Welcome to The Jack Turtles Club

JT's Who?

2009-07-19T19:25:00.002-04:00

Do we need to rally the troops? Who are the Jack Turtles, really? Do we have a common bond of fitness activity? How committed are we really to this purpose? Speaking for someone who has been completely out of the loop for the last month, let me say... I'm BACK and yes I am ready to re-engage and make some progress. I did really well for the first week at Bryn Mawr. Set the alarm for 5:15am so I could get 3 miles in before breakfast at 7am. The leadership institute kept me completely scheduled from 7am - 9am on most days and as the weeks progressed, I slipped into embracing sleep and didn't maintain a consistent regime. But, I am back and worked out twice this weekend. I am assuming that Derek and I were the lone-turtles today. We ventured to Antrim only to find a triathlon occuring at the park with roads closures everywhere. So, we went to the Park of Roses instead and ran most of the way to Antrim completing a solid 5 miles. Coach D ran with me almost the entire time offering me encouragement and kicking my "a_s" when I needed it.

Is anyone interested in running on Thursday at the Park of Roses? Have a great week everyone! Missed you all!

Keeping the Turtles going...

2009-07-06T08:40:00.002-04:00

Hey there everybody, I've been tasked as one of the individuals to keep the blog going while Mona has been away. Despite the lack of leadership and the busy summer weekends, a few of us JTs have been keeping up with Sunday runs the best we can. 2 weeks ago, Derek and I rocked the Antrim to Henderson trail and last week Derek, Concetta and I ran to the tennis courts...and noticed how much we looked like a secret service detail with Derek and I running side by side with Concetta running in the middle, slightly behind us (her seceret service nickname is yet to be determined). I didn't make it out this past 4th of July weekend, but ran around my old neighborhood both Friday and Saturday while out of town and even got Christine back out running Saturday morning. I will be out the next two weekends as well, so it is up to Derek, Concetta, Bill et al to keep the ball rolling. I will try to organize some mid week runs to help keep us on track. The marathon/half-marathon dates are fast approaching so now is the time to get those training schedules going! Keep up the great work everyone!

Mona needs MAIL!

2009-06-12T10:10:00.001-04:00

Hello fellow JT's, I would LOVE tons of mail while I am away at Bryn Mawr college from Friday, June 19th through Wednesday, July 15th.

PLEASE send me mail the old fashioned way at the following address:

Mona Fitzer
Summer Institute, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion
Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.

Blacklick Noob

2009-06-07T11:19:00.005-04:00

Concetta, Mona and I had a great run/walk at Blacklick today. It was my first visit to the park and I was impressed. Weather was great and it was my first run in about a month. I've been dealing with a pinched nerve in my shoulder. After completing our 4.2 we went to Blocks where we negated any calories burt running.

We're BACK! Are you?

2009-06-01T09:30:00.003-04:00

Three mighty turtles were back on the trail yesterday. Jeff, Concetta and I completed 5 miles, running more than we walked. It was so nice of Concetta and Jeff to slow down their pace and hang with me. It really pushed me but as it always does but it feels GREAT when I am done!

So, Bill and Christine have really inspired me as they have already accomplished their fitness goals. (Congrats again, Bill and Christine! You both rock!!!) It made me start thinking about this wonderful opportunity to train with my friends, to feel purely exhausted and to be a better person physically and mentally. Yes, I am talking about training for the full 26.2 mile Columbus marathon with Concetta! This is my fitness goal for 2009. Then my mind shifted to the fact that I need to run more than walk to make this happen and drop some pounds so my body can handle all of this. Concetta was so kind to remind me yesterday that I asked for accountability last week which is why I said that we ran more than we walked yesterday. When the alarm clock went off this morning @ 5:30am, I thought to myself... "you need to exercise more than you need sleep." This was enough to get me dressed and out the door. But, when I started running, my mind shifted again thinking that I could still honor this mode of training if I shorten the distance. Right? Not exactly!!! Distance, pace and ability to breathe are all important milestones for me right now.

IMPORTANT JT NEWS:

Mid-week runs are back! Every Thursday starting this week (June 4th) - Meet your fellow turtles at Whetstone/Park of Roses parking next to the shelter house @ 6pm.
SUMMER HOURS are in effect for June, July, August. 8am start time every Sunday.
This Sunday, June 7th - change of venue. Meet at Blacklick Woods to enjoy their newly paved and widen 4.2 miles trail. Doug, this is your chance to rejoin the group! To motivate us all, we will go to Blocks Bagels for breakfast.
Next Sunday, June 13th we will be back at Antrim Park, 8am.

Have a GREAT week and focus on what you want for yourself and do something about it!

New JT Graphic

2009-05-11T07:57:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Nick Major (Interactive Media student) for designing the awesome new spring JT header graphic!

Commit to be Fit - Christine accomplishes her first 5K

2009-05-11T05:38:00.003-04:00

Another fine weekend of Columbus weather and a strong showing by the JT's at the Commit to be Fit run this past Saturday, May 2nd. The cool weather meant hot times for Jeff, Steve, Kristen, Christine, and myself, who were cheered on by Meg, Jen, and unofficial team mascot, Anna Robek. After the 1/2 marathon got underway the Turt's lined up at the starting line (not that we could even see it with the giant crowd of people!). Andrea Cambern announced the start and we were off (not fast, mind you, with all the traffic!) One minute later and we passed...the start line! With the disposable chip technology that time was not counted against us. As we ran past the arena Steve "Thunder Down Under" Smith and Jeff "5th Horseman of the Apocalypse" Robek pulled ahead, finishing in respectable times.

The real race was for Christine, who was there to compete in her first 5k. Kristen Stagner and I joined her every step of the way. Kristine provided inspiration and support; my job was photography, carrying water, motivating the crowds on the street to cheer her on, clear slower runners out of her way, and general tomfoolery. Her pace was steady, her gait was good, and her attitude was great. As we passed mile 2 and headed back towards downtown she even increased her pace. Her goal was to break 40 minutes. She and Kristen passed the finish line in 38:45!

Another race down for the turtes, another yearly goal accomplished. Will all the little turtles accomplish their goals for the year? Wait and see!

Posted by Bill (Sherpa) Plessinger

Bill on the trail!

2009-04-22T08:12:00.002-04:00

AM I INSANE? Reflections from Bill's adventure

2009-04-20T10:34:00.001-04:00

Monday 4/20/09 9:55am
While stretching out at the start line yesterday, at the "Forget the PR Mohican 50k" I contemplated a couple things: Am I INSANE? Why would anyone want to run 31.2 miles unless forced to by some Orwellian communist regime? Will all the miles I put in the last couple weeks pay off? Will my feet blister What if I have to poop? Is it going to rain or not? As I thought of these things I almost lost my breakfast. The race started and we were off, and thought was soon replaced by action, and thoughts were replaced by reacting to the here and now, not the future maybe's. Within the first quarter mile we were out of the park roads and into the woods, and started the trails with a long hill. That set the mood for the day- a hilly course that combined great scenery with ups and downs at every turn. By the time I got to the first checkpoint at 1:10, 5.9 miles were behind me, and two competitors had already tripped and fallen. Many hours would be spent watching the ground in front of you for roots, stumps, and rocks, and not looking at the surrounding terrain.

As the hours slipped by everyone fell into their own rhythms, some by talking with others and some (myself among others) passed the time with my MP3 and Genesis, Dire Straits, Hans Zimmer, Philip Glass, Ennio Morricone, and Bob Marley, among others. I dipped in and out of conversations occassionally. One guy had done the Mohican 100 nine times. This was merely a warm up race for him. Another racer had chosen this as his first footrace- no 5k or 10k- let's go straight to the 50k! Talk about diving in! Still the most interesting story I overheard was the guy who while driving into the race from Cinci hit not one, but two deer along the way. I think that if it was me, that would have been an omen that maybe today's not your day to race. But still we chugged on...

The "Forget the PR" title was appropriate, as some of the course was not even walkable, let alone runnable. Some sections involved traversing creeks and streams, and another stretch was a mucky bog filled with mud and horse manure. Watch your step! Still another part at Littly Lyon Falls, which matches anything in Hocking Hills in terms of beauty, involved climbing up a cliff while grabing onto tree roots and rocky ledges. Great fun but won't make your time any faster. Shortly after that I checked into Aid station #3 at the Mohican Lodge, where I checked for blisters, ate orange slices, banana pieces m&m's, licorice, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and slugged down two glasses of water and three cups of coke. I left there with a time of 3:15 (that's hours and minutes!).

The rest of the race came and went swiftly. I actually increased my pace, making the second half of the race faster than the first half. I started eating less, reducung the time at aid stations. Many people that I had passed on the course the first half of the race were passing me at the aid stations, making it necessary to pass them again two, three, and sometimes four times while on the trail. I left them all in the dust the second half of the race, and not a single one caught up. I was hoping for a finish time of seven hours, and wound up bringing home the bacon in 6:25:57. While the smell coming off my body probably could have felled a grizzly bear, as a whole I felt pretty good, being mentally alert and physically capable.

Today I have the day off to let my muscles recover. The scale said I lost seven pounds, so a little fast food reward will be needed to get the weight back up. The funny thing is that I felt worse after the Col's Marathon last year- 26.2 miles of pounding hard concrete and asphalt is much more taxing on your feet than 31.2 miles of trail running. See everyone Sunday! Keep chasing your goals!

Bill

The Veterans Have it!

2009-04-19T12:41:00.004-04:00

Yep, that's right! This morning was all about the veterans...Derek, Mona, Concetta, Jeff, Christine and Anna. Can a 2 1/2 year old be called a veteran? Hmm... I may need to rethink my definition. Antrim was crazy busy! No parking, nasty bathrooms and no drinking fountain made for a less than ideal running environment this morning. But, hey... we're veterans. We can handle this. We all ventured left toward the Worthington tennis courts, approximately 5 miles roundtrip. I think Christine and Anna got sidetracked by the playground along the way. A HUGH kudos to Christine who ran solid, no stopping 3.1 miles during a training session last week. YIPPIE!!! She is sooooooooooo ready for the 5K on May 2nd. Are you? Who is doing the 5K or the half marathon? Who will be there to cheer on your fellow turtles?

I big shout out to the most adventureous, fastest, strongest turtle of them all... Bill Plessinger. Bill is the first turtle to go for one of his fitness goals for 2009... run a 50K... that's 30 miles, people! The race was today, right? So how did it go, Bill! Please respond to the blog and let us know!

Next week, same place, same time. 9am @ Antrim Park. The Fitzers and the Robeks have plans out of town so we will not be there. I predict this Sunday will have a record turnout of veterans, new comers and everyone else in between. Someone take a picture and send me an email so we can all stay connected.

Hope to see you all again on Saturday, May 2nd for either the half marathon or the 5K.

2009-04-05T13:08:00.001-04:00

A Post from Bill

2009-04-05T12:59:00.002-04:00

Sorry I'm a little late in publishing Bills post from last week. - Dcup

This past Sunday was a first at Sharon Woods- the number of newbees outnumbered the regulars! In attendance were turtles Concetta and Bill, and new attendees Jen, Dominic, and Jeremy. Dominic is the soccer coach with Desailles High School and friends with Concetta, and Bill brought out Jen (who most of you know already) and Jeremy, a regular at the Westerville Community Center, who has lost over 50 pounds in the last year!

The weather was great for running, and the rain held off until everyone was done. Bill and Jeremy scorched the trail, finishing in 33 minutes. Concetta and Domiic finished soon after, and Jen made a new friend on the trail and exchanged facebook addresses after their walk.

Looking forward to seeing everyone this Sunday, April 5 at Antrim Park to introduce thge spring. In the mean time, keep your chin up, work on your goals, enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures, and remember not to sweat the petty things or pet the sweaty things...

Bill "what was my last nickname" Plessinger

Turtle Photos

2009-03-24T21:43:00.002-04:00

Longer days ahead

2009-03-23T13:58:00.004-04:00

Yes, it's true! We are gaining sunlight every day and the days are starting to feel longer. The lazy days of summer will soon be upon us so let's embrace the cool mornings and green grass as we appreciate the beginning of spring. This is the time to ramp up training and get ready for May races.

WELCOME BACK MEG! Yes, that's right! Meg joined us this week in addition to Concetta, Jeff, Bill, Derek and I. We all conquered the path in our own way and soon realized that we were overdressed.

MIDWEEK RUNS: Several of us (Concetta, Kristen, Meg, Mona, Derek and Jeff) have all expressed interest in adding a mid-week run. Effective this Wednesday, March 25th, plan to join us at Atrium on Wednesdays @ 6pm. ALL JT's are welcome to join!

NEW SUNDAY LOCATION: Effective April 5th, we are officially gathering at Atrium to run/walk @ 9am with breakfast afterwards. Many of us are excited about the new breakfast location options. Think Panera, Northstar, Einstein Bagels, Bob Evans etc. So, where do you want to go on Sunday, April 5th? Every vote counts... take the poll to the right.

Spring ahead and shorts weather?

2009-03-08T13:39:00.003-04:00

The threat of rain didn't scare away the JT's today. Although, "springing ahead" this morning meant some JT's had a harder time of getting up and out of the house. The men were out in force this week. Bill, Mark, Derek and Jeff were all fired up for the loop. Concetta (the late one) started the loop in the opposite direction so she could meet up with me as I conquered the hills solo and joined her at the drinking fountain. All in all, I think the veterans are mastering the Sharon Woods loop. The hills are NOT nearly as intimidating as they used to be and the distance is quite manageable. Might anyone be interested in making a switch to Atrium? When should we make the switch? How does the first Sunday in April sound... April 5th?

We had some missing JT's this week but for good reason.
- Kristen was being a responsible designated driver but out to late last night to join us.
- Wendy was participating in the Arnold Classic 5K walking race this morning. I know with her pace that she had to have finished strong and perhaps with a trophy in her arms? GO WENDY!!!
- Steve ran strong this morning independent of the JT support to remain close to home.
- Eunice is probably running on the sandy beaches of Florida in sunny, warm 80 degree weather. Yeah... we are jealous!

NO OFFICIAL JT RUN next Sunday, March 15th. Several of us will be out of town, running races on Saturday, partying late to celebrate someone's birthday or connecting with Coach T while she is in town.

So, for now... do a few mid-week runs so we can gather strong on Sunday, March 22nd @ 9am at Sharon Woods.

COACH T, reply to this post with your COHO agenda so we can all connect with you. HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

BOULDER BLOG from Coach T!

2009-03-04T10:23:00.002-05:00

Enough messing around . It is time, my friends, time for the Boulder, Colorado Jack Turtle Chapter to do its part to keep the folks of C-Bus connected to this part of the running world. And so it goes…

The question of all questions before I venture out to the Boulder Creek Trail is, “What will I be wearing today?” Yesterday it was 28 degrees and sunny, which certainly has no weight at all in determining the forecast for today. I step out onto the balcony and yep, I can see my breath, which partly excites me because this means I get to wear my new North Face fleece-lined running pants. New gear always makes for a better run.

I hit the trail about 8:44 a.m., to be exact, for my 4 mile round trip trek. The new pants add a little spring to my step and I have selected a few choice tunes to accompany me on this short journey. Not quite a substitute for good friends, without a doubt. I turn off the ½ mile run from 17th Street to enter onto the trail which runs alongside a creek, quite low and icy at this time of the year. In the distance I see another runner ahead, not at all atypical for Boulder. If I don’t see more than 20 people when out on a run I wonder what’s up and if I am missing something. As the runner gets closer, I notice something. He is wearing black shorts, a black long sleeve shirt, and black baseball cap. He has dark hair and wears glasses, and he’s wearing an iPod. He gives a quiet nod as I pass by. Hmmm, if he only had wrist weights, he’d be a spittin’ image of Jeff Robek. This kind of makes me more alert today…maybe all of you are out on the trails here with me.

I keep running, keenly aware of those who are passing my and shortly after the faux Jeff Robek sighting I see a couple ahead – a tall man and a short woman. I can see they are chatting, well…the woman is doing the talking…and when they get close to me, the woman who passes me looks up and gives me a big hello. The man gives a warm smile. Ah, this must be Mona and Derek. I keep running ahead and see a man coming at me slightly covered in mud and at a wicked speed. I can’t see him at all to tell you what he looks like, but I know this is Bill Plessinger. Who will I see next?

I am almost at the halfway point by now when I see a woman walking at a good clip, talking on her cell phone. Of course, this is Miss Meg, working out and staying connected to the world, the ultimate multi-tasker. Closely behind her is a man who looks like Nathan Lane. This does not remind me of anyone in the group. I am now at the turn-around spot, which I have named ‘Reflection Point’, a wooden bridge over the babbling brook near an open park. A woman pushing a stroller comes over the bridge. She has a little baby girl, who looks right up at me as they pass by and gives me a little smirk. Christine and Anna, so nice to see you out today!

I am now on the return home, feeling a little looser and ready to get a good sprint on. The trail runs off onto a dirt path in several places, taking runners in and out of the woods. Just as I am about to jaunt off into the trees, I see a guy and girl ahead…the guy has just said something and the girl buckles over in laughter, stopping in her tracks. What did you say that was so funny, Steve?

I ended the run feeling lovely and content, not one bit cold (new pants rock), and looking forward to my next run with y’all.

Run like you mean it.
Coach T

Welcome to The Jack Turtles Club

JT's Who?

Keeping the Turtles going...

Mona needs MAIL!

Blacklick Noob

We're BACK! Are you?

New JT Graphic

Commit to be Fit - Christine accomplishes her first 5K

Bill on the trail!

AM I INSANE? Reflections from Bill's adventure

The Veterans Have it!

A Post from Bill

Turtle Photos

Longer days ahead

Spring ahead and shorts weather?

BOULDER BLOG from Coach T!

Delinquent Pics

This is why I run in the morning...

We are ON!

Visit the JackTurtles Store!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

Winter Solstice 2008

Holiday Run 4 miles and Jingle Bell 5K

Aren't we cute?

Turkey Trot - Pumpkin Pie Pride

Brillant sunshine and good friends...

The boys have it!

Did we set a record today?

Liquid Gold... aka... Persichetti Sauce recipe

Great Turnout...

A Note from D.

Lonely Jack Turtles...

Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon 10-19-2008