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FLASH Shines at Frosty Five

If you are looking for a fun early race for the year, the Frosty Five in
Channahon, IL might be something to look for next spring. This years
race, held on February 9th, turned out to be a really nice day even with
the somewhat chilly temperatures. As things got underway with packet
pickup starting at 11:30, it was gray and snowing lightly, but by race
time at 1:00 the clouds had started to break for blue sky and a little
sunshine. This is my second year running this race, and for those of you
who do know the course, it has been changed slightly from years past.
They took out the section which crossed over Route 6 (a fairly busy
road) and added a little length to the out and back stretch along the
canal. For those of you who are not familiar with this race, the course
starts at the middle school and winds through a few subdivisions in town
out to a paved path along the I&M Canal, which is scenic even if it is
completely frozen. It is basically a flat course with one smallish hill
around mile three. Traditionally they hand out knit stocking caps rather
then T-shirts which you are sure to see as you look around at the
starting line. Again this year there were a few who braved the cold in
nothing but shorts and a T-shirt, but then runners usually are a little
crazy anyway. All in all it is a great small town race with about 150
runners. Its a nice race to start off the season and get you going for
the warmer months to come.

Maggie Kelly

Editor's Comment:

Maggie Kelly, who earned the nickname "Flash" for her outstanding track
performances in high school, captured her second consecutive first place
in this years Frosty Five. Joe Sullivan also ran a great race (31:09),
but just missed placing. Joe - I know the feeling, I always beat my
sister at races, but she always takes home the awards!

Valentine's Day Run

On February 14^th^ the Chemistry division hosted the second annual
Valentine\'s Day fun run. About sixteen runners and three walkers came
out on a fairly cold afternoon. The course for runners was just about
3.1 miles and the walkers a mile less. Waiting at the finish were hot
chocolate, bagels, and heart shaped rice crispy treats. Also a raffle
was held for five boxes of Whitman\'s chocolates that those lucky enough
to win could share with their Valentine\'s. The grand prize winner this
year was Thomas Braid. The highlight of the run though had to be Karl
Grimm\'s boxers with hearts and \"Prisoner or Love\" stamped all over
them. Thanks for being so festive Karl!!

Maggie Kelly

March Madness

For those of you who are looking for a challenging early spring race,
the March Madness Races in Cary, IL may be what you are looking for. I
have run this race the past three years and plan to run it again this
year. This years race is on Sunday, March 16 at 9:30 AM. There are two
races: a 10 K and a half marathon. Most runners run the half marathon
(last year: 270 runners for the 10 K, and 648 runners for the 13.1 M).
Both courses have some very hilly sections. The half marathon is an
excellent training race for spring marathoners, and is one of the most
challenging on the CARA circuit. This race is for experienced runners
who enjoy a good race more than the post-race treats. The refreshments
include cider, pretzels, and fruit, but nothing fancy. The weather for
this race is varies a lot from year to year. I've run it the morning
after a 6 inch snowfall, in sub-freezing temps, and on a lovely spring
day. I recommend this race for any serious runners looking for a good
early spring run or in need of some inspiration to kick off another
running season. We should have several Argonne Runners at this year's
race. If you would like to join us, let me know and I'll send you an
entry form!

Marty Thomas - Where are You?

The Running Club is still planning to have a retirement part for Marty
Thomas who has been a inspirational leader of our Club over the past
several years. Unfortunately, Marty has been traveling about the country
with his wife and tandem bicycle, and we have been having trouble
getting in touch with him. We are hoping to have this party in April at
Maggiano's. More details will appear in the April Newsletter.

Membership

We ask that all runners who would like to be members of the Running Club
make sure that your dues have been paid for 1997 by the end of March.
Fees are only \$7 (students \$3). An application form is provided once
again with this months newsletter - take advantage of it. After this
month, you will have to beg for one!

Spring Events

Next month, on Monday, March 17 is the St. Patrick\'s Day Run. Prizes
will be given out for the runners wearing the most green. So get out
your shamrocks and join us for the fun! (You must be paid up to win.)
For more details, see enclosed flyer.

Our April run will be the 1040 Run in celebration of Tax Day. Currently,
this taxing run is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15. We are also planning
a Morning Trail Run for May 14 at 7 AM. We expect to provide bagels,
orange juice, etc. for all runners and walkers who want to get off to a
healthy start that day. We are still planning these latter two runs -
more details will follow.

River to River Team Tunes Up

For the third consecutive year, the Argonne Running Club has an entry in
the River to River Relay. This year is the tenth anniversary of this 80
mile race which starts near Alto Pass, IL on the Mississippi River and
winds its way through the Shawnee National Forest to a scenic finish in
Golconda, IL on the Ohio River. This year, the team has changed its name
from "Running Deer" to "3 Does & 5 Bucks". Returning from last years
team are Laura Miller, Chuck Jonah, Karl Grimm, Steve Rose, Laurie
Culbert, and John Schlueter. Don Bohringer and Maggie Kelly will be
running with the team for their first time

Each of the eight runners runs three segments with a total distance of
about 10 miles. This is a very unique race with most teams having
creative team T-shirts and decorated vans. Some teams are very
competitive, while others (like ours) do it mostly for the thrill of the
race and the atmosphere. This year's race will be held on Saturday,
April 19, so be sure to check the May Newsletter to see how our team
did.

Favorite March/April Runs

Based on the results of the January survey, it seems as if our running
club doesn't have many favorite early spring runs. Perhaps I should have
asked for least favorite races as well. Anyway, the favorites were March
Madness, Cary, IL (2 votes), River to River Relay, Southern Illinois
(2), Shamrock Shuffle, Manhattan, IL (1), Valentine's Day Fun Run, ANL
Running Club (1). We had some votes for races not to do\... Lake County
Races (negative 2 votes), Mountain Goat, Danville, IL (-1).

Editor's Comment:

1\) Yes, I voted for the Valentine's Day Fun Run - never run it, but I'm
one of the organizers.

2\) How many runners are on the River to River team?

3\) See separate articles on the March Madness and River to River
Relays.

4\) The Shamrock Shuffle in Manhattan, IL is a **2 person**, 6 mile race
(3 miles each). Makes you wonder why Maggie was the only one to vote for
it!?

5\) Lake County Races: This race gets a lot of hype, but I've never
talked to anyone who has really liked it. It is a one way race (you take
a train to the start), and can run 10 k, 13.1 M, or 26.2 M.

6)The Kennekuk Road Runners have some great races in Kickapoo State
Park, but this isn't one of them. Yes, it is in the state park, but you
run back and forth on a hilly stretch of paved road. You have your
choice of running the same 1.1 mile stretch 2, 4, 6, or 8 times. I think
the reason they don't have a 10 time option is that most people have
realized how silly this is after 8 trips!

Woman Running Smart

The following are the Road Runners Club of America's tips for running
safety - especially for women:

1)[Carry identification]{.underline} or write your name, phone number,
and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include medical
information. Don't wear jewelry!

2)[Carry change for a phone call]{.underline}.

3)[Run with a partner]{.underline}.

4)[Write down or leave word]{.underline} of the direction of your run.
Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes.

5)[Run in familiar areas]{.underline}. Know where telephones are, or
open businesses or stores. Alter your route pattern.

6)[Always stay alert]{.underline}. The more aware you are, the less
vulnerable you are.

7)[Avoid unpopulated areas]{.underline}, deserted streets and overgrown
trails. Especially avoid unlit areas at night. Run clear of parked cars
or bushes.

8)[Don't wear headsets]{.underline}. Use your ears to be aware of your
surroundings.

9)[Ignore verbal harassment]{.underline}. Use discretion in
acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but
keep your distance and keep moving.

10)[Run against traffic]{.underline} so you can observe approaching
automobiles.

11)[Wear reflective material]{.underline} if you must run before dawn or
after dark.

12)[Use your intuition]{.underline} about a person or area. React on
your intuitions and avoid if you're unsure.

13)[Carry a whistle or other noisemaker]{.underline}.

14)[CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else,
or if you notice anyone out of the ordinary]{.underline}.

Laurie Culbert

Inspiration

The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank.

Dr. George Sheehan

Editor's comment:

If any of you joggers want to become runners, let me know - I've got
entry forms for you!

Cool Down

Spring is one of the best times of year for running road races. I'm sure
you all have races that you run each spring. Please send me the names of
your favorite races which are held during the months of May and June so
we can include them in our next newsletter. Send to: John Schlueter,
Bldg. 200, Rm. A185.

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