Footprints July/August 2009

The Newsletter of the New Orleans Track Club

The New Orleans Track Club Celebrates Its 46th Year

The New Orleans Track Club celebrated its 46th year of promoting fitness and running in the community on Saturday morning, August 22, 2009 under the oaks in City Park. The 1 mile and 3 mile races drew about 500 runners and were attended by numerous past presidents and founding members including Larry Fuselier and Al Briede, III who were runners in the inaugural race held on March 17, 1963 by The New Orleans Road Runners Club (later to be renamed NOTC in 1966).

Past Presidents and Charter Members. Front row (l-r): Dan Fuselier, Louis Burg, Aaron Boudreaux (Current President), Mario Lara, Ken Vicknair, Charlene Brinkman, Al Briede, III (Charter Member and Past President), Larry Fuselier (Charter Member). Back row (l-r): Rick Wilderman, Rick Montgomery, Geoff Rose, Mayo Emory, Don Brinkman. Photo by George Waguespack.

The idea of a New Orleans Track Club was first conceived by Terry Turner of the New Orleans Athletic Club (NOAC) around 1961 or 1962. (He‘s the barefoot runner in the inaugural race photo below.) The NOAC had been holding an annual ―Five Mile Turkey Day Race‖ every Thanksgiving for years, but it and the YMCA‘s Jackson Day Race were the only races that adults could participate in all year. The few adults that trained all year were considered ―kooks‖ by the community.

At the banquet after the Turkey Day race, Turner approached several other NOAC members about starting a club. A meeting was held in January, 1963 and the New Orleans Road Runners Club was born. Officers were elected as follows: Terry Turner (President), Jerry Schoen and Al Briede, III (Vice Presidents), Richard Newcomb (Secretary and Handicapper), and Cy Quinn (Treasurer). Membership dues were $5.00 per year and race entry fees were $1.00. All races would be handicapped except relays where team captains would be required to choose members on a rotation.

The New Orleans Road Runners inaugural race, 1963. Left to right: Larry Fuselier, Dave Meister, Charles Jones, Al Briede III, Louis deLassus, J.D. Shaffer, John Wisecup, Terry Turner, John Linehan, Sam McNeely, Jimmy McNamara, Richard Newcomb, Emile Dreuil. Photograher unknown.

The inaugural race run on March 17, 1963 drew thirteen runners for the 4 mile event on the lakefront starting near Bayou St. John and heading to West End near the lighthouse and back. John Linehan won the race in 23:20. In the year of inception The Road Runners held 18 races with an average turn-out of 20 runners. A five mile race held November 18th as a tune-up for the Turkey Day race saw 30 runners.

Today The New Orleans Track club has more than 2,000 members and hosts more than 20 races each year. Our mission--to promote running and fitness in the community--is made possible by our numerous member volunteers who, without their dedication, the NOTC could not exist. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

History provided by Richard Newcomb in the July/August 1980 issue of Footprints.

Footprints July/August 2009 [ 2 ]

Established 1963 P.O. Box 52003

New Orleans, LA 70152-2003 Voice: (504) 467-8626 Fax: (504) 469-9268

Email: NOTC@runNOTC.org Web Site: www.runNOTC.org

The New Orleans Track Club is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote fitness and running in the

community.

NOTC Board of Directors 2009-2010

Officers President – Aaron Boudreaux Vice President – Kenny Mire Treasurer – Tony Stoltz Secretary – May King

Members At-Large Racewalking – Steve Attaya Results – Joy Cohen Bylaws/Public Relations – Doug Holmes Registration – Geoff Rose T-Shirts – Mary Stadler Footprints Editor – Billie Sloss Asst. Race Course – Rich Stolz

Appointed Board Members Race Course – Louis Schultz Start/Finish Line – Namon Huddleston Asst. Start/Finish Line – Steve Irwin Photographer – George Waguespack Asst. Photographer – Ken Killian Merchandise – Faye Gomez Volunteers – Martha George Asst. Grand Prix – Bryan Lewis/Ken Killian

NOTC Administration

Executive Race Director - Chuck George (504-468-1488) Interim Administrative Asst. - Betsy Boudreaux (504-467-8626)

The NOTC is a proud member of:

What’s Inside

Columns

Letter From the Editor 3 Race Director‘s Report 3

Departments

Volunteers 4 Membership 4

Features

Why I Run 5 Running in Rio de Janiero 6 Expatriate Report 7 Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis 8 St. Thomas Team-In-Training 10 NOTC Scholarships 10

Race Reports

Free For All Summer Series 11 All-Comers Track Meets 11 Spillway Classic Trail Run 12 NOTC 46th Anniversary Race 13 Hood to Coast Relay 14

Upcoming Race Schedule

September 2009

RiverShack Run/Walk Sat, Sep 19

October 2009

Middendorf‘s Manchac Race Sat, Oct 10 UNCF Fund Run Sun, Oct 11 Race For the Cure Sun, Oct 25

November 2009

A Run Through History Sun, Nov 15 Turkey Day Race Thu, Nov 26

December 2009

Ole Man River Sun, Dec 20

January 2010

Jackson Day Race Sun, Jan 10 Larry Fuselier Sun, Jan 17 The Wall Sun, Jan 31

February 2010

Elmwood Classic Sun, Feb 21 RnR Mardi Gras Marathon Sun, Feb 28

For race details and a schedule of other area events

see the NOTC web site at www.runNOTC.org.

[ 3 ] Footprints July/August 2009

From the Editor

Billie Sloss, Footprints Editor

Dear Readers:

FOOTPRINTS has a new Editor (yours truly) and a new format starting with this issue. We will be an online newsletter which will contain YOUR stories and race reports, experiences, thoughts, quotes, favorite runs, expertise, etc.

I really want to thank those of you who stepped up and agreed to share your experiences and stories with the readers in this first issue. Also thanks to the advertisers.

Please contact me with any good, bad, funny, or inspirational running stories. You do not have to be a great writer to do this. This newsletter is for the members and we would like the content to be by the members and about the members.

If you have expertise in a particular area such as coaching, nutrition, health care, please consider being a feature article writer for FOOTPRINTS. Our readers look forward to hearing your advice.

In collecting information for you to read in this first issue of FOOTPRINTS I have had the pleasure and good fortune to get to know some of you better. I find you fascinating and I want to know more of you as well as more about you. I know that you will enjoy hearing what your fellow members have been doing and what they have to say.

Also, if you have suggestions, comments, or ideas for the club, please send them to us. We will publish letters from readers.

DON'T BE SHY. I look forward to hearing from you. Contact me at footprints@runnotc.org.

If you do not use e-mail you may send your letters, articles, stories, etc. to:

Footprints Editor, c/o NOTC P. O. Box 52003 New Orleans, LA 70152

Photo From the Past

Race Director’s Report

Chuck George, Executive Race Director

My article for this issue is short. I want to hear from our members. Let me know your ideas and comments regarding our club race events. Club member input is very important to make our events better.

And on that note (sort of) I'm attaching a "Top 10" list that I came out with about 20 years ago that has been updated throughout the years on a humorous note.

Thank you all for your dedication to our club.

"Top 10" most ridiculous comments or questions that I have heard or been asked as a Race Director:

#10 Do people really drink beer after a race?

#9 Is the Finish Line where the clock and banner are?

#8 Nobody called and told me that the race site was changed from last year.

#7 Is the 50 yard line that the ―Finish on the 50‖ finishes on the same one as they use for football games? (Note: The “Finish on the 50” was a race that finished on the 50 yard line inside the Superdome.)

#6 Are there any hills in New Orleans?

#5 I‘m looking on your schedule for any half-marathon races between June and August. (hint: This is New Orleans. It's 90-100 during those months!)

#4 Which port-o-lets are men‘s and which are women‘s?

#3 What size t-shirt is a medium?

#2 Are there any water stations on the course?

#1 Hey, I‘ve run a "5K Marathon" also! (picture a group of marathoners engaging in conversation about their recent event and a novice runner overhearing the conversation says...)

Be the first to name all five of the award winners in the photo on the left and win an NOTC merchandise item. Send your answer to footprints@runNOTC.org. Bonus points awarded if you can also name the event, location, and approximate date. The winner will be announced in this space in the next issue. Runners pictured are not eligible for prizes but are encouraged to participate.

If you have a photo from the past you would like to submit for printing in Footprints please send it to

footprints@runNOTC.org.

Footprints July/August 2009 [ 4 ]

Volunteers

Martha George, Volunteer Coordinator

Thanks to our many volunteers for volunteering your time to help produce our roadraces. Your help is greatly appreciated.

If you volunteered for one of the above races and your name is not shown above, please call Martha George at 504-468-1488 so that the list can be corrected.

Spillway Classic Trail Race

Beverly Bahle Mario Lara Jan Beaumont Fred Lotz Louis Brazen Robin Lotz Wanda Brazen Steve Lotz Donnie Breland Josie Lyons Charlene Brinkman Pat McKay Don Brinkman Ambrose Michiels Bridget Champagne Azam Mohammed Mo Champagne Valerie Mohammed Pam Congemi Janel Mumme-Gioia Linda Crozier Bob Murphy Gayle Cunningham Bill Phelps Mel Dakin Jan Phelps Belinda DeVries Terry Puglis Della Donner Phyllis Punch Pat Driscoll John Rincon Billy Dupre Tom Sawyer Sid Erwin Billie Sloss Steve Erwin Annie Soler Gayle Gaudia Anne Marie St. Clair Brad Groce Cecil St. Clair Christine Grote Becky Stevenson Claude Grote Tony Stoltz Loretta Hargrove Mona Trish Pam Harnett Barbara Turner Sharon Harney Elisabeth VanBattum Jack Hayes Sheldon Vice Alberto Hernandez Ken Vicknair Beth Houle Kathy Voelkel Carolyn Johnson Betty Waguespack Jeff Johnson Madison Waguespack Sandy Johnson Megan Waguespack Ken Killian Ron Williams May King John Wilson Ilene Lancaster Jackie Wolverton Bob Lanteigne

NOTC 46th Anniversary Race

Hojea Abadin Mario Lara Larry Amaya Josie Lyons Alexandria Andara Alceda Manzo Carmen Andara Ambrose Michiels Melba Andara Lou Moyer Oscar Andara Kelly Nicholas Ruby Chaney Phillip Olivier Rick Colter Terry Puglis Gayle Cunningham Phyllis Punch Della Donner Shelly Salmon

Colleen Duplass Annie Soler Mike Duplass Dudley Stadler Jeff Gohd Becky Stevenson Marjean Gohd Barbara Turner Darryl Goodwin Ken Vicknair Jack Hayes Mel Werner Beth Houle Lynn Wilderman Ken Killian Rick Wilderman Dave Klein John Wilson Ilene Lancaster Duke Wolverton Bob Lanteigne Jackie Wolverton

Membership

Lynn Wilderman, Membership Database

Welcome to the following new members who joined in July or August:

Bethlehem C.L. Adams Rob Gibson Dawn F Adams Sarah E Gibson Oakland Adams Scott M Gibson Adam Armitage Tirzah P Howard Linda Armitage Brent Jarvis Jacque Ballay Brian Johnson Stella Ballay Cappy Johnson Brendon Behre Lillie Johnson Vannessa Benedict Janelle E Kalifey Bill Bischoff Jay Kandice Daniel G Bischoff Hunter King Denise Bischoff Robin Kippers Jason Bohnenstiehl Lance Loftin Allison Boucvalt Joe Loomis Joelle Bourgeois Frank Merrick Catherine Bricelj Ulrika Midner April Brinkman-Arsenault Kathleen L Morin Darren Brooks Benjamin Morris Susan Brooks Melody Morris Lawrence Busurelo Kenny T Nadler Madlyn Clark Kelley Pettus Brandon Cotton Matthew Pettus Buffie Cotton Steven Pettus Courtney Cotton Yvette Pettus Dale B Cotton Rebecca Ridge Michael E Culligan Jeff M Righter Jeremy Daigle Rhett J Rogers Eric De Ronde Sal Rouse Scott Desmond Nicol Rudolph Stephen T Erwin Rich Stolz Kirsten Feil Misti Summers Malissa Foster Jessica A Talazac Fran F Friedman Robin H Williams Manuel Gaspard Irene Zhuk Rhonda H Gibson

Why I Run

―I run so I can eat cracklins and hogshead cheese, and, of course, beer, beer, beer.‖

- Jeff Gohd

[ 5 ] Footprints July/August 2009

Why I Run

Tim Phillips, NOTC Member

Like most people, I run for myriad reasons. For quite some time before I sat down to write this essay, I started to inventory all the reasons I run. I thought about it on my runs, while in the shower, while lying in bed at night before I fell off to sleep, while gardening, while cooking, while participating in one of my favorite pastimes — sipping wine at night. I tried to consider the obvious reasons and the more esoteric reasons, the healthy reasons and the not so healthy reasons, the reasons I had early in my running career, over thirty-five years ago, and the reasons I have now, mere months from my fiftieth successful revolution about our sun. As I went through this exercise in

recapitulation, I came to realize that there are really only two over-arching reasons that I run — vanity and sanity.

I love to cook. I love to eat. I love dessert. I like to eat ice cream -- huge helpings of ice cream. I love chocolate milk. I really enjoy cake, pastries, bread, pasta, butter, whole milk, cheese, cookies, and almost anything topped with whipped cream. I‘ll eat fried food from time to time and have a real weakness for french fries and potato chips. I can down a quart of milk with half a bag of Oreos in one sitting. For the record, I also love fruit and vegetables. And mostly my diet is relatively healthy and well rounded. But man! I do like to indulge in rich, fattening foods.

I also like to drink beer and wine. Those of you who know me can substantiate this. I‘m a home brewer and, like a liquids junkie, I‘ll drink it as long as I have it around. I love the light summer brews and the heavier stouts, like the Guiness that Tom Sawyer has so often slapped in my hands on a late night out. I like the pale ales, the pilsners, the wheats, the lagers, the porters, and the fruity beers. I like ‗em in bottles, cans, and on tap. I like white wine, red wine, and the rosés. I like to have a glass (or a few) of a crisp white wine while cooking. I enjoy a nice red sometimes with dinner. And I really love a mimosa on a Sunday in late-morning preparation for watching a Saint‘s game with my educator friend.

I‘ll admit it. I‘m vain. I care about the way I look. I like being thin, svelte, lithe, lean and muscular (although I‘m no Monkey), strong, and youthful. I like to look good in my clothes. I enjoy going to my high school reunions and being one of few who are not starting to affect the tides. I know that some of my close friends are going to roll their eyes when they read this. Hey! I said right up front that I‘m vain. I didn‘t say I was pretty. I could never indulge myself so deeply in my love for the Epicurean delights were it not for my participation in a consistent and strenuous exercise program, a method for burning and creating a need for a substantial caloric intake. Running is my ticket to eating what I want and what I like.

Sanity is the other real reason I run. And sanity is not so easy to come by for me. My mind races out of control at times, and I‘m not talking about the good kind of racing. Often my mind tears off on its own at a million miles a minute, darting back and forth, reeling like a bad movie on fast forward through the pressures we all face: paying the bills; family

issues; work; neighbors; health. At other times my mind screams just as wildly about far more mundane and meaningless issues: toenails; cleaning the toilet; technical pen technique; guitar strings; cat hair; combing the pony; seersucker; shoe laces; porch swings. . . It‘s a mad, disorganized whirlwind, matched at times only by the aftermath of a big storm. (I‘ll leave that subject alone for now.)

I‘ve found that consistently, after just a few minutes of running, my mind settles down; it slows to a reasonable pace. It begins to lean towards the serene. It doesn‘t get completely quiet. I have to really concentrate to make it totally quiet. But it does fall into a far more manageable tempo. I can think without the thoughts bouncing around like a garbage bag of super balls flung from the top tier of a Mardi Gras float. I can actually organize my thoughts and plans! I can plan a menu and a shopping list for a dinner party in its entirety. I can plan several stages of a painting or drawing I‘m working on with precision and in detail. I can prioritize projects at work or at home regardless of how futile that plan might become later. I can decide which paint colors to use on the walls of the hallway and which to use in the bathrooms. I can even organize my time — daily, weekly, monthly — without getting so distracted as to be wasting my time.

Don‘t get me wrong. I don‘t always organize while I run. I sometimes just relax and take the world in, look at the clouds, listen to the birds singing, smell the sweet olive and the jasmine in the air, or feel the cool contrast of the shade under the live oaks that line the streetcar tracks on St. Charles. Either way, running allows me to indulge myself in these child-like pursuits without the incessant chatter that constitutes the chaos that normally flits around in my head like a disturbed beehive.

Running keeps me that much closer to sanity, even though there are those who would say that I still ain‘t that close. So I got up early this morning and took a large dose of therapy. I went for a long run. Now, if you‘ll excuse me. I have a date with a huge bar of dark chocolate, a bottle of red wine, and a hot bubble bath. Yeah you right!

Quiet Footfalls Soft sunsets Fall sweetly around my Mind like Leaves shuffling. Quiet footfalls on an Early morning run, Brilliant colors Smeared carelessly, Carefully, Ruefully on A sky I'll never forget.

-Tim Phillips

Why I Run

―I run to keep my life balanced as running is a great stress relief not to mention the benefits of staying in shape.‖

- Kirsten Early

Footprints July/August 2009 [ 6 ]

Running in Rio de Janiero

Andrew Kenworthy and Tina Reynolds, NOTC Members

When we lived in New Orleans, we were regular runners with NOTC. Running in Brazil is climatically similar to New Orleans with 90‘s in the summer and 50‘s in the winter. But the seasons are opposite – Christmas falls in the middle of summer here! The terrain, unlike S Louisiana, is mountainous and there is a rainforest within the city limits with hills over 3000 feet – the Tijuca Forest which is only a few miles from the coast. It is a great place for hiking , mountain biking and in the summer months hill running in the cool shade of the forest. At altitude the air temperature can be 10 degrees cooler than the coast in summer.

As far as running, we have two favorite places to go near our apartment. The first is along the beachfront in Barra da Tijuca where we live. It is a southern coastal suburb of Rio. The beach is 11 miles long and has a marked path in 100 meter increments along its entire length. The first part of the Rio Marathon, which is held in mid-June (mid winter here!) goes along Barra beachfront. It later continues on along the coast to the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, finishing in Flamengo near the center of Rio. We think it is one of the most scenic marathon routes in the world!

The second is the Bosque da Barra, which is a walled forest preserve with a dirt path that goes along the entire circumference of the park, 2 miles around. The best part of the park besides its greenery and peace (a welcome break from the craziness of Rio – a city of over 12 million people) is its wildlife. We regularly see capybara, the world‘s largest rodent, resembling huge brown guinea pigs weighing up to 140 pounds (don‘t worry, they‘re herbivores!) We also see huge iridescent blue butterflies, small monkeys, iguanas and beautifully colored birds.

Racing here is a bit different from New Orleans – first of all, there is no Abita beer afterwards! A lot of people here run with teams so there are huge groups of people wearing their team uniforms at the races and afterwards, going to the team tents where there are refreshments and often a masseuse. Running seems to be a much more of a group activity than in the USA. The entry for many races closes several weeks before the race, so no more showing up at the last minute for us! There are some very good runners here – last year Andrew ran the Rio Marathon in 2:52 and was 62nd overall. There are some interesting races – in August there is a night run which is either 5K or 10K, and the first half of the course is running on the beach, the second on the road. There are plenty of races throughout the year, later this year there will be half marathon in September, and a full marathon in November, and a few 10K races as well.

Running shoes here are very expensive because of an 80% import duty on anything from anywhere outside Brazil (so much for free trade!). The more expensive international-brand running shoes are over $250, so we have stocked up on our trips back to the States!

As in New Orleans, running for us here has been a great way to meet people. We want to say hello to all our NOTC friends and hope to see you sometime in Rio de Janeiro!

[ 7 ] Footprints July/August 2009

Expatriate Report

Bryan Lewis, NOTC Grand Prix and Ex Pat

Event: Dinosaur 10 K

Location: Deal, Kent, United Kingdom

Date & Time: 26 July 2009 - 10 am

Course Description: One loop course on paved road - 1.5 miles along a rocky beach with headwind then 2.5 miles of hills through residential and farmland and finishing with 2 miles along beach with tailwind.

Weather: about 65oF (18oC) and sunny

Overall Bead Rating: Better than those cheapo beads you get at the Metairie truck parade but nothing you wouldn‘t mind donating to charity.

Race Commentary: Well first I should describe Deal a bit. Deal is a quaint, little fishing town on the southeast coast of England on the English Channel not far from Dover (famous for the White Cliffs and the jump off point close to France). Deal grew up around three castles built by Henry VIII to defend England from the French. Although, there never was an invasion, one of the castles, Sandown fell into the sea. The two remaining castles, Deal and Walmer still stand. Walmer is used as someone‘s house, but you can tour and explore the Deal castle. The most interesting feature of the castle must be viewed from the sky. It is shaped like a Tudor rose.

The race started not far from Deal Castle and headed south. On our left you could see the outline of France and the channel ferries heading to Dover. The race was limited to 500 runners, and all of the spots were taken. Apparently in the UK, all official events are governed by the strict rules of the UKA (United Kingdom Athletics) and they usually have participant limits. As a result, the more popular events in the UK sell out months in advance. (Chuck – Here is a novel idea to spur interest in NOTC events.)

The race did not offer t-shirts, but it was chipped time (with a mat at the start and finish!!) so you actually got your net time rather than just gun time. (Chuck – Here is a novel idea to spur interest in NOTC events.) Of course being Europe, the UK caved in to the metric system years ago and the course was marked in kilometers. One day I‘ll figure out the conversion from miles, but luckily the trusty Garmin calls the mile splits. As mentioned in the course description, the middle of the race was quite hilly, especially after spending nearly a decade in New Orleans, with 3 long steep hills. We were running through farm country with several flocks of sheep on each side of the road. Once we got past the hills, it was all down hill with a tail wind to the finish along the rocky beach. I‘m ashamed to admit this, but with the sun beating down and the vacuum effect of the tailwind, it got HOT! (I realize it is 93 degrees in NOLA right now, but you know what they say ―it‘s not the heat, it‘s the vacuum effect of the tailwind.‖)

Hitting the finish line, I felt pretty pleased with my performance. Although the race clock was not working, my trusty Garmin read 39:58. I haven‘t broken 40 in a 10K in over a year. Imagine my dismay, when I read the race results on-line the next day and they registered me as 36th place overall with a chip time of 40:00!!! Each participant did receive a finisher‘s medal with a little dinosaur logo and all

the Gatorade and water you could drink. That‘s right; there were no red beans. No Cheewees. No snowball machines. And, definitely no beer. Afterwards, the family and I hit the nearest pub, Dunkerley‘s, for some fish and chips and mushy peas and a nice English cider.

Next race on the agenda: Great Capital Run 5K – London - September

In response to a report about the Spillway Classic Trail Race, Bryan also offered the following:

I do appreciate the race updates. But, let me tell you after running in 3 races in the Greater London area, NOTC is top notch. I would kill for some Blue Runner red beans. The only food served at races around here is gummy bears and organic granola bars. No beer. We are lucky if they have some type of electrolyte drink (in the UK they are called isotonic sports drinks!).

Also, I have yet to run a race where you get a t-shirt! Seriously, if NOTC would produce one race here, runners would come from the continent to run.

Maybe I'm just used to all the pampering I had in NOLA. I guess running is more 'Zen' like here (or should we just call them cheap).

I have heard great things about races in France. If anyone is interested, I plan to run the Medoc Marathon next year. It runs through wine country and all waterstops are sponsored by vineyards. Most people take the 6 hour time limit.

Cheers, Bryan Lewis

Why I Run

―I run to de-stress and I can do my best thinking on a long run...no distractions from kids, email, and phones.‖

- Sandra Reagan

Footprints July/August 2009 [ 8 ]

Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis

Billie Sloss, Editor, with Delana Lawson and Pamela Danner, NOTC Member

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a sudden severe allergic reaction and, although rare, has been consistently reported since the 1970s. Anaphylaxis is a life threatening-reaction with symptoms that vary widely.

Symptoms

Symptoms range from itching and hives to much more severe symptoms such as low blood pressure and fainting and asthma-like symptoms such as difficulty breathing and constriction of the throat. The most severe cases may be fatal in just ten minutes.

Causes

The most common causes of anaphylaxis are exercising after eating allergy-provoking foods such as peanuts, tree nuts (particularly almonds, walnuts, hazel, Brazil, and cashew nuts), shellfish (especially shrimp and lobster), dairy products, and eggs. Celery and wheat have also been implicated. Other causes include insect stings, such as wasps, bees, and ants, latex allergies and taking medications before physical activity. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been the most frequently implicated medications.

Prevention and Treatment

If you know that you have exercise-induced anaphylaxis, you are advised to exercise with a partner who is able to administer basic life support and epinephrine (i.e., EpiPen). 1) abstain from exercise four to six hours after eating; (2) avoid aspirin and NSAIDs before exercising; (3) refrain from exercise around menses; (4) cease exercise and self-administer an injection of epinephrine at the first indication of flushing or hives and (5) seek medical assistance if symptoms progress. If you have not been diagnosed and have any of the above symptoms, this is a medical emergency and you should call 911 for help immediately. Do not wait to see how serious the reaction may become.

References: WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/anaphylaxis); American Academy of Family Physicians (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20011015/1367.html)

Here are the stories of two local runners who have had recent personal experiences with this condition.

Delana Lawson

I went into anaphylactic shock one afternoon thought to be caused by running shortly after eating shellfish.

My family all met for dinner at my mother's home. She cooked fresh shrimp-just off the boat- and some fresh water fish filets. Shortly after, 30 minutes or so, my brother and I decided to go for a quick run. My brother decided to switch up our plans of an easy 2.5 mile jog to a full sprint. That was going to be my last run

before the Sandestin Tri, so I wanted to go all out. So, of course, I pushed myself faster than my feet had ever carried me before. During our cool down I realized I was all itchy and my lips and tongue felt funny. By the time I got back to my mom's to look into the mirror, my face was covered in hives- almost unrecognizable due to the swelling.

My mom instantly left to go buy liquid benadryl and I jumped in the pool thinking that would help cool my body temperature down. By the time I got out of the pool I became very faint and could barely walk. I managed to get back inside and tell my brother to call my aunt, a nurse who lives a few houses away, thinking she would know what to do. By the time my mom and aunt returned I was already in and out of conciousness. Apparently when you are in anaphylactic shock your blood pressure drops drastically and causes you to pass out. They were trying to get me to drink the benadryl but my throat had already closed at that point and I was suffocating. I don't really remember anything else until I got to the E.R. I remember waking up with a tube down my throat and IV's in both arms. After I was stabilized, the

doctor explained that I went into anaphylactic shock, a life threatening reaction to an allergen. I've never had an allergic reaction to seafood before, so I thought that my run maybe accelerated the reaction. Today, I've been doing some research on exercise induced anaphylactic shock, there is such a thing and it said that eating a certain type of food, shellfish being first on the list, before strenuous exercise can trigger a reaction. So, I'm thinking the combination of the run and the seafood sent me to the grave and back.

Regardless of the trigger to the attack, I have also learned that after your body has experienced anaphylactic shock, the histamines that originally attacked your body, as well as the antibodies produced to subside the attack, stay present in your blood steam for 10 days. The likelihood of a second attack is the highest in the days following the initial attack because the toxins are still present in your bloodstream. For that very reason, I was placed on a very high dose of steroids to manage the swelling and inflammation, and anti-histamines to reduce the appearance of hives for the next 10 days. I was on enough medication to knock an elephant out and it was impossible for me to compete in the Triathlon the next weekend.

If you or anyone around you ever succumbs to an allergic reaction to anything and their face begins to swell- get them to the Emergency Room ASAP- because the throat is the next thing to swell and then close. From the time I realized I was having a reaction to the time I became unconscious was less than 10 minutes. Time is definitely of the essence. Also, keep in mind that the combination of shellfish-or any food for that matter- and strenuous exercise can trigger an attack of this type.

[ 9 ] Footprints July/August 2009

Pamela Danner, NOTC Member

I have had one close call and a second serious reaction. In both cases I ate shrimp cooked in a sauce that included tomatoes and then went for a brisk walk (not even a run).

In the first event I was in San Francisco to do the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. After eating at a great Italian restaurant we briskly walked the 1/2 to 3/4 mile back to the hotel. I stopped at a souvenir

shop for some post cards when the swelling started. I rushed back to the hotel and took a Benadryl before I blacked out. My eyes were still swollen the next morning when we did our practice bike ride.

After this I went to a Doctor who gave me a prescription for an Epi-pen.

The second event was much more serious. Post-Katrina I was in exile in Houston when a friend stopped by to visit. We went to eat and then decided to go for a brisk walk around Rice University. I took my key and left my Epi-pen in the car in my purse. Half way around the 3-mile loop I started to itch and swell. I gave her my key to my car and told her that I was going to pass out because I was having trouble breathing. We were near the entrance to a parking lot where university police were directing traffic. I blacked out within feet of these guys. My friend told me that I had completely turned blue. The university police called an ambulance which luckily, was only a few blocks away. I woke up in the ambulance surrounded by 3 extremely attractive paramedics. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. They had bagged me

and shot me with benedryl. When I arrived at the hospital I was given more benedryl and epinephrine. My friend told me that I was so swollen that she had to explain to the doctors that I actually looked worse than my driver's license picture.

Like Delana, I carry benedryl in every bag and purse I own. A friend told me about the new benedryl tabs. They are strips that you place on or under the tongue and they dissolve like the breath tabs. These are absorbed even faster than the tablets or liquid. She is allergic to eggs and has had to use these tabs more than once.

Since these events I have eaten shrimp numerous times without problem. The doctor in the Houston emergency also warned me to watch out for Western Gulf and Pacific Shrimp because the Iodine level is higher. But I have learned my lesson about eating shellfish and running.

By the way, I was able to compete in the Alcatraz Tri three days later and finished with my best time ever.

Why I Run

―The challenge of completing a marathon in every state--halfway there.‖

- Steve White

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Footprints July/August 2009 [ 10 ]

St. Thomas Team-In-Training

May King, NOTC Secretary

The NOTC has teamed up with the St. Thomas Community Health Center to help sponsor the new Team-in-Training fitness program. The St. Thomas Clinic is a local non-profit clinic in the Lower Garden District that has been around for almost 20 years. The clinic services many patients in the community without insurance and those who cannot afford

other healthcare options. The owners, Dr. Mary Abell and Dr. Don Erwin, are great supports of New Orleans and after Hurricane Katrina, the clinic has grown tremendously. Many of the patients seen at the clinic have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other health concerns, and, to make matters worse, many lack the resources to join a gym or go for a run in their neighborhood.

This summer, with the support of the Rhodes Cross Country Coach, Robert Shankman, and a few other local donators, the St. Thomas Team-in-Training was created. Asics Inc. donated shoes for those who could not afford them and dry-fit T-shirts were donated by a local law firm. Participants learned about the importance of health and we began each session with stretching and strength building exercises. After three long months of training, the group will participate in the NOTC Anniversary Race on August 22nd. As the leader, I commend the efforts of the summer group and I cannot tell you how proud I am of them. They not only lost weight and started a regular exercise routine, but they also made many new friends. I got the chance to watch people run for the first time in over 30 years and although it wasn‘t easy, they all accomplished goals they never thought they could.

With the help of the NOTC, this program will continue into the fall. The NOTC will make it possible for me to expand the program and offer it to more participants within the community. These participants now have a safe place to train and a group to train with and they now view exercise as fun rather than painful…at least most of the time! I would like to

thank the NOTC for their agreement to sponsor the program because it truly is changing lives.

NOTC Scholarships The NOTC Scholarship Grant committee awarded two $1000 scholarships to Alexandra Grieb and Hope Phelps at the August 22 NOTC Anniversary Race.

Grieb plans to attend Brown University in Rhode Island where she will be a pre-med student. Phelps, an English major, will attend LSU and hopes to run on their track team.

Committee members were Mary and Dudley Stadler, Geoff Rose, and Joy Cohen.

[ 11 ] Footprints July/August 2009

Free For All Summer Series

Chuck George, Executive Race Director

The 21st Annual ―Free For All‖ Summer Series presented by Miller Genuine Draft Light Beer came to a close on July 30th with well over 750 runners in attendance. Roosevelt Mall in City Park provided an excellent location for the course and

post race festivities. On average about 700 participated in each of the five series races. From the information that I can find, this series is the largest club-based free race series in the nation.

Thanks to our co-host running groups who provided refreshments that included snowballs, chips and salsa, cookies, jello shots, chocolate covered strawberries, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and boiled potatos. These groups included the following:

Team SpotTees Heavy Rollers The 5:20 Club Metairie Runners 15th Street Flyers The Bottle Trotters Best Bank Track Club GNO Triathlon Club Team Nice Ass Tchoupitoulas Barathon Catch-22 Track Club New Orleans Chuggers Guido Sportif Hash House Harriers Chalmette Track Club

Series supporting sponsors were Kentwood Springs Water, Gatorade, Elmer's Chee Wees, Pepsi Cola, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist and plenty of Miller Genuine Draft Light from our series presenting sponsor.

Thank to John Melvin for providing the sound system and to Gary Schully for providing the lighting system for these evening races as well as to the many NOTC volunteers that assisted. And thanks to all of the runners and walkers that joined us.

All Comers Track Meets

Chuck George, Executive Race Director

The All Comers track meet returned from an absence of over six years. The three race series began with a small crowd for the first meet and quickly grew to over 150 participants for the final meet.

Athletes of all ages and abilities enjoyed the numerous sprint, distance, and relay events. With no entry fee, it provided an excellent way to spread the word about the NOTC support of track events that cater more to younger runners than our road races.

The participants were very appreciative in having the opportunity to compete via this series and are eagerly looking forward to next year.

Thanks to John Melvin and Bob Lanteigne for providing the timing system and to Jim Marsalis of St. Martin's High School for coordinating the donation of the track facility to host the meet and for his guidance in directing the meet.

Ed. note: The NOTC Board voted to donate $1500 to St. Martin’s in appreciation of their generous hosting of the track meets.

Footprints July/August 2009 [ 12 ]

22nd Annual Spillway Classic Trail Run Sunday, July 19, 2009, 8:00 AM Bonnet Carre Spillway, Norco, LA Race Director: Chuck George, New Orleans Track Club Presented by Phidippides Footwear

A record turnout of 1700 took advantage of low humidity and temperatures of around 75 degrees at start time. Patrick Gavin led a group of three runners in a tight pack throughout the race and pushed the pace with several hundred yards to go to take the men's crown with a 15:39. Andy Florek and Johnathan Koenck followed close behind at 15:48 and 15:52. Simone Dominque led the women's race throughout to claim the title with a 20:54. The course was relatively dry and received a 1.5 rating.

Thanks to the Norco Volunteer Fire Department for hosing off the finish line area to provide a proper landing zone. Thanks to all of our race sponsors especially our presenting sponsor

Phidippides Sports in Metairie and to the Mississippi River Equipment Company, Michelob Ultra Beer, Kentwood Springs Water, Pepsi Cola, the Metairie Runners Hot Dog Krewe, and GNO Cyclery. This race would not be possible without the dedicated volunteer spirit of the members of the New Orleans Track Club...thank you all. Thanks to our photographer crew members too.

NOTE: The Spillway Classic Trail Run is the 2nd largest "Trail Run" in the nation. The Living History Farms Run in Des Moines, Iowa is the largest with a limited field of 7500. The race is held in November on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Day. Anyone for a roadtrip?

3 Mile Award Winners

Overall Open

Place Male Age Time Female Age Time

1 Patrick Gavin 21 15:39 Simone Dominique 20 20:54

2 Andy Florek 21 15:48 Megan Broussard 23 21:45

3 Johnathan Koenck 20 15:52 Kelly Nicholas 41 21:59

4 Sean Allerton 25 16:28 Katie Hymel 21 22:08

5 Brandon Wingate 34 16:38 Amy Guinn 20 22:14

Overall Masters

1 Bryan Smith 47 20:00 Lisa Luongo 40 24:52

Overall Grandmasters

1 J.J. Waguespack 50 22:45 Kathy Kliebert 53 32:50

Overall Seniors

1 Kenny Mire 60 22:56 Bonnie Bozant 62 35:09

For more race photos and complete results see the NOTC web site at www.runNOTC.org.

[ 13 ] Footprints July/August 2009

NOTC 46th Anniversary Race Saturday, August 22, 2009, 7:30 AM Roosevelt Mall, City Park, New Orleans, LA Race Director: Chuck George, New Orleans Track Club

The NOTC celebrated its 46th Anniversary with 1 mile and 3 mile races held in City Park, New Orleans. The weather turned out dry with the pre-race rainfall all but over the night before. The heat and humidity stayed around to slow down times in both races. A field of about 500 enjoyed the day that was highlighted by the apprearance of several NOTC Founding members that included Larry Fuselier and Al Briede III as well as

over a dozen past presidents of the club and our current President Aaron Boudreaux. After the race two NOTC scholarship grants were presented to Alexandra Grieb and Hope Phelps. Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers and to the runners and walkers that came out to celebrate with us.

3 Mile Award Winners

1 Mile Award Winners

For more race photos, age group award winners, and complete results see the NOTC web site at www.runNOTC.org.

Overall Open

Place Male Age Time Female Age Time

1 Matt Manning 29 15:50 Gabrielle Jennings 10 19:20

Overall Masters

1 Leonard Vergunst 53 17:07 Kathleen Welch 53 21:18

Overall Grandmasters

1 Dave Dessauer 52 18:37 Erika Sauer 53 23:20

Overall Seniors

1 Ken Mire 60 19:25 Helene Price 64 26:02

President's Cup

1 Matt Manning 29 15:50 Lauren Broussard 20 21:09

Overall Racewalkers

1 Jose Villalta 52 32:07 Pat Driscoll 55 34:12

2 Aaron Boudreaux 52 32:39 Anne Marie St. Clair 49 36:05

3 Duke Wolverton 62 33:17 Jane Phelps 63 39:15

4 Steve Attaya 61 34:34 Marie Merrick 67 43:19

5 Bill Elrod 73 36:54

Overall Open

Place Male Age Time Female Age Time

1 Chaz Caiodo 24 5:02 Gabriella Guardalabene 10 6:45

Age Group 6-Under

1 John Overby Jr. 6 8:42 Autumn Grieb 5 12:15

2 Matthew Reeder 5 15:45

Age Group 7-8

1 Jacob Reeder 8 8:23 Brooke Overby 8 12:05

2 Benjamin Zervigon 8 8:41

Age Group 9-10

1 Bill Reed 9 7:23 Madelyn Jennings 9 7:16

2 Daniel Bischoff 10 7:30 Ashley Calamari 9 13:51

Age Group 11-12

1 Mark Golay 12 6:47

2 Blair Harges 11 7:31

Age Group 13-14

1 Chris Maher 14 7:52 Chelsea James 13 7:38

2 Seth Dessauer 14 9:19 Lauren Armantrout 14 8:20

Footprints July/August 2009 [ 14 ]

Nike Hood to Coast Relay

Chuck George, Executive Race Director

The Nike Hood to Coast relay is the largest relay in the world. The 197 mile route begins atop Mt. Hood at the Timberline Lodge east of Portland, Oregon and finishes on the beach at Seaside. This year's race took place August 28th and 29th with runners running throughout the night.

Ken Mire and May King recruited twelve NOTC members and coordinated the trip to Oregon, with the NOTC as sponsor. The team members were: May King, Sarah Skotty, Eva Lustigova, Carolyn Thompson, Helen Lee, Michelle Hymel, Ken Mire, Sean Fitzwilliam, Sam Landry, Preston Bourlet, Brian Jackson, Chuck Bretzin. Chuck George and Mike Dugger drove the two vans which carried runners leg to leg.

Each team member ran three legs of the relay at varying distances. The race was very exciting with all team members pushing their legs to the limit. Van driver Mike Dugger was pressed into action due to the injured Preston and ran Preston's second and third legs.

The NOTC team finished in a time of 22:56:33 and placed 53rd out of the 1004 teams finishing. The NOTC placed 11th out of 313 teams in the mixed open division (six females and six males). They all hope to compete again next year and to better the team placement.

Way to go team!

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