20K set for May 23
Our outdoor season kicks into high gear this month with the New England 20-kilometer racewalk championship, to be held at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 23, at Rhode Island College in Providence. A non-championship 5-kilometer race will begin an hour later in conjunction with the 20K.
To get to Rhode Island College:
From Massachusetts and Points North, Take I-95 south to Providence; exit at Atwells Avenue. Turn right (west) onto Atwells Avenue and follow for 1.5 miles, then turn right (at hilltop) onto Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Entrance to the college is 1.2 miles ahead on the left.
From the West Via I-95:
Take I-95 North to Providence, take the Broadway exit to second traffic light, turn onto Atwells Avenue., and follow di- rections in "From Points North" above.
For further information, contact Joe Light at 401-596- 3173.
In sympathy
Condolences to Bob and Julie Falciola on the death of their son, Nathan, on March 12 at their home in Sandown, N.H. Nathan, a familiar presence at racewalking events over the years, was 19.
NEW race series continues
After a sneak snowstorm foiled our March debut, the New England Walkers began their series of monthly five-kilometer races at Danahy Park in Cambridge, MA., on April 11. A sec- ond race was held May 9.
The races are low-key events with no entry fee. Judges are on hand, but no one is disqualified. Coaching is avilable, and newcomers to racewalking are most welcome.
The next event will be held June 13. Contact Bill Harriman at 978-640-9676 (before 9:30 p.m.) for details.
The results from Race No. 1: 1. Bob Ullman Merrimack, NH 28:42 2. R. Yannopoulis-Ruquist Lexington, MA 31:27 3. Roger Martell Beverly, MA 37:20 4. Joanne Harriman Tewskbury, MA 40:05 Judges: Bill Harriman, Ken Mattsson, and Justin Kuo. And the results from Race No. 2: Men 1. Bob Ullman Merrimack, NH 28:20 2. Bill Harriman Tewksbury, MA 29:17 3. Thomas Knatt West Concord, MA 29:33 4. John Jurewicz Boston 32:03 5. Justin Kuo Brookline, MA 34:00 6. Yuri Kuo Brookline, MA 35:50 7. Lee Brown Wakefield, MA 36:12 Women 1. Carol Kuo Brookline, MA 38:17 2. Mari Ryan, Cambridge, MA 38:19 3. Joanne Harriman Tewksbury, MA 40:15 4. Anna Kuo Brookline, MA 48:09 5. Wendy Glick Chelmsford, MA 48:15 Judges: James Fields, Ken Mattsson, and Tolya Kuo.Volunteers needed
This year's Chase Corporate Challange has been moved up a month. We are looking for 25-30 New England Walker volunteers on Tuesday, June 29, for the 7 p.m. race. Volunteers help earn money for the club and will have their membership extended through 2000. To volunteer, or to receive additional information, call Justin Kuo at 617-731-9889 or e-mail at volunteers@kuo.freeservers.com
Training sessions
Ken Mattsson reports that racewalking workouts are being held on Tuesday evenings at the Harvard University track on North Harvard Street (across the Charles River from Har- vard Square) in Boston. Workout time is 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. The sessions are sponsored by the Cambridge Sports Union and take the place of the workouts that used to be held at MIT on Wednesdays. For further information, call Ken at 617-576-9331.
Full NEW fashion
Meg Savilonis has a fresh supply of the popular New England Walkers singlets and jackets, complete with club name and logo. Singlets cost $20, jackets $55. Matching pants, without the special labeling, can also be ordered.
Meg is also "yard-saling" some items in an older style. Still on hand are an XL jacket (the equivalent of an L in the new style) for $30, and women's singlets in L and XL for $10.
The clothing will be available at club events. Members can also phone Meg at 508-867-6748 or e-mail her at bandtbks@meganet.net.
Other race results
Clamdigger 8k April 25, Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI. The bluest skies we've seen at this race in years, and the biggest turnout of walkers since the racewalking division was added in 1992. There also were enough judges and volunteers on hand for Joe Light to drop his administrative chores for 43-odd minutes and take part in the race.
Women Lee Chase 44:40 Mary Flanagan 49:32 Jean Tenan 49:35 Jeanne Shepardson 53:45 Rachel Beaudet 58:18 Eileen Rivera 59:34 Catherine Marsh 60:04 Theresa Hurley 60:48 Diane Wortis 60:59 Kathy Gravelle 63:40 Joanne Harriman 65:45 Florence Dagata 66:03 Pat Mandell 74:55 Men Brian Savilonis 42:15 Joe Light 43:11 Nick Manuzzi 43:49 Stanley Sosnowski 47:08 Fred Anderson 49:41 Charles Mansbach 50:26 James Brochin 51:57 Bob Beaudet 52:55 Bill McCann 53:08 Louis Free 54:02 Gustave Davis 54:46 Chuck Dolecki 57:36 Geoffrey Bye 58:20 Richard Shepardson 60:07 2 DQs Judges: Diana Gladden (chief), Bill Banks, Richard Huie, Justin Kuo.Boston Marathon, April 19 There is no walking division in this 103-year-old race, but the Boston Athletic Association offers a small number of official numbers to the New England Walkers, and club members and friends make good use of them.
Andrea Schiavon 24 Padova, Italy 4:08:45 Bob Keating 52 Nashua NH 4:50:10 Jack Starr 70 Newark DE 4:59:12 Anne Marie Kunz 57 New York 5:15:53 Bill Harriman 52 Tewksbury MA 5:18:45 Patrick Bivona 58 Nutley NJ 5:18:46 Dennis Buckley 51 Marlborough MA 5:40:31Justin Kuo reports: "The first walker is unknown to me, but he was clearly observed to be racewalking. I hope someone may identify this gentleman."
National Masters Indoor 3-kilometer championships March 27, Reggie Lewis Track, Boston. An afternoon of terrific performances, with Maryanne Torrellas, Lyn Brubaker, Janet Comi, Tish Roberts, Jim Carmines, Dave Romansky and Jack Starr all surpassing the existing national age-division records. Non-record-setter Bob Keating, going "faster than I thought I could go," turned in the best time of the day.
Women 35-39 1. Marcia Gutsche 37 Newton, MA 15:05.72 2. Abigail Oliver 38 Fortville, IN 16:12.89 3. Jean Tenan 35 Bristol, CT 17:42.20 4. Marie VerMeer 38 Portland, OR 20:11.11 1 DQ Women 40-44 1. Maryanne Torrellas 40 Clinton, CT 13:46.73 2. Lyn Brubaker 42 Landisville, PA 13:48.49 3. Donna Chamberlain 42 Dallas, PA 15:08.06 4. Sandy DeNoon 43 Carbondale, IL 15:58.45 5. Ann Percival 40 Cromwell, CT 17:29.75 Women 45-49 1. Janet Comi 45 Erie, PA 15:22.71 2. Tish Roberts 49 Fishers, IN 15:27.06 3. Debbie Topham 46 Mayville, MI 16:14.15 4. Sherry Brosnahan 47 Bridgewater, NJ 16:18.57 5. Lee Chase 45 Glastonbury, CT 16:19.24 Women 50-54 1. Jackie Reitz 50 Indianapolis, IN 16:47.70 2. Yoko Eichel 51 Woodland, CA 18:08.00 3. Ann Montgomery 51 Concord, MA 19:25.70 4. Pat Walker 51 Greenwood, IN 20:31.26 1 DQ Women 55-59 1. Ann Marie Rosenitsch 58 Toronto 17:30.58 2. Janet Higbie 57 Indianapolis, IN 17:38.19 3. Hansi Rigney 57 Carmel, CA 18:06.50 4. Jeanne Bocci 55 Grosse Pointe, MI 19:35.71 Women 60-64 1. Sami Bailey 62 Indianapolis, IN 18:09.20 2. Rachel Beaudet 63 Longmeadow, MA 21:47.37 Women 65-69 1. Jean Shepardson 65 Sherborn, MA 20:35.87 2. Mary Stookey 66 Dickerson, MD 22:53.28 3. Lorelei Ruben 69 Rockport, MA 23:08.21 Women 70-74 1. Kate Marrs 70 Milwaukee, WI 20:38.39 2. Joan Rowland 72 New York City 21:51.05 3. Florence Dagata 72 Pawtucket, RI 23:20.73 Women 75-79 1. Margaret Walker 77 Cambridge, PA 23:06.49 Men 35-39 1. Nick Manuzzi 39 Monroe, CT 15:07.75 Men 40-45 1. Stan Sosnowski 48 West Kingston, RI 14:38.83 2. Brian Savilonis 48 Brookfield, MA 15:12.16 3. Larry Titus 49 Glastonbury, CT 15:14.45 4. Roswell Barranco 49 Howell, MI 16:57.57 5. Douglas VerMeer 45 Portland, OR 16:59.32 6. Fred Anderson 46 Plymouth, NH 18:16.15 Men 50-54 1. Robert Keating 52 Nashua, NH 13:36.62 2. Gene Opheim 52 Tallahasse, FL 14:38.28 3. Max Walker 52 Greenwood, IN 15:05.37 4. Bill Penner 52 Stockton, CA 15:15.12 5. James Miner 50 Drydon, NY 15:54.49 Men 55-59 1. Jim Carmines 55 Cumberland, PA 13:51.46 2. John Elwarner 59 Sterling, MI 15:27.37 3. Thomas Knatt 58 Concord, MA 16:22.43 4. Bernie Finch 59 Pepin, WI 18:06.08 1 DQ Men 60-64 1. Dave Romansky 60 Pennsville, NJ 14:34.28 2. Paul Johnson 61 Fort Smith, AR 16:17.25 * Spencer Parrish 62 Waterbury, CT 19:33.62 3. Gustave Davis 61 Orange, CT 19:34.11 4. Richard Huie 63 Branford, CT 20:55.71 * noncitizen Men 65-69 1. Bob Barrett 65 Smallwood, NY 16:17.64 2. Alfred DuBois 67 W. Allis, WI 16:42.77 3. Bob Beaudet 66 Longmeadow, MA 18:29.99 4. Louis Free 68 Uncasville, CT 19:36.27 5. Bill McCann 69 Longmeadow, MA 19:57.20 6. Frank Sullivan 65 Hopatcong, NJ 19:58.72 7. Charles Dolecki 68 Wilbraham, MA 20:47.34 1 DQ Men 70-74 1. Jack Starr 70 Newark, DE 17:03.33 2. William Flick 73 Corry, PA 17:55.03 3. John Nervetti 74 Oak Ridge, NJ 19:06.67 4. Louis Candido 70 Springfield, MA 19:48.03 5. Dick Donley 72 Tulsa, OK 21:56.27 6. Stuart Corning 74 Wenham, MA 23:42.92 1 DQ Men 75-79 1. Tim Dyas 78 Ridgewood, NJ 22:08.05 2. Paul Geyer 79 Rochester, MN 22:11.70 3. Richard Bennett 75 Evertt, MA 23:21.85 Men 80-84 1. Bill Tallmadge 82 Berea, KY 24:20.75 Officials: Ross Barranco, Tom Eastler, Diane Gladden, Tom Knatt, Ken Mattsson, James Fields, Priscilla Frappier, Val Foss, Maryanne Torrellas, Steve Vaitones and Justin Kuo.Excellent adventure a report from the National Invitational
By Joe Light
Have you ever gone one-on-one with Michael Jordan? Played a match against Tiger Woods? Shagged home run balls with Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa? Gone head-to-head with an Olympic gold medal winner? I have the last one, that is, and head-to-head means his head whizzed by mine 3 or 4 times, but no matter. Racewalking is an incredible sport in that anyone can literally rub shoulders with world champions and party with them afterwards.
The National Invitational in Manassas, Virginia, on March 21 was a thrill. All the best American men and women and the best Canadian women were there (we picked two of them up; details later). The men's winner was the 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Ecuadorean Jefferson Perez. New England's own Joanne Dow lead the women's race from start to finish and beat her own American record by over a minute, and I was fortunate to witness all of it.
Weather conditions were ideal bright sunshine, a bit cool with some breeze. The course is a smoothly paved flat roadway within a huge regional park near the Civil War battlefield where the two armies engaged for the first time in a war that the Union thought would be over in a few days. The Potomac Valley Track Club, which organized the event (the racewalks, not the battle), did a superb job in every respect. As a World Cup qualifier, the event had the best in the US vying for spots in the 5-person men's and women's teams. Among the many superb performances were those by Jonathan Matthews and Maine native Kevin Eastler, both of whom made the team.
The 1:25:27 time by Matthews shattered the American masters record. I was pleased with my own race, walking a fairly steady pace throughout and getting just one warning. I was in very good company near the end of the pack, finishing behind Jim Carmines and Dave Romansky.
The post-race festivities were held at a Bertucci's restaurant right next to the host hotel. Amidst a seemingly endless parade of fresh, delicious pizzas, we got to meet and talk to many of the top competitors. I also was able to contact an old friend who now lives in the area and he spent an hour with me at the restaurant. Coincidentally, he had been a racewalker about ten years ago. Being in the room with all those walkers has inspired him to take up the sport again. Also at our table were two women from Calgary, Alberta. Ken Mattsson and I were talking about driving up to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, after the awards ceremony. After briefly describing the town's historical significance, the Canadians expressed interest in joining us, so the four of us made the 60-mile trip through scenic Virginia countryside. Our company turned out to be Janice McCaffrey, who had just broken the Canadian women's record, and her friend Sue Hornung, who had just walked a personal best 1:45. Janice is also a two-time Olympian and a shoo-in for the 2000 Olympic team. We had a wonderful time in Harper's Ferry enjoying the spectacular view of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers from the high bridge and reading the historic markers of John Brown's raid and a later battle that was fought in the town. It was my second visit but it still had an emotional impact.
The entire weekend was surprisingly inexpensive. The Hampton Inn offered a special rate for walkers and sharing a room with Ken cut that in half. The car rental was ridiculously cheap less than $30 for each of us, and the round-trip flight actually cost less than a train. All told, a most excellent time that I would highly recommend to all for next year.
1999 race calendar
As always, our listing of racewalking events is not en- graved in stone. Some races are added during the season, others are changed or cancelled. It's always best to verify the time, date and location with the race director before setting out.
May
23 New England 20K. Rhode Island College, 9 a.m. Grand Prix event. Details on front page. 23 Great Bear 5K, Pollard School, Needham, MA. 3:20 p.m. A separate unjudged walk as part of a day-long series of races. 781-444-3383.June
6? New England 5K, date and site to be determined. Grand Prix event. 13 New England Walkers 5K. Details on front page.July
24 Bay State Games 3K, Worcester State College. Part of the track and field portion of the statewide athletics festi- val. 781-932-6555.August
1 10K National Championships, Wilkes Barre, PA. 1 XIII World Association of Veteran Athletes Champion- ships, Gateshead, England. (Have I really bought airline tick- ets for this?) Men's 20K, women's 10K. 5K on the track, Aug. 6-7. Sandy Pashkin, 301 Cathedral Parkway, No. 6U, NY NY 10026September
19 40K National Championships, Ft. Monmouth, NJ. Year 61 of the tradition, and a longtime favorite for the hardi- est among us.October
3 National One- and Two-Hour Championships, Worces- ter Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA. Grand Prix. Our 11th consecutive year as host of this major event. late in month Possibly a 50K race, the only one to be held in the east this year. Stay tuned.Walking: long-term or short-term investment?
By Josef DellaGrotte
While conducting a walking course and hiking in the Swiss Alps, I noticed how many people in this country surrounded by mountains use walking as their major exercise and health system. What is even more interesting is how they pace themselves, especially the older ones. Even though I would be moving at a faster pace, I soon realized that these slower hikers would not only get there anyway (the next hut, the next village), but be able to do it continuously, most for the rest of their lives. How many times did I hear: "He/she walked till the day he/she died." And that is perhaps the healthier vision and practice of full exercise walking. It is not only about how fast, or how many races one has done, and at what pace. It is about a total fitness activity that can, if done well, keep you mobile, posturally upright, strong and sound in cardiovascular terms, relaxed and confident in psychophysical terms.
Efficient walking also has to be learned. Some time ago I experienced a new level of efficient walking with Ken Mattsson. It made a difference. But in order for that to happen, it is not enough to have just good instruction from the outside. (Ever tried to learn golf by watching videos? Golfers are always in search of new techniques, and most of them don't work.) The instruction has to match the responses that are from the inside. The lesson succeeds best when the learner gets it, feels it, enjoys it, can use it, and do it on his own. Once you learn to get the true feel of a good movement, you can reproduce it, improve on it. Best of all, you can cultivate it until it replaces the old movements, which also might have had pains or restrictions attached to them.
Walking this way becomes a lifelong investment, a self-mastery process, one that will enable you also to walk till the day you die. It's not the dying, of course. It is the knowing that you can take care of yourself and enjoy walking, not struggle or suffer with it.
Josef DellaGrotte, therapist and trainer, will be conducting Thursday evening practice clinics on June 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 6:20 to 7:45 p.m.
For more information on the program and audiocassette lessons, contact the office of Somatic Training Associates, 1-800-893-2398, or the Watertown office at 617-926-9770.
New England Walkers
NEWalkers@kuo.freeservers.com
39 Oakland Road
Brookline, MA 02245-6700
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This page was last updated July
15, 1999.
Corrections? Contact Justin
Kuo (617-731-9889)