LRC 2008
Runner Awards Nominations


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Female Runner of the Year

   

Female Runner of the Year

Deb Lowell

Deb ran in 13 LRC circuit races in 2008, as well as many other area races. She set personal records on nine courses. She was the overall winner of the Lexington 5K, won several Masters awards and earned All-American status for the 800, 1500, Mile, 3000, 5K and 10K. What a phenomenal year!

Emily DeWald

Emily ran 12 LRC circuit races in 2008. She won 11 of those, took 2 nd at the Lincoln Memorial ½ marathon, and 12 th at the Steamboat 4 mile where she raced against international runners. She also won the Siberian Express, Indianapolis Half Marathon (1:26:43), Hog Stampede 4 Mile (24:55), Washington Cherry Festival 5K (18:58), FOLEPI 4 Mile (23:34) and I'm sure she won many more races. Emily volunteered in ten club events and helped coach the Central Catholic Track and Cross Country teams. She also raced in many other events, also placing among the top females. 

Donna Creditor

Donna ran 13 ultras in 2008 in search of her 100 miler. Donna was one of just 17 runners who completed the Illinois Trail Ultra Grand Slam in 2008 completing Clinton Lake 30 Miler, McNaughton Park 50 miler, Rock Cut Hobo 50K and Farmdale 50K. 30 miles is just a training run for Donna, but she’s so supportive of others who want to attempt an ultra.  Plus, she’s a super-fun person to run with!

Carol Pratt

Carol had a fabulous 2008, competing in 10 LRC races and 37 total races.  This included races as short as a mile and as long as a half iron triathlon.  She logged over 2,000 training miles and met her racing goals (6:10 in the mile and 21:37 in 5K).  She is always a great influence on the racing scene, helping others however she can.  I think Carol's proudest moment was the tremendous success her student athletes brought to her cross country and track & field teams at Fieldcrest.  This year, her Knights had the best cross country and track season ever, which included an individual state champion in the 3200.  Her ability to accomplish her own goals, motivate others, and serve as a role model transcends running.

Male Runner of the Year [top]

Tod Williamson

In 2008, Tod reached a lifetime goal of running the Boston marathon, finishing in 3:29:44. He also finished at least 12 other road races and 2 triathlons. Tod ran 10 area races, placing in 8. In one year, he improved his 5K time from 19:24 (2007) to 18:33 (2008). 2008 will forever be highlighted as one of Tod's best years.

Mike Heffron

Mike placed in the top 3 overall in 25 of his 28 races in 2008 and outright won 12 races. His times were very impressive, especially for a Master. 5K (16:08), 4 Mile (21:29) , 10K (35:00), 12K (42:12). One of Mike's many impressive 2008 accomplishments was a top 25 award at the Steamboat 4 Mile (21:29) against elite international competition. Mike continues to impress with his consistency and flat out talent.  Highlights of his year included winning Allerton Park for the first time in 11 races, winning the Rockford trail series, missing the Lake Run Masters record by 1 second (it was a little windy that day if memory serves), setting the Masters CR in Toulon, and 1st Master at the Springfield 1/2, running a 1:15.  Mike also continues his coaching at El Paso-Gridley Junior High where he is building a very competitive program. In addition, he found time to volunteer for many Lake Run Club events.

Best New Runner - Female [top]

Michelle Chlada

Michelle is new to the running scene and gaining experience with every step. An ex-smoker, Michelle started running for weight maintenance and fitness. She had quit smoking a year before and lost about 50 pounds. She decided to turn up the intensity to lose more weight and took up running. She began at Miller Park 5K by running one mile and walking the rest. In 2008 Michelle completed Miller Park 5k, Lake Run, Steamboat Classic, Park to Park and is training for the 2009 Phoenix Rock n’ Roll Marathon to raise money for Lukemia & Lymphoma Society and to celebrate her 1 year running anniversary.

Best New Runner - Male [top]

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Most Improved Runner - Female [top]

Deb Lowell

Deb ran in 13 LRC circuit races in 2008, as well as many other area races. She set personal records on nine courses. She was the overall winner of the Lexington 5K, won several Masters awards and earned All-American status for the 800, 1500, Mile, 3000, 5K and 10K. What a phenomenal year!

Cathie Haab

Cathie’s been adding mileage to her training and is running a pretty decent pace these days

Vicki King

Our very own Newsletter Editor had an impressive year of race times in 2008.

2007 Half Marathon Times                      2008 Half Marathon Times:

2:35:11                                                 2:20:08

2:35:47                                                 2:19:32

2:27:43                                                 2:19:46

2007 5K Times                                      2008 5K Times:

33:07                                                    30:31

35:40                                                    34:34 Trail Run

33:25

Vicki is a regular on our local Constitution Trail and the ABC Runs.  She has completed the marathon, half marathon, 5K, 10K and trail runs across the country.  Vicki completed her sixth Arizona Rock and Roll half marathon in January.  2008 was a most improved year for Vicki’s race times and thus a well deserved nomination for Lake Run Club Most Improved Female Runner.

 

Most Improved Runner - Male [top]

Tod Williamson

In 2008, Tod reached a lifetime goal of running the Boston marathon, finishing in 3:29:44. He also finished at least 12 other road races and 2 triathlons. Tod ran 10 area races, placing in 8. In one year, he improved his 5K time from 19:24 (2007) to 18:33 (2008). 2008 will forever be highlighted as one of Tod's best years.

 
Volunteer of the Year [top]

Jana Keifer

Jana has been an excellent president; she puts in many hours to our club in ways we don't even know about.  She does small behind the scenes kind of things all because she WANTS to, not because it's expected or even asked of her. She works hard to keep our club strong and the kind of club we all want to be a part of. She is encouraging, easy going and friendly.  She is VERY involved of all aspects of the club. I have a lot of respect for the leadership and involvement she has for the LRC

Rebecca Payne

Rebecca Payne was pretty new to the LRC in 2008 and volunteered for 21 events – the third most out of all volunteers. When you consider that Rebecca doesn’t run, she provides an amazing amount of support for our club and events. Becca is a huge sport fan and enjoys helping out at events however she can. A partial list of her volunteer events in 2008 include Park to Park, Lake Run, Deer Run Run, Aids 5K, State Farm 5K, Autism 5K, Jingle Bell 5K, Run the Woods, 5K, Lexington 5K, Dawson Lake 5K, and Dog Days among others. Frequently you will see her helping out at finish lines, registration, packet pickup or whatever else we need done on race day. To top of her support efforts, Rebecca has agreed to join the board to help the LRC continue to promote running and racing in Central Illinois.

Merlin Andersen (Meg too)

Merlin's efforts (Meg’s too) with the ABC runs have given others an outlet to help a cause, be introduced to running and meet great people. Their efforts help much more than just the donations raised for the causes. Merlin continues to be an inspiration to many runners.  In addition to ABC runs he has organized the marathon training program.  Merlin also volunteers for finish line coordination for many of the Lake Run Club races and writes articles for the Lake Runner Newsletter.  Merlin also earned the most volunteer points for the club: 1200 points.

John Kastigar

John volunteered for 13 times for 885 points in 2008. John has been very supportive of the club and helps out in many ways. In addition to his volunteer hours, he supports runners of all levels by running with them and encouraging them. John is one of those guys that you can count on for anything and is a vital member of the LRC Volunteer Committee.  He takes on numerous finish line and software/results responsibilities throughout the whole race season.  You may also know John as an energetic Catch the Wave leader or Marathon Training Assistant.  John is very good at getting new or veteran runners motivated to run more races on the circuit even after their CTW or Marathon Training program may be over.

In addition to the ton of hours he has put in, he can be as crazy as the next LRC runner...:) John serves as a great example through his volunteering for the rest of the LRC.

Rich Beal

Rich is a wonderful volunteer.  His sunny disposition is contagious.  Most times I am motivated to volunteer because I know I get to be around Rich.  Rich was the finish line coordinator for 5 races, and on the finish line crew for others.  He also was very active with the kids' runs, including filling in as back-up announcer.  He provided a lot of coordination with the Centennial Decatur Relay.

Dawn Dieckgrafe

During the 2008 race season Dawn volunteered 16 times for 560 points.  She is very dedicated with numerous LRC programs and events.  You see her nearly every week at the Kids Run and she is an enthusiastic Catch the Wave leader.  Dawn is on the Volunteer Committee and helps with anything she possibly can.  You can always count on Dawn for just about any task, from helping at finish lines to taking pictures at area races.

Race Performance of the Year [top]

Tod Williamson

Since finishing his first marathon, Tod dreamt of running the Boston Marathon. Through much challenge, sickness and determination, Tod completed a 12 year, 22 marathon qualifying process by running a 3:30:15 in West Virginia. Then, in April, 2008 Tod realized his goal, by crossing Boston's starting line with smiles and the finish line in a time of 3:29:44. Through this effort, Tod has inspired others to never give up on their dreams.

Mike Heffron

Mike had an outstanding Lake Run 12K race, placing second overall. Even though the weather was extremely windy, Mike dug deep and came within one second of breaking the Master's course record.

Comeback of the Year [top]

Seanan AlYasiri

Seanan had a stress fracture in 2007, forcing him to take many months off and was only able to complete 5 races. His first 5K back from injury was run in 20:30. In 2008, he was able to run about 20 races including three half marathons and two triathlons. His 5K time improved including a 17:49 at the Danvers 5K and 17:58 at Jingle Bell 5K (much closer to his usual).  Seanan still has a ways to go to set PR's again, but made great progress this year. He also placed in almost every race he ran, including winning his age group at the Maui half marathon.

Seanan AlYasiri--Comeback
Seanan had a quiet year in 2007, running only 5 races, he spent most of the year injured.  However, he remained connected to the sport through volunteering, coaching, and as a photographer.  In 2008, Seanan mounted a comeback and showed consistent improvement throughout the year.  He started the year with a 19:49 at Miller Park and finished with a stellar 17:58 at Jingle Bell.  In 2009 I foresee continued improvement as he looks to go long and already has several marathons scheduled.

Kathy Alexander

Kathy had a handful of injuries to deal with in 2007, but she came back strong in 2008. She’s still got it and shows a lot of guts for sticking with it.

 


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