As a faint sunrise peeked over the Missouri River on Oct. 3, runners meandered around corners of Frontier Park for one last bathroom break, fuel stop and warmup stride. Among the crowds was a group of lime-colored singlets sharing their mix of nervousness and excitement. Despite the uncertainty of a half or full marathon, one thing was clear: They were ready.
For many St. Louisans, that Sunday was perhaps just the end to another weekend. But for our Fleet Feet Running Club 13.1M and 26.2M team members, it was the culmination of a four-month training buildup that had led them to their goal race at MO’ Cowbell.
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FFRC race participants had come from a variety of fitness backgrounds and experience levels prior to joining the summer session and reaching this point. While many were returners to the program who aimed to beat their previous times, others wanted to get back into physical activity or simply embark upon a healthier lifestyle.
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The goal for 26.2M team member Brett Reitz was to achieve both. Once a year-round athlete, he began to miss that active part of his life as he developed his career and family. Though he grew intimidated by the fitness community as a whole, he still searched for a connected group from whom he could draw friendship and inspiration to propel him toward improvement – something he eventually found within FFRC.
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“The whole experience was nothing but positive,” Reitz said. “I was always scared to run in groups because I didn’t think I was fast enough, fit enough, or strong enough. I didn’t think I knew enough about running and wouldn’t fit in. From the 6 minute milers to the run walkers everyone supported everyone. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.”
Before training with FFRC, Reitz ran on his own for nearly six months leading up to a spring half marathon that he finished in 2:16. With the fatigue he felt at the end of that race, he was committed to getting better but didn’t know how. Reitz said coaches Brandi Barbre and Barb Delgado helped him learn more about heart rate zones, pacing, different workouts and a variety of other tools to help him far exceed his marathon dreams. His 4:20 performance at the MO’ Cowbell Marathon was nearly five minutes faster than his original goal time – and quicker than his half marathon pace by almost 30 seconds per mile.
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Another big finish that day came from Shane Murray, a 13.1M team member who joined FFRC to return to a consistent running routine. It had been nearly two years since he had trained for an event, and his eyes were on the 1:40 half marathon mark.
“My goal race went really well,” Murray said. “It was probably one of my best-executed races. I took the advice from my coaches to run the race to my best ability. I ended up one second below my goal time!”
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While the training helped him reach personal success, Murray’s favorite part of FFRC is the community of people. He explained that these individuals provide the encouragement, kindness and humor to get through workouts and races.
Fellow 13.1M team member and longtime training participant Julie Maune also discovered a sense of togetherness among teammates and mentors alike. Despite sustaining a hamstring injury early in the season, Maune was able to fight through with the help of a supportive training group and consistent coaching.
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“I loved my coaches, Cathy Loeffelman and Angela Guccione,” Maune said. “They were wonderful! We also had a great group of people in the training group, which made the whole session fun … It was a tough one for me due to my injury; however, that did not keep me from enjoying the satisfaction of completing my 10th half marathon.”
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In addition to the MO’ Cowbell races, several individuals in FFRC also competed at half and full marathons around the area as well as across the country. From the outskirts of St. Louis to Rhode Island, Chicago and Boston, FFSTL’s Running Club was well-represented at several major distance events.
Locally, the Minnie Ha Ha Endurance Event presented a different type of race to 13.1M team member Katie Molinaro. The 6-hour event challenged her to make it as far as possible within that time frame. Rather than running a certain distance and aiming for a time, Katie pushed against the time to achieve a mileage goal.
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“Prior to joining the Fleet Feet training program, I had read and heard about different paces for different workouts but didn't quite understand it,” Molinaro said. “Once I joined the training program and received my training plan it felt like a bunch of lightbulbs went off and things made more sense and became more achievable … I did an endurance event, which requires a different approach than a traditional race. I reached out to Brandi ahead of time to go over my race plan and she gave me some last-minute advice. I trusted my training and was successful.”
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Multiple Running Club members also made it to the prestigious Boston Marathon, requiring a qualifying time and extended training cycle. Doug Mendoza, 26.2M pace group coach and 50M Distance Project team member, took on the race as part of his buildup to the Tunnel Hill 50M event in November but savored each moment knowing the journey it took to get there.
From the time he realized he wanted to pursue Boston, it took four years for Mendoza to qualify, and another to do so by enough to enter the race. But since that year happened to be 2020, the race was delayed and eventually went virtual. For Mendoza, this event meant more than qualifying – it was a chance at his first Boston Marathon after several setbacks.
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“I had a great time,” Mendoza reminisced. “I didn't go all out. Boston is a tough, hilly course anyway, and running a bit slower than I would have normally raced let me take it all in. I still pushed it enough to be a sore, sweaty mess at the end, though, and to requalify hopefully for another Boston.”
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Other FFRC runners ran the race as their season objective, also acknowledging the mystique of the event and the effort necessary to reach it. 26.2M team member Tracey Darragh took the opportunity as a shot at a life-changing experience.
New to FFRC, Tracey missed this summer's first speed and long run sessions out of fear that she would slow down those around her. Instead, she found a group of people she describes as inviting and inspiring, all while working toward her marathon ambitions.
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“Running the Boston Marathon was a dream – an absolute dream,” Darragh recalls. “To have a whole city shut down and turn their attention to watch 20,000 runners’ dreams come true after years of rigorous hard work ... there's truly magic in that type of energy. And then for a beginner runner, like me, who got a chance to toe the same line in Hopkinton as elites and Olympians and celebrate all the dedication, hard work, history of the iconic course, it was truly a whirlwind of emotions. I mean, there are no words. It was the most unbelievable, humbling and inspiring experience of my life that I will be forever grateful for.”
Along with delivering fast times and developing a love for running, Tracey has also raised money this season for St. Jude. She plans on continuing to fundraise in the future and run the six major Abbott marathons, hoping ultimately for another invitation to Boston.
Darragh has reached several personal goals this training session but said she owes much of it to her teammates and coaches. From learning about heart rate training and nutrition to finding confidence and courage through an accepting community, Darragh is appreciative of all she has gained from FFRC.
“I love the people,” Darragh expressed. “Sincerely, every single person I met is so kind, nice, inviting, inspiring and encouraging. All of them taught me how to trust myself and believe from within ... as well as eat a bagel with peanut butter and bananas before a long run and drink water during the week. I've never met a more genuine and inspiring group of people. Joining [FFRC] has changed my life and I'm so grateful and thankful to be a part of the Club.”
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Many Running Club members maintained the same sentiments at the conclusion of the session, emphasizing the importance of running alongside motivated individuals and the impact that had on their running journey.
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“Brandi, Barb, all the volunteer coaches and the runners bring me back each time,” Maune described. “Runners are the best people!”
“These are the most welcoming, supportive and especially accepting people I know,” Mendoza said. “Perhaps it's something about what it takes to have this common goal and to seek out a group to help you get there. Whether running-related or not, the Fleet Feeters help, support, encourage and love you.”
“I am so inspired by every single person out there training with me at their own paces for their own different length races or no races at all,” Reitz explained. “It doesn’t matter if people are out for a PR, to achieve a new distance, or to just socialize with like-minded folks who want to better themselves; we all encourage each other and it’s wonderful.”
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Registration for our next 13.1M and 26.2M training session is open! Sign up for the Finish option to reach your goal of completing the distance, or Fast to compete for a PR or place. Training starts January 4th, 2022! Will you be there?
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Training for and completing a Half Marathon (13.1mi) is a challenging and rewarding endeavor. Those aiming to up their endurance goals from the 5k/10k distance or gradually train toward a marathon can choose from our Fast or Finish programs to personalize their immersion into longer training runs and races. Sign up now to benefit from experienced, professional head coaching and a welcoming community of people while working toward your fitness goals.
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Running the Marathon (26.2mi) is a life-changing event. A marathon finisher’s medal is a symbol of dedication, hard work and the accomplishment of a challenging goal. Learn about heartrate training, nutrition and different types of workouts as you progress toward your goals. If you're ready to embark upon this exciting journey alongside a group of individuals who are driven to help each other reach big milestones, take that next step and sign up today.
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Support small business by shopping at fleetfeet.com! Our online store includes the inventory of locally-owned and operated Fleet Feet stores across the nation, including St. Louis. Identify your nearest Fleet Feet store and the site will show you if they have the item(s) you want. If not, order online for delivery right to your door via another Fleet Feet store.
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