E-news Sept 6, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Sep 06, 2011 | 2943 views |  0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
She could be your new running partner!!!
She could be your new running partner!!!
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Hi runners! Ask and you shall receive...I BEGGED for race reports, and you guys came through!

1) RACE REPORTS
* from Brooke Nelson...
Congrats to all the Tri Team members who competed at Mountain Lakes on Saturday, August 13. Anniston Runners Tri Team had 43 members in attendance with most wearing our striking new tri suits! Everywhere we looked, we saw our logo.  You were awesome! We had the most number of members of any other team present, even the Vulcan Tri Club.
 
If you haven’t had a chance to yet, please go on Facebook and look at all the pictures posted from the event. It was so fun to see everyone walking up in their Tri Team attire. Very proud. I received lots of comments from the Team Magic people about our team. They were very impressed with the turnout, and hopefully, this will translate into some better discounts for their races next year.
 
DREAM TEAM takes podium at Mountain Lakes Triathlon
The Dream Team of Bob Couch (swimmer), Justin Bynum (cyclist) and Jay Lloyd (runner) reached their goal of winning the Male Team Relay at the 24th Annual Mountain Lakes Triathlon in Guntersville. Bob who swam for Alabam had to swim against one of his college teammates, Leo French, during the very competitive 600 yard battle when he edged French by 37 seconds with a time of 7:52. Justin Bynum’s bike portion was the 2nd faster overall bike time for the whole event, placing the team in excellent position to top the podium. The battle heated up though with Dewayne Minor on French’s team slapping down a 15 minute 3 mile run, but Jay Lloyd was able to hang onto to first by a mere 16 seconds, gutting it out for the win and capturing a personal record (PR on the 3 mile) at the same time. Same time next year – another epic battle will ensue.
 
FAMILY TEAMS and others excel at Mountain Lakes Tri, too!
The family teams of Team Moore (Lori swimming, John cycling, Jake running) and Team Angell (Pitts swimming, Clayton cycling, Cowan running) won second and third respectively in the Family Team Category. Dunaway Conner took third in a very competitive “Old Geezer” category. Megan Williams took first in her age group.
 
  *also from Brooke Nelson...
ROCKETMAN!
 
Rocketman Triathlon at the Redstone Arsenal on Sunday, August 28 proved to be a lot of fun with friends. A smaller tri than the sprint at Mountain Lakes, Rocketman is a longer course where competitors swim almost a mile in the Tennessee River, bike about 25 miles around the Redstone Arsenal on a completely closed course, and run a wonderful 6.2 mile route that winds along paths, boardwalks, pavement, and gravel roads before coming back to the finish on the banks of the river.
 
Anniston Runners Tri Team had 11 members in attendance, including my whole family. For us, it has become a family tradition as we have done this event for about 10 years watching it grow from a shorter-distance tri to its current Olympic distance status.

Other members included Sara Daum, Marinda and Daniel Salyers, Joe Epik, Trudy Berlin, and Chris Moon. Congrats to the podium winners, Sara Daum and Cole Nelson, who both took 3rd place in their respective age groups in highly competitive fields. Thanks to our special cheering/photographer sections: Jessie Young, Will and Bobbie Williams, Chris’ family, and John Daum.
 
Next up – Frantic Frog Triathlon on Saturday, September 10
 

*from Brian Mount...
I did Tupelo Marathon on Sunday Sept 4. This  is race that takes you  on backroads of Tupelo and starts at  5:00 am. The race has few rolling hills and ran in rain from mile 19 to finish. I did pr of 4:29:57 and this was my second marathon.  The race gives you a tie dye shirt and skull/crossbones medal. It  is fun low key race to do.   NOTE: I happen to know Brian wasn't the only ARC member in Tupelo...send in your reports!

Speaking of reporting, thanks to all the runners who logged their August miles for the 1200-Mile Club. Don't forget to check the website to make sure your miles are racking up accurately!

2) UPCOMING EVENTS

Golden Eagle 5K is this Saturday at the J'ville High School gym, 8:00am. Info can be found at coosavalleyrunning.8k.com/
goldeneagle5k

Also on the Coosa Valley Running calendar, Gamecock Gallop is coming up in October. Same great informative site, so check it out.

October 2nd is the Woodrow Wilson Bridge run, find info at wilsonbridgehalf.com.

October 8th is the Honda 5K, more info available at active.com (search under Honda 5K).


3) NEWS
Finally, some bittersweet news. My family took in a stray a few weeks ago and we have been unable to locate her family. She was a very scrawny older puppy, but also very clean, with good teeth and nails, so we think she was someone's pet. She has a wonderful temperment and is now a lot less scrawny! If you would like to consider taking in a new running partner, contact me! To see a picture of this sweet hound/beagle-type dog, reply to this email. Sadly, we have a dog and this one will be going to the Animal Shelter by the end of the week. She'd love to run with you!


Stay dry!
MERCY

E-news August 30, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 30, 2011 | 1581 views |  0 comments | 24 24 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
I think this guy just won the Spooktacular 5K costume contest...
I think this guy just won the Spooktacular 5K costume contest...
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Good morning, runners! First of all, WHERE ARE MY RACE REPORTS? I know some of you have been out rock-starring it up lately! Jule Diener, Historic Lincoln, Mountain Lakes, Rocketman Triathlon? Hellooooo? :~)

1) RACE REPORT
*From Darrell Harden

I had the privilege of participating in Ragnar Relay - Great River (RRGR) this weekend. RRGR sent teams of 12 (well, there were also teams of 6, and one crazy team of 4) runners on a trek across 196 miles, from the start in Winona, MN, to the finish in Minneapolis. Along the way, each runner on our team hit the road three times, trekking along roads and paved trails, up and down massive hills, and all day and all night, until the team reunites just before the finish and crosses the finish line together.

Our team finished the race in 31:37:56. That was good for 232nd place overall out of 280 teams. I can't imagine that any team had more fun than we did, though. For my part, I logged 18.37 in 2:31:10. I think everyone on our team ran ahead of her/his anticipated pace. Forty-eight hours removed from my last run, I'm still tired, but it was such a great experience!

Hope everyone down south is doing well. I'm registered for the Ladiga Half Marathon, and I'm looking forward to heading south to run with the ARC!

Peace,

Darrell


2) UPCOMING EVENTS
*Golden Eagle 5K - Saturday, September 10th, 8:00am at Jacksonville HIgh School. This race is always a nice cooler weather run in a really scenic area, put on by ARC's own Frank Bouie. Here's the link for entry forms and information:

http://coosavalleyrunning.8k.com/goldeneagle5k/

*The YMCA of Calhoun County proudly presents the AOD Federal Credit Union SPOOKTACULAR 5K event on Oct 29th at 7AM in Oxford at AOD Federal Credit Union. The course starts in front of AOD and is an out and back course finishing at AOD.  We are guaranteeing long sleeve black tech shirts for the first 100 runners. We will have V neck for women and crew neck for men.  Price is $15 before Oct 15th and $20 after Oct 15th. (Flyer coming soon) $2.00 off for Anniston Runners Club. No discounts the day of race.

This will be a fun event, costumes and all. Please come in your wackiest costume for costume prizes, and if you are fast and have a good costume you can win a running award and costume award!!! We are giving top 10 male and female awards only. No age brackets. All kids who race will receive goodie bags. Call Ann Angell @ 256-832-9622 or email at annangell@cableone.net
 
 
Ann Angell
ProgramCenterManager
OxfordY for Now
1716 Al Hwy21 South
Oxford, Al 36203
256-832-9622
256-453-8333-cell
annangell@cableone.net



*Rock-and-Roll Savannah Marathon and Half are about to FILL UP! Click here TODAY! http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/savannah


3) NEWS
*First, remember to let us know about your training runs. I know, I know, everybody in the world has Facebook. Well, actually, no they don't. I know, right'? Seriously, who doesn't have Facebook? Well, quite possibly your next great training partner! Let me know when you're running and I'll put it in the enews. Be sure to include your contact info so people can let you know they'll be there!

*If you haven't filled out your Woodstock 5K survey, WE NEED YOUR HELP! How in the world can the greatest race EVER get even better if you don't fill out your survey??? Check your email inbox, because the surveys were sent out with an email-specific code (I can't send you mine, for example). Tell us what you thought!

Go have an awesome run today!
MERCY

E-news August 22, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 22, 2011 | 1167 views |  0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
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Good morning, runners! It's bright and early, but knowing you guys half of you are out running! Enjoy, because we're still seeing highs in the 90s. Bring your water!

1) RACE REPORTS
Runners, remember that I need to hear from you! Let the entire Internet know how awesome you were at the last race you did! Here's one from this past Saturday's wonderful fHobson City 5K Walk and Run:

*HOBSON CITY 5K: We had fun!
Anniston Runners Club members were out in force at the 2nd Annual Hobson City Heritage 5K. It was fun, and they are looking for ways to improve their event. In fact, one of the race organizers, Johanna Martin, asked for ARC members to provide feedback.
 
If you want to send it to me, I'll combine it all together and send it to her. For instance, I'm going to mention about having someone handing out cups of water instead of bottled water. Don't get me wrong, ice-cold bottles of water are awesome, but most runners don't want to lug it around during the race. We love it at the end!
 
Please send me what you feel they did well and what they need to work on: brookenelson@amcvets.com
Or message me on FB. Thanks!
 
Congrats to our own Derrick Carver and Joe Jankoski who placed 2nd and 3rd overall!
 

Brooke Nelson


*I know more than a few runners competed in some triathlons lately, so don't forget that we want the scoop on how you did!



2) UPCOMING EVENTS
*I've just received the first email with information on the upcoming Gamecock Gallop. Remember that a lot of the area events, especially ones that have been staged for a few years now, list their information on our club website at annistonrunners.com. Spend some time on the website planning out your fall race season, thinking dreamy thoughts about how great it's going to be to race in cooler temperatures!


*Runners we are just outside 4 weeks away from the XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series!  For complete series info please go to: http://www.dirtyspokes.com/trail.php?series=2
 
XTERRA Alabama Cheaha State Park 10K Trail Run, September 17th, 2011 / Complete Info: http://www.dirtyspokes.com/tr_races.php?trraceid=2&trpageid=4 
XTERRA Alabama Monte Sano State Park 15K/5K Trail Run, October 22nd, 2011 / Complete Info: http://www.dirtyspokes.com/tr_races.php?trraceid=2&trpageid=5 
XTERRA Alabama Oak Mountain State Park 21K/10K/5K Trail Run, November 13th, 2011 / Complete Info: http://www.dirtyspokes.com/tr_races.php?trraceid=2&trpageid=6 
 
Really appreciate it!  Look forward to seeing you all soon!
 
Thanks!
 

Tim


*Rock-and-Roll Savannah will take place on November 5th, but the sell out date is approaching. Check out the website for the entire Rock and Roll series (also sponsors of the Country Music series) www.runrocknroll.competitor.com.


Have a great start to your week!
MERCY

Anniston Runners Club E-News - August 16, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 16, 2011 | 1345 views |  0 comments | 14 14 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

Good morning, runners! I mean, runners AND triathletes! The ARC Tri Team kicked asphalt at the Mountain Lakes Triathlon in Guntersville last Saturday! Here's the race report:

1) RACE REPORT
Anniston Runners TRI TEAM totally rocked the Mountain Lakes Triathlon in Guntersville on Saturday, August 13. At least 13 athletes made the podium in Team Magic’s 900-participant race, three team category wins and several individual ones.  We had 43 tri team members in attendance – quite a presence at the event. Congrats to all! Check out the Tri Team Facebook page for pictures and comments about the popular race.

Brooke Nelson

There are more than a few pictures on Facebook of our members smoking the Historic Lincoln 5K. Send some this way and we'll post them asap!

2) UPCOMING EVENTS
It would be great if our members could lend their support to a local event that is intended to highlight some of the communities in the county. We want to be a presence at Hobson City's Heritage Walk/Run on Saturday, August 20. The race starts at 8 a.m., but you can check in and register starting at 7 a.m. Race starts at First Baptist Church Downtown on Oak Street, Oxford. For more info: www.hobsoncityheritagewalk.com

3)NEWS
Don't forget, the ARC E-news is now a blog on the Anniston Star website! Your chance for fame and glory is finally here! Send me your race reports, photos, and other bragging-rights-quality news and we'll tell the world!

Have a great week!
MERCY

Good Luck, ARC Members!
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 12, 2011 | 1131 views |  0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

A record number of ARC's Tri Team members will be competing tomorrow at the Mountain Lakes Triathlon in Guntersville, AL. The scenic event includes a 600 yard open water swim, 16 mile bike leg, and a 3 mile run. Part of the Team Magic series, this event draws numbers sometimes well over 1,000 participants, and in years past this event has been the USAT Sprint Distance National Championship. It is often a qualifier event for larger USAT races and brings a strong field of competitive athletes.

 

Good luck to everyone participating!!!

Today's Events
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Wednesday, 19, 2013
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Pond Spring- The Gener... 3:50 PM
Oxford Farmers market 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Join us for the kick-off of Oxford's first...
Oxford Farmers market 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
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Hip Hop Hope Vacation ... 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
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George Smith: I just love watching Ozzie ...
Jun 19, 2013 | 87 views |  0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print

WEDNESDAY’S LIST . . . of beans ’n greens ’n other things:

***

DON’T TELL me I’ve nothing to do.

From the window of my barn I see Ozzie coming through the hedgerow from next door. I like Ozzie a lot, but I’m not sure he feels the same. Efforts to pet and feed over the years have been a flop at best.

What Ozzie likes to do is hunt. I mean really hunt.

You see, Ozzie is a brindle, bob-tailed, three-legged cat and he loves to feed on whatever he can find in the hedgerow across my back yard, including field mice and squirrels.

Ozzie is flat out deadly, too.

Since losing his right front leg to a tumor a couple of years back, he has taught himself a new way to hunt. He keeps stalking to a minimum. But with the patience of Job, he settles down and waits for a meal to come within striking distance.

When the meal does, it’s “Wham” and Ozzie heads for the dinner table.

He’s a wonder to watch ...

^^^

IT IS A typical day at the Smith Estate. I am out in my barn kicked back in what I call “Archie’s Recliner.” I am reading a book, listening to Merle Haggard on the stereo, and watching TV (how’s that for multi-tasking, huh?) The blonde is out and about.

The phone rings. It is from the blonde. She is at Sears in the Quintard Mall ...

“Sweetheart, I’m at Sears looking at vacuum cleaners. I can get a small one to go with a regular one. What do you think I should do?”

Recovering from the shock of her asking my permission for anything, I agree to the double dip and then make a mistake with “What’s going on, you asking my permission?”

From the other end, there is a happy laugh with:

“It’d be different if it were shoes and a dress.”

I managed a quiet goodbye (without choking), hung up, and went back to singing along with Merle. It seemed fitting he was in the middle of “I’m Gonna Sit Right Here And Drink” at the time.

^^^

JOE ESTEP deserves a standing ovation. Joe runs the Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame and, this past Saturday night, put together another classic.

Held at the “new” Oxford Civic Center, the 2013 induction played to a near packed house.

Outstanding Joe, outstanding.

^^^

FOR THOSE asking, the Peach Man’s tomatoes are a week away, but Ken Easterling will be at Regions in Oxford on Friday morning at 6 with another load of Chilton County peaches.

If no sell-out in Oxford he heads for the Anniston post office along about 8 . . . but don’t bet he gets there.

^^^

IF YOU’RE lining up at the Walmart deli at Lenlock, I hope you get lucky and a young lady by the name of Vanesa Durham waits on you. She did for me a few days back and while I’ve had an unpleasant moment or two there, Vanesa left me feeling pretty good.

Walmart could use more like her.

^^^

BIRTHDAYS: June 12 – Annette Vice; June 14 – Sage Snow; June 15 – Twins Brettnie and Dakota Smith; June 17 – Aiden Lloyd; 11; June 18 – Don Beabout.

And Jeff Jones, June 17. A member of a vanishing breed (The Great Generation), Jeff drove a “weasel” jeep ashore at Normandy, June 6, 1944.

^^^

QUOTABLE: “My doctor tells me I should start slowing it down - but there are more old drunks than there are old doctors so let's all have another round.”

                       --Willie Nelson

Thanks for visiting ...

-----

George Smith may be reached at 256-239-5286 or email: gsmith731@gmail.com.

 

 

Tim Tebow works out at a Patriots practice. (AP photo)
Tim Tebow works out at a Patriots practice. (AP photo)
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All-Calhoun County girls soccer: Cain led Jacksonville girls to a special season
by Brandon Miller
Jun 18, 2013 | 100 views |  0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print
JACKSONVILLE — Everything came together for the Jacksonville High girls soccer team this year, and its hard work paid off. “This year we were trying to get a theme of excellence and a spirit of excellence into everything they did in life,” said Sam Cain, who is The Anniston Star’s Calhoun County girls soccer coach of the year. “One of my girls, Allison Judge, was valedictorian this year. Being successful off the field is what I think transferred to the field for the whole time.” Cain knew going into the season Jacksonville had a special team, which wound up going 8-0 against Calhoun County teams and making the quarterfinals of the Class 1A-4A state playoffs. The squad also was fourth in the state rankings, the highest of any girls team at Jacksonville, and won a school-record 16 games. “I just knew this was probably one of the best teams that we’ve probably had up here because they’ve been around for a long time and I knew the character and make-up of the team,” Cain said. “They looked out for each other and wanted to play for each other more than just themselves. I just felt that since they liked and wanted to play so hard for their teammates so much that we’d have a good season.” Jacksonville fell to Guntersville 2-1 in the state quarterfinals, but Cain said the reaction to that loss was the biggest memory he will take from the season. “Even after defeat, the emotion that the girls showed after game made it all worthwhile,” Cain said. “It meant a lot that it meant so much to them that they were upset about a loss and their hearts were into it. “It was heartbreaking to see, but it felt good to see they cared that much.” One of the players that didn’t take the loss lightly was senior star Sharon Osterbind, The Star’s girls soccer player of the year. “We worked as hard as we could in the last game and it just didn’t go how we wanted it to, but I wish I could have scored another goal or someone else would have scored another goal and we would have won or tied,” she said. “But it just didn’t work out.” Although Cain loses five seniors to graduation, he still has confidence looking ahead. “It’s going to be hard to replace those girls, but those girls set a good example for the ones coming up,” he said. “One of the younger girls kept talking this year about wanting to be like her older teammates, so I think most the ones coming back want to follow the same path.” Brandon Miller covers prep sports for The Star. He can be reached at 256-235-3575 or follow him on Twitter @bmiller_star.
All-Calhoun County girls soccer team -- complete list
by Brandon Miller
Jun 18, 2013 | 120 views |  0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print
FIRST TEAM Kiyana Bullock So., 5-8, F • Anniston Noteworthy: Bullock handled a versatile role to the Bulldogs, playing nearly every position on the field. She finished in the season with seven assists and three goals. Laura Davenport Fr., 5-7, MF • Oxford Noteworthy: Davenport worked the hardest for the Yellow Jackets and led the team in goals this past season. The freshman was also one of the team’s captains. Marissa Davis Sr., 5-1, D • Donoho Noteworthy: Davis was a team captain the past three seasons and brought relentless play to the Lady Falcons’ defense. Allison Judge Sr., 5-7, ATH • Jacksonville Noteworthy: Judge played nearly every position for the Golden Eagles. Jacksoville’s valedictorian scored two goals and had eight assists. Mattison Lowery Fr., 5-5, GK • Jacksonville Noteworthy: Lowery allowed an average of only 1.1 goals a game for the Golden Eagles. She made 112 saves and recorded seven shutouts. Quenteeria Mooney Soph., 5-10, D • Jacksonville Noteworthy: Mooney was a relentless defender who won half of her battles last season. She also recorded three assists and a goal. Sharon Osterbind Sr., 6-1, F • Jacksonville Noteworthy: Osterbind led the Golden Eagles with 44 goals and 18 assists, but also played a larger role for the run. The UAB signee served as a coach on the field and played the largest role in Jacksonville’s state quarterfinals run. Virginia Poe So., 5-10, MF • Jacksonville Noteworthy: Poe defended and scored for the Golden Eagles. The sophomore finished the season with 37 goals and 17 assists. Miranda Schoening Fr., 5-11, GK • Oxford Noteworthy: Schoening kept the Yellow Jackets in most games with her outstanding play in goal. The freshman was also the heart of the defense. Katherine Westbrook Sr., 5-9, MF • Donoho Noteworthy: Westbrook provided steady leadership on both sides of the ball for the Falcons. The senior recorded 16 goals this past season. Leslie Williams Jr., 4-10, F • Donoho Noteworthy: Williams broke onto the scene as the Falcons leader in goals scored with 27, as she helped Donoho make a second-round playoff run. Maddy Oblena Soph., 5-3, MF • Sacred Heart Noteworthy: Oblena was all over the field for the Cardinals, leading Sacred Heart with her offensive and defensive play. Second TEAM Anniston — Raven Cooley, Tahlyia Knox; Oxford — Tristan Lackey, Aniya Mahaffey; Jacksonville — Ashton Wells, Elizabeth Poe, Cindee Tang, Jordan Terry, Kaila Green; Donoho — Lily Wiedmer; Sacred Heart — Haili Clark.
Sharon Osterbind had 44 goals and 18 assists in helping Jacksonville advance to the Class 1A-4A girls state soccer quarterfinals. (Photo by Bill Wilson/Anniston Star)
Sharon Osterbind had 44 goals and 18 assists in helping Jacksonville advance to the Class 1A-4A girls state soccer quarterfinals. (Photo by Bill Wilson/Anniston Star)
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