Runner Spotlight - Howard Whitman

Who is the man behind those crazy shorts?!

My original running days go all the way back to high school when I ran cross country but then college, Army, married and family life and work didn't leave much time for running plus the interest wasn't there any more.  Then in 1998 I saw my daughter running frequently but the crowning moment came when I picked her up at the airport after she had completed the Disney Marathon.  Watching her hobble off the plane obviously in severe pain (which we now know as the post marathon shuffle) but with the biggest smile on her face, I thought "hey, that looks like fun".  I then decided to start training for the Derby Mini Marathon hoping that I could finish the race while the clock was still up and the roads were still closed.  And now, twenty years later, the clock is still up and I'm still out there running.

Having finished 11 marathons, 29 half marathons and numerous 15K, 10 milers, 10K and 5K races, it's hard to say which distance is my favorite because each one has its own personality.  I even can include trail running which includes doing R2R2R twice.  I can't even say which race was my favorite because every one has left me with great, happy memories.

My advice to all new runners out there first and foremost is to make sure you enjoy yourself and have fun.  Going fast is nice but enjoying the scenery around you and the camaraderie of fellow runners will allow you to keep running for many more years.  Remember, you still get the same medal as the first place runner, and I believe you get more out of your entry fee while you are enjoying the race.    I continue to run simply because I like running and fortunately, I am still able, although not nearly as fast as I used. 

I have so many great memories of past runs and races that I still want to make more memories so I continue to run.  Plus you have the health benefits of being out there.  I notice many of my non-running friends in my age category have similar aches and pains that I do, but I get to blame those pains on running which keeps me younger.  

I like competing in the River City Races because it allows me to enjoy the opportunities to run against my fellow runners and the races are always well done with plenty of benefits like food and drink after plus the social aspect of renewing old friendships and making new ones.  Our running group, Not Quite Ready For Prime Time Runners, is always represented at these local races plus we often do road trips together for out of town races.  Many stories come to mind from these trips.  (Don't ask).

Probably the most important thing to remember is to get out there and start moving.  It matters not how fast you are but that you are doing it.  Runners are a friendly group and no matter your pace, you will always be welcome when you start running.  

See you out there on the streets.  I'll be the one in colorful shorts.

Runner Spotlight: Lucas Adams

I began running in July 2016. I was 50 pounds overweight and unhappy and I was desperate to make healthy changes in my life both for myself and for my girlfriend (now fiance) Susan. I decided one day to download "Couch to 5K" and give it a try. It was hard at first, each run was slow and painful and the diet and lifestyle choices that accompanied it were difficult. I was running for a minute and walking for three minutes after that and I could barely keep up. I was logging EVERY SINGLE BITE OF FOOD in Weight Watchers and it drove me crazy.

A funny thing happened though...it started to work. My weight dropped and my pace per minute right along with it. Runs became easier and longer and I began to feel healthier than I had in a very long time. I had run before but I had never been this dedicated and I certainly had never enjoyed it as much as I was. It was freeing and it made me feel in control of something.

I decided to register for my first race ever, the 2016 Great Pumpkin 10K and it went so well that I registered for the 2016-2017 Polar Bear Grand Prix through which I learned about the Louisville Distance Project at Fleet Feet Sports. I signed up for this Run Club and I have never looked back. This fall marks my fourth LDP training season and during my time with the Club, I have run 6 half marathons, multiple shorter distance races and last May I completed my first full Marathon when i crossed the finish at the 2018 flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. I'm currently training for the 2018 New York City Marathon on November 4th and a 20 mile trail race on December 1st.

What is your favorite distance?-

I love the marathon distance. There is nothing quite like the feeling of crossing the finish line after running 26.2 miles. You have spent four months running, lifting, stretching, taking ice baths (in WINTER), eating only that which fuels you, and willing your mind and body to run for 26.2 miles...and then you do...and they hang a medal around your neck and not one soul can ever take that accomplishment away from you. I will never BQ but I will always be a marathoner.

Do you have any running advice you'd like to share?

Just run.

Put one foot in front of the other and wear your biggest smile, you're doing something good for yourself and you should be incredibly proud of that. If it turns into something deeper and suddenly you're toeing the line at a Marathon, great, but if you make the trip around the Seneca loop twice and then go home, you have done a great thing.

Find your tribe and run with them.

LDP not only introduced me to proper training, gear, diet, and form, it introduced me to friends. The friends I have made in my time with a run club have shown me kindness, love, and support and without them I would have given this up a long time ago.

Why do you like River City Races events?

The 2016-2017 Polar Bear Grand Prix was my first RCR event and I was so impressed at how well run it was and how much fun everyone seemed to be having and that hasnt changed. Every time I run a RCR race I have a great time and I meet other people having a great time. Races are the most fun when you feel safe and supported and I have always felt that way with this organization.

Anything else you'd like to share:

I would like to thank my fiance Susan. She has been at nearly every finish line I've crossed and is a fantastic runner and ambassador for the spot herself. it is a joy to do this with her.

Runner Spotlight: Alissa and Solomon Bennett

Fastest couple in Kentuckiana Running!

In 2015 we met in Evansville Indiana at the University of Southern Indiana where we were both members of the Cross Country/ Track and Field teams. Upon graduation in 2015 we moved back to New Albany Indiana where Alissa is from to start our careers. Like most post collegiate athletes, we were struggling with finding balance with our love of the sport and focusing on our new careers. There were many times Alissa even mentioned giving up running. In 2016 some of our running friends encouraged us to do the Snowman Shuffle 4 miler. We both signed up with zero expectations. The environment at the race was unlike any other. It was below 30 degrees on a Saturday morning, yet there were so many positive people out there working towards their individual goals. Everyone was so encouraging and from that point on we made the shift from collegiate running to chasing our own personal goals on the roads. To this day River City Races will always be our favorite because of how well organized they are and they ultimately brought us back to our true love for running.

Our Favorite distances...

Solomon’s favorite distance is the 10k. Alissa’s favorite distance is the half marathon.

Our best advice…

Never let someone else’s achievements control how you feel about your own personal accomplishments. When you’re training for a specific goal, focus on your own individual training and progress. It’s really easy to compare yourself to someone else or their training. It’s important to remember everyone’s body is different, so matching what someone else is doing on a daily basis isn’t necessarily going to bring the same results.

What we’re up to…

We are both currently members of the Fleet Feet Sports Louisville’s Elite running team. We have met so many amazing people through Fleet Feet and we will always be incredibly thankful for the opportunities we have had while being a part of that community of runners. Solomon is the head coach for Charlestown Middle School Cross Country/ Track teams and also a coach for a new AAU team called Indiana Elite Run Club, out of Charlestown Indiana. Solomon and the Charlestown High School Cross Country/ Track coaches have partnered to create this team. They are looking forward to the future of what this group can become and are eager to see their young talented athletes continue to develop. In regards to our own training, we are currently gearing up for the fall race season and have our eyes on the Indy Monumental Half Marathon.

Runner Spotlight-Michael Clemons

Update: In November 2019, I branched out from my role at the Louisville Sports Commission to create the Louisville Running Company. LRC, much like RCR, was created to support our local running community and provide resources for all things running in Louisville. By venturing out on my own, I'm better able to serve the Louisville running community and travel to races around the country providing operational assistance. It was a scary leap to make by starting LRC, but I've been welcomed with open arms by the Louisville running community. You can visit louisvillerunningcompany.com to find out more.

Growing up, I was surrounded by running. My dad was a runner (a 2:40 marathoner at that) and my mom was a cross country and track coach. So naturally, running was the last thing I wanted to do! I played just about every sport as a kid, but didn’t find my way to running until the end of high school. What drew me in? Someone telling me I couldn’t do it. “You can’t run a half marathon,” they said. And because I’m stubborn and had to prove them wrong, I started running. Fourteen years later, I’m still lacing up the sneakers on a daily basis.

Had you told me when I started that my life would revolve around running, I would’ve called you crazy. But alas, running surrounds me. I train daily to set new PRs in every distance from the 5K and half marathon. I work full-time as the Race Manager for the Louisville Sports Commission, a local nonprofit tasked with attracting new sporting events to the city and making our citizens more active. As Race Manager, I’m in charge of our Fall Runathon: the Louisville pure tap® 5K, the Norton Sports Health Great Pumpkin 10K, and the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon presented by Jim Beam®. My family is all runners; my friends are all runners; and my business is all running. I’d have it no other way.

Favorite distance:

While I’ve focused on the marathon more lately, my favorite distance is probably the half marathon. My body isn’t built for shorter distances, so my 5K and 10K speed is lacking. But I’m full of endurance and grit, so the longer distances suit me well. I’m currently training to break 2:55 in Dayton this fall and hopefully dip below 2:50 in Houston or Boston in 2019. The marathon is a beast, and I feel like the half is a lot more manageable. I was finally able to break 1:20 in the half this year, so look forward to being able to drop that time even more post-Boston 2019.

Do you have any running/walking advice you’d like to offer?:

There’s a lot of advice that’s been given to me over the years, but there are a few key pieces that stand out.

·         Have fun! There are going to be days when running isn’t fun, but the majority of days should be enjoyable. Races should be fun, too. Smile at the spectators, take in the course scenery, and don’t focus on the pain or discomfort you may be feeling. Enjoy it!

·         Find a group to run with. This goes hand in hand with the previous piece of advice. Running groups can not only push you and make you a stronger runner, they can make running enjoyable. There are so many groups in Louisville, and I’d be happy to help anyone who needs a group connect with one.

·         Don’t compare your speed or ability to others. Much easier said than done, I know, but it’s important to not pay attention to how much faster or slower than someone else you are. Running is all about challenging yourself, beating your own set goals. Don’t let someone else’s times become your goal or distract you from reaching your goal. Running groups are great for pushing you, but don’t let them push you directly into the ground.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I’ve been running RCR events ever since I started running, and I’ll continue to as long as I can. As a fellow Race Director in the city, I know how difficult it can be to put on a quality, worthwhile event. RCR’s team does a great job, pouring a lot of passion and dedication into making their events top-notch. I’ve always appreciated that as a runner, but appreciate it now even moreso since I’ve started directing races.

Additionally, I love how River City Races supports the local running community. Louisville’s running scene has blossomed into a strong, thriving presence in this city. I love how many great people I’ve been able to meet through running, and how much we all support each other. River City Races contributes to that community and continually improves upon it.

Anything else you’d like to share?

As a Race Director, I always like to bring out the human side behind races. A lot of runners forget that the people putting on the events are human; we put a lot of hard work into what we do. Sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. But make sure to remember that we’re working hard to make races as smooth as possible. Tell us what we may have done wrong so we can improve upon it, but also tell us what you liked. Tell the volunteers and police officers thank you as you pass them on the race course. I love getting to work with the running community, and can’t wait to pour my heart into our city’s events for years to come.

Runner Spotlight: Tracy Green

Favorite distance: The marathon is my jam. I run a lot of shorter distance races during the year, but the marathon is always my focus.

Running advice: Recover as intently as you train! A lot of runners are really dedicated to training, but you won't see the full benefits if you skimp on recovery. For me, that includes adequate refueling after workouts, as much sleep as I can possibly squeeze in, and regular massage. It's hard to prioritize them, but they really make a difference. I also find having a strong core, including your hips, goes a heck of a long way in injury prevention! I do Pilates three times a week - I'm an instructor at Baptist Health/Milestone Wellness Center - and it's a great way to be strong but also flexible in ways runners often aren't.

Why do you like running River City Races events? River City Races events were some of the very first I ever ran! I started running using the couch-to-5k program in May 2006, and I ran the Polar Bear Grand Prix series that winter. I'll never forget running up the hill to Hogan's Fountain the first time (it hasn't gotten easier, actually). River City Races is such a cornerstone in Louisville's running community. I know they're focused on ensuring a great experience for every participant, regardless of speed, and they're consistently organized and well-run races

Anything else: I'm excited to see the Downtown Doubler back on the schedule! It's great to race different distances to challenge myself in different ways. There aren't many 8k-15k races in the area but they're such fun distances to run.

In 2006, as a college junior, I decided to "get in shape." I set my sights on a race and used the infamous couch-to-5k program. Just 15 months after I started running, I ran my first marathon and qualified for Boston. Since then, I have completed 14 marathons, achieving a Boston qualifying time at each and breaking 3 hours three times. After an injury in 2010, I've come back to set new PRs at all distances since 2014. I hold personal bests of 2:57:03 (marathon), 1:25:53 (half-marathon), 39:13 (10k) and 18:36 (5k) I was named the 2017 Female Long Distance Runner of the year by USATF-KY. I am coached by Matt Ebersole of Personal Best Training in Indianapolis, am part of the New Balance Louisville racing team, and am a Hammer Nutrition sponsored athlete.