Cherokee Runners training for Fall Events

by Oct 10, 2011SPORTS di-ne-lv-di-yi0 comments

Cherokee Runners are shown (left-right) back row - Will Tramper, Joe Smith, Sean Grady, Jimmy Oocumma, Robin Swimmer, Thomas Benedict, Gabe Crowe, Brooke Lossiah, Fabian Crowe; front - Lucky Hodges, Stephan Swimmer, Marlene Arch, and Skye Littledave; not pictured - Gerri Grady. (Photo by Gerri Grady)

 

 

By GERRI GRADY

CHEROKEE RUNNERS

 

                The first half of October will concentrate on training for the Marine Corps Marathon that takes place on Oct. 30.  Speedwork and hill sessions have been ongoing for the last couple of months. Runners have also completed two half marathons and group long runs to prepare for the event. 

A long run at WCU took place on Sunday, Oct. 3.   Jimmy Oocumma completed 14 miles, Thomas Benedict finished 11 miles and Robin Swimmer, Gerri Grady and Sean Grady ran 10 miles each.  Stephan Swimmer and Marlene Arch completed around six miles each.  The group will do one final long run on Sunday, Oct. 16 at Round Bottom and then taper before the Marathon.  In addition to running the Marathon, a group of Cherokee Runners will compete in the MC 10K. 

                On Saturday, Oct. 8, eight Cherokee Runners completed the Bethel Half Marathon (13.1 miles) including:  Robin and Stephan Swimmer, Jimmy Oocumma, Brian Burgess, Gerri and Sean Grady, Cliff Mault and Thomas Benedict.  Jimmy Oocumma placed third in his age group finishing with a time of 1 hour 37 minutes (7:26 pace).  Also running in the Bethel 5K were Chris Reed and Brian Driver. 

                The group was pleased to have visitors participate in its Oct. 6 hill session.  Susan Wells and Marianne Harris traveled from central Florida to run in the Bethel Half and took the opportunity to join the Cherokee Runners in a training session.  Susan works with Runner’s World Magazine and she competed in Cherokee Runners Moonlight 5K held on July 4.

                Cherokee Runners are in the process of selling 50/50 chances to help raise travel money for the Marathon.  See any member to purchase tickets.  The next regular meeting will take place on October 14th at 5PM at Age Link.  Please join us if you are interested in walking or running for fitness.  Everyone is welcome no matter their fitness level.