Running Recap 2015!

Photo by Zipper City Blog

Most all runners love to look back at the end of each year to reflect on their accomplishments and milestones. While I only ran in 10 races this year (as compared to 14 in 2015 and 20 in 2013), many of them were significant in my career: I ran in one of my fastest 5Ks ever (Warren Fit 5K in 23:02) and I ran in my 3rd ever half marathon (the Pro Football Hall Of Fame Half Marathon in Canton). In addition, I did some runs that had a fun element or theme added in unlike any I have done before (such as carrying a pumpkin the entire way in the Great Pumpkin Run and stopping to chug beers in the Ultimate Beer Run).

Included on the list is one run that was not done in Ohio (the Across The Bay 10K). I do feel a bit like a cheater for putting that race on this site. But, it was a very significant race for me in 2015! Either way, I am happy to have successfully completed over 47 competitive miles in one year!

Below, you can find links to all 10 of these events from 2015 in chronological order! Hopefully these can give your ideas for races you can run in the New Year!

1. Pro Football Hall of Fame (Half) Marathon (April 2015 – 13.1 miles in 2:08:00 - Canton)
2. AkRun & Crawl (May 2015 – 3.1 miles in 24:45 – Merriman Valley)
3. Ultimate Beer Run (May 2015 – 2 miles, in about 1 hour, with beer stops - Columbus)
4. Thirsty Dog 8K (June 2015 – 4.97 miles in 42:37 - Akron)
5. Warrior Dash Ohio II (August 2015 – 3.1 miles, untimed – North Lawrence)
6. Warren Fit 5K (August 2015 – 3.1 miles in 23:02 - Warren)
7. Wellness Walk & Run (September 2015 – 3.1 miles, untimed - Stow)
8. Akron Marathon Relay Team (September 2015 – 5.8 miles in approx. 48:00 - Akron)
9. Great Pumpkin Run Cincinnati (October 2015 – 3.1 miles in approx. 31:00 - Clarksville)
10. Across The Bay 10K (November 2015 – 6.2 miles in 58:21 – Chesapeake Bay, MD)

Wellness Walk & Run Video

Akron General from Infocus Studios LLC on Vimeo.

Tim Frankish of Infocus Studios LLC created an amazing video that captures the essence and excitement that took place during the Akron Wellness Walk & Run earlier this year on September 5. The video is a fantastic representation of the event, complete with action shots of the warm-up session, and views from inside the Wellness Trails. Take a look!

TITLE Boxing Club Of Stow

Photos by OHventures

TITLE Boxing Club Of Stow

4433 Kent Road

Stow, OH 44224
(330) 474-7062

I have never sweat more in one hour than I did when I took a class at TITLE Boxing Club of Stow! When it comes to giving you a killer workout and getting you in shape, they mean business!

Boxing requires you to be in peak physical shape, and to have stamina, strength, agility, and endurance to be a success in the ring. TITLE Boxing Club offers classes that deliver the amazing results of boxing, minus the combat. These intense workouts transform and strengthen your body from head to toe by showing you how to master the moves of the boxing pros. It is incredibly fun and rewarding experience that will have you coming back for more!

In Ohio, there are 16 TITLE Boxing Club locations: Columbus (2), Grandview, Hilliard, Highland Heights, Kettering, Liberty Township, Loveland/Cincinnati, Medina, Mentor, New Albany, Pickerington, Powell, Solon, Westlake, and Stow. There are even more locations all over the United States, and one in Mexico.

My friends at the TITLE Boxing Club of Stow are particularly awesome, and invited me and my friends Greg and Brandon to check out a kickboxing class one night this fall. I had known the owner Cindy and the trainers Michael and Tori from TITLE Boxing Club of Stow's recent sponsorship of the local Wellness Walk & Run in Stow. This 5K raised money for breast cancer screenings for those in need. The folks at TITLE Boxing Club of Stow are incredibly devoted to keeping the community healthy in all ways, so it didn't take much to convince me to stop in for a class.

The three of us had little or no experience in boxing before this class (I had taken one class a few years ago in Columbus), so we had to be taught the basics. The class required we wear hand wraps (which are sold on site in various colors) and boxing gloves (of course!), which are provided at the gym. There are various group classes that are available, including traditonal boxing, 30-Minute "Calorie Crusher," 60-Minute "Power Hour," 75-Minute "Super Sessions," one-on-one personal training, and kick-boxing (which is the class we took).

The gym was set up with punching bags all lined up in rows. Everyone gets his or her own bag, and the instructor (ours was Tori) stays near the front of the class demonstrating what to do, and guiding you over a headset. The class was an intense cardio workout that incorporated toning exercises that are guaranteed to help shed pounds.

We were taught the various boxing moves, such as the jab, hook, uppercut, and cross. We then were given a series of combinations of these moves for the duration of our hour long class. We added kicks, and moves around the punching bag.

At the end of the boxing session, Tori led us in a series of ab work that pushed us even further! We definitely got a full well-rounded workout that was fun and different, but also a challenge. It required coordination and concentration, and was a great way for us to get together to try something different. It was perfect for letting of steam during the work week!

Tori and Michael let us get in the boxing ring for a photo op (shown above) and also try on the giant oversized gloves (shown below). They were fun, personable, and dedicated to what they do. 

I recommend a group boxing class to anyone looking to spice up their workout. You can burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour when you take a high energy, high intensity class at TITLE Boxing Club of Stow, and you build muscle and endurance at the same time. Our group proved that you don't have to be a boxing pro to take a class! Any level of ability is welcome. Ask about coming in and trying your first shot free so you can see for yourself!

Wellness Walk & Run Photo Blog

Who: ~300 runners & walkers, 70 volunteers, and countless spectators
What: Wellness Walk & Run
Where: City of Stow, Summit County
When: September 5, 2015
Why: To celebrate an active lifestyle, and to benefit Muffins for Mammograms 
How: Months of training, dedication, and planning.

Photos by OHventures

Wellness Walk & Run 5K Recap

Photos by A. Kilgore

The Akron Gen.Wellness Walk & Run took place on September 5, 2015 in the City of Stow. Approximately 300 participants registered to take part in the festivities celebrating an active lifestyle and supporting Muffins For Mammograms, which helps uninsured and underinsured women have access to free breast exams.

The event was a follow up to last year’s successful 100th anniversary event, the Birthday Bash Dash 5K. As with last year, the Wellness Walk & Run was held in conjunction with the City of Stow's Summer Sunset Blast, a weekend long celebration in town that serves as a farewell to summer. There were over 75 volunteers and countless spectators who were also present to help support the runners and the cause.

The festivities began that Saturday morning with day-of registration and packet pickup at 8:00 AM, and former WQMX DJ Chris Casale playing uptempo tunes to energize the crowd. Athletic trainer Rick Fullen provided a warm-up session (pictured above) to get runners ready. Senior Vice President of Wellness Doug Ribley sounded the horn at 9:00 AM to signify the start of the 5K. Everyone from competitive runners to casual walkers made their way down City Center Boulevard in Stow, soon making a turn on to the gravel and paved paths of the Akron Gen.Wellness Trails located nearby.

These trails extended for approximately 0.4 miles, then sending runners down Lillian and Darrow Roads. The course looped around and guided runners back through the Wellness Trails to the finish line!

The Akron Gen. Health & Wellness Express served as a backdrop to the after party, where runners gathered to cool down and refuel with water & bananas provided by sponsor Giant Eagle, popcorn from Metropolis Popcorn, sandwiches from Subway, and of course giant muffins from Main Street Gourmet. Additional muffins were for sale at the after party, and participants could visit tables to talk with representatives from Reflections Breast Health Center, the Heart Walk, CommuniCare, TITLE Boxing Club of Stow, AGMC's Trauma Center. Luella Wertz, LMT was present to give free massages, and InFocus Studios were printing free photos against a green screen backdrop.

First place finisher (overal female and overall runner - Jodi Brown)

An awards ceremony was led by Race Director Michael Evans and Stow Mayor Sara Drew, which included a raffle of 100 Day Family Memberships to Lifestyles, gift certificates to Second Sole AkRun, and many other prizes. Medals were given to winners who placed in his or her respective age group, and trophies were given to the overall female winner (Jodi Brown, Medical/Surgical Staff RN) and overall male winner (Jeremy Nebelsick, Practice Manager at Akron Gen. Family Practice Hudson).

The event was a success and a fantastic way to cap off the summer and promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all!

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors & Partners: Akron Coffee Roasters, Akron Gen. Women's Board, AGMCTrauma Center, AGMC Young Professionals, BCG & Company, CommuniCare, Event Source, Giant Eagle, GOJO Industries, Haven Homes Assisted Living of Stow, InFocus Studios, Luella Wertz LMT, Metropolis Popcorn, Reflections Breast Health Center, RS Racing Systems, Stow Parks & Recreation Department, TITLE Boxing Club of Stow, Torchbearers of Akron

Great New Year's Eve Race Recap

Photo by OHventures

"What are ya doin' New Year's Eve?"

This question, appearing as a lyric in a popular song of the same name, often has an answer involving parties, confetti and booze. Of course, all of those things were a part of my New Year's Eve 2014-2015 celebration, but what if I told you that I also incorporated a 5K into the mix?

It's probably not surprising to most people that know me or follow my blog that I managed to find a 5K on New Year's Eve - of all days! However, the fact that I was able to actually find a race that took place on NYE in the area was a testament to just how popular the running craze has become in Ohio! I wouldn't even call it a "fad" anymore, folks. Running and 5Ks are here to stay - every day of the year, even holidays. We don't take breaks!

The event I signed up and showed up for was the Great New Year's Eve Race, a 5K that takes place in Stow in Summit County (the same city where the Birthday Bash Dash took place) and is organized and hosted by the Summit Athletic Running Club (SARC), of which I am now an official dues-paying member!

My great friend Anna from undergrad at OSU flew in ALL the way from Colorado to ring in the new year, and it was actually HER idea to do a 5K race on NYE (I may have a reputation for running races, but I suppose it's rubbing off on my friends). 

Given that the race was to take place at 4PM, it meant that it would be done and over with early enough that it would not interfere with our celebratory plans later that evening in Canton. It also meant that the sun was out in full force (maybe that's a bit of a hyperbole). It was indeed warmer at 4PM than it would have been if the race was early in the morning, but it was still frigid as F!

Photo by SARC

The course was an "out-and-back" design, which I have not seen too often nor run much. But, I found that I actually really enjoy that type of run. The course was also really hilly. It's nice that we ran DOWN the hills on the first half, but became treacherous and grueling when we had to run UP the same hills on the second half (when we had less energy).

We did choose to walk a couple of times on the course. One reason for this was because the extreme cold was affecting our breathing! Secondly, those damn hills. 

There was no shame in walking at portions of the race and thus clocking in at just over 30 minutes. It was nice to be active and cap off a fantastic 2014 with a 5K. I think it made the midnight champagne taste THAT much better!

Top 10 OHventures of 2014

Out of any other year, I feel that 2014 put the most miles on my odometer. I drove to every corner of the state - Toledo to Athens to Geneva to Cincinnati visiting friends, attending weddings, working, and of course adventuring. In doing so, I definitely had a year full of unique experiences. As with every year (see 2012 and 2013), I give to you the Top 10 OHventures of 2014. There were many to choose from, but if you needed to see the best of the best, here they are (in no particular order)!

Use this list to start planning some awesome bucket list items to do in 2015.

1. The Lodge At Geneva-On-The-Lake: The romanticism of Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is encapsulated to perfection at the upscale yet affordable Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. I stayed here for a weekend in June and saw for myself all the fantastic pleasures that can be unearthed while staying at this hot vacation spot.

2. Mohican Tree House Cabins: Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus is an adventurer's paradise, an outdoorsman's dream, and one of the most unique attractions found in all of Ohio: The Mohican Treehouse Cabins. I stayed overnight in these AWESOME accommodations!

3. Bon Appetit Appalachia!: I had the privilege to witness a glimpse (and sample a taste) of this innovative farm-to-fork concept on a visit to Athens - the setting for a large number of these culinary destinations in the state. Follow me as I eat - and drink - my way through Appalachia!

4. Tree Frog Canopy Tours: Another year where a zipline locale makes the list! This time, we made our way BACK to Mohican Country for the tallest, fastest, and longest zip line in all of Ohio! Pictures say 1,000 words.

5. Tough Mudder Ohio: If you think that a 3-mile obstacle course like Warrior Dash is crazy, then you ain't seen nothing yet! The Tough Mudder was 12 miles of muddy mayhem in Mansfield, trumping anything I've ever done before! And how can I EVER forget the arctic enema and the electroshock therapy?! I must be a masochist.

6. Akron Birthday Bash Dash 5K: This was a very special 5K walk/run for me, because it was the first time ever that - instead of running the course -  I ran the ENTIRE event as the race director! The 5K in Stow was a TON of work, but proved to be a success, raising money for Muffins For Mammograms & celebrating the 100th "birthday" of the health system. 

7. Columbus Pedal Wagon: My family & friends hopped aboard this contraption that required us to use our man-power to wheel the wagon from bar to bar to bar in the streets of the Short North one football Saturday in October. Check it out in Cincinnati as well.

8. Kayak The Bay at PIB: Between drinking wine and barhopping on 4th of July weekend in Put-In-Bay, a group of college friends decided to get a workout in and kayak the beautiful waters of Lake Erie surrounding South Bass Island. 

9. Polar Plunge: A polar plunge (also known as a polar bear jump) is for the bravest of brave and the craziest of crazy! I participated in the Polar Plunge at Mosquito Lake State Park in Cortland on January 18 as a benefit for the Special Olympics of Ohio. Even the photos make me shiver.

10. Dragon Boat Festival at Portage Lakes: I competed with my friends Chelsie and Craig in the annual Dragon Boat Festival at Portage Lakes on July 12 in Summit County. We learned just how hard it is for 20 people to paddle in unison to power a dragon boat - but Team Morgan Stanley made it to the FINALS!

Birthday Bash Dash 5K Photo Blog

Who: 400+ runners & walkers, 70 volunteers, and countless spectators
What: Birthday Bash Dash 5K
Where: City of Stow, Summit County
When: August 30, 2014
Why: To celebrate an active lifestyle, and to benefit Muffins for Mammograms & SEEF
How: Months of training, dedication, and planning.

Photos by OHventures, AGMC, and Compass Media

Birthday Bash Dash 5K Recap

Photos by OHventures & Compass Media

The Akron General Birthday Bash Dash 5K walk/run took place on August 30, 2014 in the City of Stow. Over 400 participants registered to take part in the festivities honoring Akron General's 100th "Birthday" and supporting two fantastic organizations: Muffins For Mammograms, which helps uninsured and underinsured women have access to free breast exams; and the Stow Excellence in Education Foundation (SEEF), which provides teachers and students of the Stow City School District with scholarships.

The event was in conjunction with the City of Stow's Summer Sunset Blast, a weekend long celebration in town that serves as a farewell to summer. There were nearly 70 volunteers and countless spectators who were also present to help support the runners and the cause.

The festivities began that Saturday morning with day-of registration and packet pickup at 8:00 AM, and former WQMX DJ Chris Casale playing uptempo tunes to energize the crowd. Race Director Michael Evans sounded the horn at 9:00 AM to signify the start of the 5K. Everyone from competitive runners to casual walkers made their way down City Center Boulevard in Stow, soon making a turn on to the gravel and paved paths of the Akron General Wellness Trails located nearby.

These trails extended for approximately 0.4 miles, then sending runners down Lillian and Darrow Roads. The course looped around and guided runners back through the Wellness Trails to the finish line!

To get folks in a festive spirit, teal colored "birthday hats" and race day t-shirts were sprinkled throughout the crowd, and "birthday" muffins were presented to everyone who crossed the finish line. The Akron General Health & Wellness Express served as a backdrop to the after party, where runners gathered to cool down and hydrate with water provided by sponsor Giant Eagle. Additional muffins were for sale at the after party, and participants could visit tables to talk with representatives from Reflections Breast Health Center, the Heart Walk, Stow Parks & Recreation, and the Akron General Discovery Trunk.

An awards ceremony was led by Stow Mayor Sara Drew, which included a raffle of 100 Day Family Memberships to Lifestyles. Medals were given to winners who placed in his or her respective age group, and trophies were given to the overall female winner (Jodi Brown, 24, Medical/Surgical Staff RN) and overall male winner (Wes Parker, 34, Medical/Surgical Staff RN).

Special awards were also given to the runner who traveled the farthest (Matt Marshall of Columbus), the runner with the fewest birthdays (Hank Vucetic, 5), and the runner with the most birthdays (Norma Humbert, 82). A special award was also given to Mayor Drew for her participation in the run, and for serving as emcee.

The event was a success and a fantastic way to cap off the summer and promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all!

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors & Partners: Akron General Women's Board, Akron General Young Professionals, CommuniCare, Compass Media, Event Source, Giant Eagle, Infocus Studios, Reflections Breast Health Center, Rubber City Radio Group, Run To You Racing, Stow Excellence in Education Foundation (SEEF), Stow Parks & Recreation Department, Summit County Historical Society.