Coronavirus will mean tighter race schedule
Races postponed by the coronavirus outbreak will pile on top of already planned events, Steve Schallenkamp says.
The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented event in our lifetime. Many Americans have wanted to downplay its significance and have bristled at the precautions being taken.
The Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 is quite illuminating and instructive as to why the precautions being taken now by our local, state and federal governments are necessary.
The first “wave” of infection, in the spring of 1918, was mild and was not taken seriously. The second wave came in August and this mutated strain was horrific. This second wave claimed the lives of the old and young. It didn’t discriminate.
By the time the pandemic ended, it infected 500 million people around the globe and anywhere from 20 million to 50 million people died. Some estimates range up to 100 million deaths.
The purpose of the precautions being taken today are to try and slow the spread and “flatten” the curve of this new pandemic. This will allow our health care providers time to marshal their resources to take care of the critically ill. Containment helps saves lives.
Mass gathering of more than 10 people are being banned and people are being urged to stay home. When in public, it is recommended that we practice “social distancing.” This means staying at least six feet away from one another.
Unfortunately, this may mean we need to forego group runs and workouts. This has lead to the cancellation and/or postponement of many spring races.
The mammoth Tokyo Marathon was closed to all but 200 elite runners. The NYC Half Marathon was canceled. The Boston and London Marathons were postponed to the fall.
Locally, the Kingston St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Run scheduled for March 15 were postponed. The YMCA Indoor Tri has been canceled. The Wallkill Scramble 5k has been canceled. The Onteora Runners Club Dirty Sneaker 5k and Luncheon on
April 4 is currently postponed. The Mohonk Preserve’s Bridge 2 Bridge 5 miler slated for April 18 is postponed. The Kiwanis Kingston Classic scheduled for April 26 is canceled. I suspect May races and even events in June are threatened.
We can only hope that the steps being taken now to fight this pandemic are effective and that there is some sense of normalcy by summer. The effects of this crisis will be felt in many ways. Businesses are suffering and many families are in financial distress. A crucial segment of the school year will be lost.
In terms of running, rescheduled races will pile on top of already planned races. In a sense, a year of racing will get compressed into a six-month window. Attendance at many of these races will suffer as there will be increased “competition” for entrants. I recommend that, when faced with a “conflict,” forego the forprofit races and enter local running club events and races that support charitable organizations.
Thankfully, running can be a solitary activity and a great way to get outside and exercise. We can still get our runs in and maintain our sanity. If I see you on the roads or trails, I’ll shout out a hearty hello and give you a big wave. More importantly, lets remember the people in our communities that are more vulnerable and more isolated. Call them, shop for them and let them know they are important and not forgotten.
CATCHING UP
On March 8, 10 local runners from Ulster County participated in the Ed Erichson Memorial Races in Lagrangeville.
In the 5 mile race, Danielle Mazzella came in 10th overall in 37:28. Sue Klein was 16th (40:33) and Lou Galli was 56th (55:31). In the 10 Miler, Tom Eickelberg came in third overall in 1:04:39. Bryan Schneider was 11th (1:16:57), followed by Derrick Eidom (1:20:48), Karen Spinozzi (1:40:15), Christy Schlosser (1:44:36), Wendy Brooke (1:45:13) and Dennis Magee (1:51:02). The event had a nice turnout of 141 finishers.
At the Celebrate Life Half Marathon in Rock Hill, held on the same day, 18 local runners participated. This race raises money that goes to helping people fighting cancer.
Three locals were agegroup winners. Jacque Schiffer took top honors for women 50-59 with a swift 1:37:07. Amanda Carroll won the 30-39 age group with a personal best 1:39:32. Felicia Ojarovsky was first among teens with a 1:43:00. Among the 553 finishers were Jason Taylor (1:50:07), Caroline Chant (1:51:23), Dawn Burdick (1:53:24), Peg Hillriegel (1:57:35), Robert Baxter (2:02:36), Kathleen Laux (2:02:36), Carolyn Nelson (2:03:40), Pamela
Gottstine (2:14:20), Marla Gruner (2:14:56), Rebecca Maroney (2:24:00), Mary Roosa (2:53:22), Cyndy Borzumato-Cobb (2:53:22), Colleen Kortright (2:53:22), Jennifer Ruston (3:06:30) and Trinity Chapman (3:36:00).
NATIONAL NEWS
Mary DeNitto of Rhinebeck was named a USA Triathlon Association All American for 2019. The 71-year-old was No. 1 in her age group (70-74) for the second consecutive year. I have chased Mary running and on the bicycle and can attest to her athleticism and grit.
At the USA Track and Field National 50k (31 miles) Road Championships, held at Heckscher State Park on Long Island, three area runners had excellent performances. James McCowan came in 11th overall and second in the 40-44 year old age group in 3:33:38. Taking 15th overall and third in the same age group was
Jason Friedman in 3:56:11 and finishing in 4:41:56 was Brian Hickey.
TRAINING TIP
With all of us spending more time at home, this is an excellent time to focus on indoor ways of improving your running. Work on your core muscles, practice balance drills, stretch and use body weight strengthening exercises. The internet is an excellent tool for finding videos on all four of these areas. Focus on proper form; which is the key for safety and effectiveness. It might even be time for you to buy that indoor bike trainer or rowing machine you have thought about.
CALENDAR/RESULTS
With a new year of running upon us, I want to clarify the process for events to get listed in the Daily Freeman’s running calendar. Race organizers need to send information in an email to sports@ freemanonline.com. The email should include the following information: Day, date, name of event, distance, time, more info web address, email and or phone number.
Race results should be sent to ssrun54@aol. com in Word or Excel and have place, name, time, age, and gender.
Don’t forget now is the time to sign up for some great running events. Signing up now serves two purposes. It will motivate you to get out running and encourage you to make a commitment. It also helps race directors and organizers plan their events.
Steve Schallenkamp has been active in area running circles since 1966 as runner, race director, volunteer and coach. He is a member of the Onteora Runners Club and president of the Shawangunk Runners Club.