwill Northern Michigan hope you join them next year at the TVC5K. The event is special, the course is special, and you will feel better for the effort. Remember to ask your doctor for approval before starting an exercise program. See you next year.

Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 77, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and has trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed 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, which had been ranked in the top 25 races nationally. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. He is an ordained rabbi, 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 Grand Traverse 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.

Mesick Mushroom Festival 5K May 11, 2019, Northern Exposure Campground

Rhonda Workman is a mom, (Happy Mother’s Day), a veteran, (thank you for your service), a runner, (she medaled in her age group) and today, Rhonda is a race director, par excellence! Today, Rhonda presided over a fine race, on a beautiful, deeply wooded course along the rustic backwaters of the Hodenpyle Dam, The Mesick Mushroom Festival 5K. The race awarded four-color age group medals, raffle prizes for most entrants including honey, maple syrup, home-made soap and many other prizes. RF Timing provided online, immediate race results found at this link: Mesick Mushroom Festival 5K 2019.  Thanks to Trevor Step and Brian Marhorek for doing a very competent job with timing the race and giving Rhonda the opportunity to run in her own race.

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The race was sponsored by Mesick Dental Center, Dynamic Physical Therapy, Mesick Market, Northern Pines Health Center, Ellen’s Corners, Hilltop Truck Maintenance, Honor Bank, Great Lakes Caulking, Gaylord Outdoors, Cochrane Tree Company, Northern Lights Insurance, Harmony Honey Farm, The Workman Farm, Evelyn Jakubik, Mesick Mold, The Simerson Family and of course Northern Exposure Campground. Thank you all.

Proceeds from the race benefited the Mesick High School Track Teams. Guiding their track team members were boys team coach, Rob McGregor and girls team coach, Matt Reed. The track teams helped with many aspects of the race including marshalling the course and providing us with the all-important cowbells. Runners need cowbell.

Lets meet some of the 5K “winners”. My “winners” are not necessarily the fastest runners, but they have won in the all-important race we call “life”. It is amazing to hear the inspirational stories that were told before, during and after the race. Susanne Ledford is our first “winner”. Age 62, from Harrison, Suzanne has Rheumatoid Arthritis. Told by her doctor to exercise, Suzanne started running. Today, she won her age group. Suzanne’s advice to others; “Keep moving is the key to life”. Suzanne, you are an inspiration to others. Keep moving. Margret Baily, 62, from Mt Pleasant, runs for heart health. Margret has heart conditions in her family. For Margret, running is a race against genetics. More importantly, running helps control a serious thyroid condition.  Robin Mosher is a “winner”. Age 62, from Marion, Robin says; “If cancer can’t kill me, I’ll be darned if laziness does.” Robin graduated three years ago from Baker College in Human Services (yes, she graduated at age 59!). She works with clients facing cancer and other illness at a medical equipment company.  Robin, your inspirational story needs retelling. Thank you for your efforts and congratulations on courageously beating the dread disease of cancer. Gerald Rohn, 73, from Freeland, beat me in my age group. One caveat, Gerald is running on not one but on two replaced knees! Beaten like a drum by a runner with 2½ year old knees! Gerald has run since 1980. Don Justa, 50, from Cadillac, runs to lower his blood pressure. Don has run most of his life. Don says; “Running makes you feel better.” Don’s son, Kyle, 19, joined him in the race. Dave Baxter, 41, from Farwell, lost 40 pounds, and runs to relieve stress. Dave was decked out in maize and blue. Matt McCarther, 35 from Shepard, runs for stress relief. Matt has lost 13# and expects to lose more. Hunter Slaughter, 17, wore the right colors, GO BLUE! He was joined by Kelly Fredrick, 40, Debra Fredrick, and James Hancock. Roger Bronsink, 63, was running to spend more time with his wife, the serious runner in the family, who was injured prior to today. Roger medaled in his age group. Dale Moody, 66, from Copemish, was the fastest runner of his age in Michigan at age 63 running 18;53 for 5K. He hurt his back and he is taking CBD oil to correct the back problems. Dale has been running for 20 years. Patrick Alber, 59, had high blood pressure until he started running. Patrick dropped his blood pressure and he lost 30 pounds. Today, Patrick is medication-free. Thanks to Patrick for sharing an important life-story. And by the way, GO BLUE!! Patrick was joined by Blake Alber, 7, who was walking 2 miles. What can we say about Joe Coleman? Joe is an inspiration to us all. Joe dropped his cholesterol, lost blood pressure and generally feels great. Joe’s dad was an ultra-marathoner, so he comes from fine, running stock. Kevin Penny, 51, lost 65 pounds, dropped blood pressure and cut his meds in half. He dropped 8” around his waist. Tounge-in-cheek, Kevin says; “The juice is worth the squeeze”. Corey Grames is a champion of us all. Corey lost 203 pounds, (you read it right, 203 pounds!) and is a proud member of the Cadillac Weight Lifting Team. Corey is recovering from a recent weight lifting accident.

Where would the race be without volunteers? Zack Workman, Rhonda’s son, who recently graduated from Lake Superior State, helped with registration, handed out medals and prizes and was virtually everywhere. Zack is an accomplished runner. He was a recent member of the Lake Superior State Cross Country and Track Teams. Today, he helped his mom conduct the race. Zack has taken a job near his home as a bee-keeper, a skill he learned while at LSSU. This race is a true family event. Rhonda’s nephew, Adam Lyons, who is a veteran, (thank you for your service), came up from the Wixcom area to help with the race as well.  Adam helped with registration and clean up.

Rhonda Workman would like you to join her for next year’s Mesick Mushroom Festival 5K, on the lovely trail at Northern Exposure Campground. It is a beautiful course and the prizes are great. You will not regret the effort. Remember to ask your doctor or medical professional for permission to start an exercise program. See you at next year’s Mushroom Festival.

Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 77, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and has trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed 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, which had been ranked in the top 25 races nationally. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. He is an ordained rabbi, 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 Grand Traverse 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. Mickey took second place in age group, 70-80. 

Interlochen Run for the Arts, 5K. May 4, 2019

Interlochen Arts Academy is fortunate to have a “professional race” director on the staff. David Tanis, directed the first annual 5K, May 4. Dave masquerades as Interlochen Arts Academy Director of Recreation and Wellness, but today, he was a race director. Prior to the Interlochen Run for the Arts 5K, Dave created and directed the United Way Dig’Em Dash 5K (350-400 participants), Cereal City Classic 5&10K (550-800 participants) and helped create the Battle Creek Half Marathon (750 participants). Dave was aided by co-race director, Brad Giglio, who acted as Dave’s assistant director. Conor Dailey, a four year Interlochen Academy tuba player, was our third race director. Together, they created one of Northern Michigan’s finest races. As runners arrived for registration, they could tell they were in for a special treat. The multiple “expo” style sponsor-food and “goodie” booths, the shaded aid table for runners who may have experienced physical difficulty during the race, the roped-off starting/finish area, the entire set-up was special, and we runners knew it was special.

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The race was sponsored by Bill Marsh-Buick/GMC, Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Michigan, CrossFit-Due North, and Forward Inking Design & Print Studio. More sponsors included Backcountry North, Cherry Republic, Core Power, Direct Fitness, Grand Traverse Fitness, Grand Traverse Chiropractic, Graceland Fruit, Great lakes Potato Chip, High Five Threads, Michigan Awesome, Moomers Ice Cream, Northwoods Soda, Oryana, Sleeping Bear Motorsports, Strong Brew Cold Brew Coffee, Tee See Tees, Traverse City Golf, M-22, Traverse Repro-Copy Central, Running Fit, and GoGo Squeeze. Many of the sponsors provided treats for the runners after the race. MMMMMMMMM good!! Or many sponsors provided an aid station. The race was efficiently timed by Mac’s Sports Timing from Schoolcraft, MI timed our event. www.macssportstiming.com. Race Results are found at the following link; Interlochen Run for the Arts 5K Results  .

Student music and art performers, located before, during and after the course brought much pleasure to the runners. Performers included; Daniel Voigt, from Wisconsin, sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem to start the race. More performers follow; Meghan Steenstra, Catya Carrington, Jadon Johnson, Lily Perry, Sophia Price, Serena Rutledge, Edgar Lam, Duoduo Xue, Jacob Bruski, Shaan Chhadva, Katerina Deric, Proudmany Dheva-Aksom, Lauren Howard, Ryan Kaiserman, Lucas King-Wilson, Oliver Lesjack-Randall, Logan Macauley, Andrew Min, Zhaohan Pan, George Staton, Lance Gulley, Ava Machado, Anne Hayes, Jakob Schoenfeld, Abby Skerik, Pedro Resendez, LaLa Gonzales, Daniel Voigt, Will Singer, Shuto Nakagawa, Joseph St Jules and Miranda Lucas.

Let’s meet some of our “winners”. “Winners” are often not the fastest runners but are “winners” in our most important race, the “Race for Life”. Meet my choice for race “winner”, Kim Basch. Kim is 48, from Traverse City. Kim wears a defibulator to keep her heart pumping due to hypertropic cardiomposty. Kim’s heart issues are found in others in her family. She is a real hero by keeping herself in good condition by running. Kim’s friend, Jenn Coyle, is another “winner”. Jenn, 45, experiences tachycardia AFIB, which she controls with Medications and exercise. Kim and Jenn were joined by friend, Sara Hoffman, 46, of TC. The three run for friendship and better health. Lesley murphy, 40, joined sponsor Debbie Marsh and Angie Bauer, 43 of TC. Bill Marsh ran superbly. Jen Kaastra, 46, used to be an avid runner and played soccer. Jen has a important reason to run. She is running for her family and friend who are fighting cancer. Jen says: “Support your family and friends in whatever way you can”. Cathy Edwards, 57, from Brighton, is a U of M grad, GO BLUE. Like my son was, she is an executive for IBM and travels the world for IBM projects. Today, her 35^th race, was Cathy’s best average time per mile. Cathy runs because she is “trying to stay fit”. Cathy met her hubby when they were students at U of M South Quad, the same quad I lived in during my freshman year at U Of M. Did I say GO BLUE!!?? Kristen Verrett, 44, of Kewadin, just completed a one-month bout with the flu and pneumonia. As a result, she is weak but is returning to her running form. Kristen usually places high in area races and will do so again when she fully recovers. Today, Kristen ran with her son, Keegan Verrett, 10, and Garrett Grant, also 10. Bill Swift, 76, of TC, was running his 1089th race, in spite of painful leg cramps. His bride, Mary, accompanied Bill with her less-than-perfect back. Liz Stallman, assisted race director Brad Giglio.  Liz will be teaching a fitness class this summer at Interlochen. Stephan Gaarenstroom, 68, from Warren, retired from GM Research and needed to stay active. He runs for fitness and health. Blair Foote, 62, from Frankfort, runs for attitude and motivation. Ellen Golec, 67, from TC, runs because running helps her feel better and provides overall health. Hubby, Dennis, 72, lost 23 pounds, has kept his cholesterol in check, and feels better because of running. Dave Bessmer, 71, of Interlochen, has been actively walking over 23 years. Sandy Adams, 36, of Cedar, ran with her family including Hubby, Mike, 44, Teagan, 8, Cason, 10. And Isiah, 11. Running is a family activity for the Adams Family from Cedar. Brian Marks, 50, from TC, ran today because the race was for a good cause. Leigh Wietsma, 57, handles PR for IAA. Trey Davey, President of Interlochen Arts Academy, normally bikes for exercise, but today, Trey was a runner. Trey has competed in ½ Marathons as well as 10Ks. Once the race started, I did not see Trey until the end. He was too fast!!!

The race could not have succeeded without volunteers marshalling the many turns and handling registration, set-up and teardown.  One could easily spot volunteers because they wore distinctive yellow tee shirts. Jennifer Wesling, Dean of Students, volunteered at day of registration along with Ellen Fivenson. Dan Hahn, of the IAA grounds department, was everywhere. The last spot I saw Dan, he was distributing pop from a keg of root beer. Joe McCarthy, head of IAA security, directed traffic at a spot where we crossed a busy highway. Joe is a friend of mine from when he served on the TC Police department.  Lisa Kreps, FF/EMS and Dawn Martin, EMS, both of Interlochen, provided emergency services. Luckily, we needed none.

Performers helped the cause. Unlike other races, IAA had many students able to provide entertainment before, during, or after the race. Daniel Voigt, of Wisconson, sang a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, Joseph St. Jules, Shuto Nakagawa, Misa Ritter and Lance Gulley, assisted by Amanda Friedman, played in the Jazz Band on the course. Alma (LALA) Gonzallez provided active art on the course. Lucas King-Wilson played in the IAA House Rock Band, entertaining runners at the end of the race. Edgar Lam, played fantastic piano, on the course. Edgar is from Hong Kong.

Race directors, David Tanis, assisted by Brad Giglio and Conor Daily hope you will participate in this excellent event next year. You will enjoy the beautiful course, the entertainment and the good food. Remember to ask you medical provider before starting an exercise program.

Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 77, of Traverse City, lost over 100 pounds and has trained 150,000 miles in 48 years of running. He completed 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 ordained rabbi, 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 Grand Traverse 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. Mickey took first place in age group, 70-150.