Month: February 2023

Wednesday Night Runs (February ’23 Locations)

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Our mid-week group runs have at least two different distance options (3-4 miles and 5-6 miles) with an appointed leader for each route. Each run will have its own Facebook “event,” and the routes will be posted a couple days before the run. After each run, those who can will stick around for food, drink, and good conversation, either at a nearby restaurant or a club member’s residence. Come for the run; stay (if you can) for the fellowship. (If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries–just come run with us!)

WEAR REFLECTIVE GEAR AND BRING A HEADLAMP OR FLASHLIGHT!

February 1: Cumru Elementary School — Post-run at Mangia!

February 8: Wyomissing Quarry Soccer Fields — Post-run at Paolo’s

February 15: Exeter Township Senior High School — Post-run at Liberty Taproom

February 22: Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center — Post-run at Shirley’s

All runs start at 6:15 p.m.

Minutes from the General Meeting (1/12/2023)

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General Meeting Minutes

Date: January 12, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Please note: If you are attending the monthly meeting, an RSVP (“Going”) on the Facebook event page is appreciated in order to plan for food ordering.

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – reviewed the past year’s expenses. Spent a bit more that we made. Explained some for the expenditures.

Races:

  • Charlie Horse Half Marathon (Sunday, May 28, 2023) – Shaun Luther, registration is open. Registration start time is moved to 7:30, since people are not being bussed to the start. This is the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. 
  • Run for the Ages 10K Trail Run (Sunday, June 25, 2023) – Blair Hogg, the swag will be socks this year. Still putting the final touches on the application. 
  • Blues Cruise 50K Ultra Trail Run (Sunday, October 1, 2023) – Mike Whalen, 14 registered so far (several from out of state). The run has been designated as the RRCA regional 50K championship – the event will get a few sponsors and incentives with this designation. Michelle commented on the Facebook personal updates – it’s great to be putting a face with all the names. (FYI – serious Blue March infraction alert – No parking on the grass.)
  • Oley Valley Country Classic 10-mile race (date TBD) – Lenny Burton, numbers were down for this race in 2022. He would appreciate some media promotion support. Michelle commented about more interaction with the communications folks. Karen Sinnen recommends a coordinated marketing campaign. Decision on donation to Oley Valley Ambulance Association – motion made to donate $1000, seconded, and passed.
  • Kris Kringle 5 Miler – Lisa Domeshek – The even went really well. Raised about $9000. Half of proceeds will go to the Berks County Cross Country Coaches. 526 runners/600 registered. 
  • Shiver by the River 5K and 10K series (Sunday, February 12, and Sunday, March 12, 2023)  – Sue Jackson – runner numbers are down from pre-Covid races. There is a time limit on the first lap set at 45 minutes, due to the farm house being needed early in the afternoon. She would like ideas to get more runners. Georgine reported that she got a direct message from someone who appreciated the races that the Pacers do. 

Committee Reports

Social Committee: Need a social committee lead

  • Wallyball, next week. $5 for members; $10 for non-members. Tentative date for March in consideration, if there is interest. Pizza, snacks, wine, and beer provided. Please try to RSVP for any Pacer event. Court shoes needed. 
  • Jane Setley – Would the group like to cook another dinner at Opportunity House? March 13 is the next Monday available. 6 to 8 people needed. Mike Whalen requests that we commit to this date. Jane will coordinate the date. 
  • Jane Setley – Fleet Feet does the Teddy Bear Trot, $15, and all proceeds go to Opportunity House. The Souper Bowl event is on January 30 at the Double Tree, 28 restaurants this year will be represented.

Community Service

  • Weekly runs – Steve Vida, There have been a year of posting the routes, and this has been working well. 
  • Trail Maintenance – Jane Setley, small tree down near Jane’s house. Requesting some support – Brandon will assist. Contact for the Blue Marsh power equipment training
  • Rt 10 to Rte 165 – Shaun Luther – proposes that the club formally take over this portion of maintaining the horseshoe trail. Motion made, seconded, and passed. 

Scholarship Committee

  • Deadline for this is 2/28/23. Open to children of Pacers member (at least one year in good standing) and high school cross country runners. 

Old business

  • Long run on the Horseshoe trail this Saturday.
  • Race mates – Mike Whalen, next event is March 18, IM ABLE BASH fundraiser at Alvernia on an indoor track to demonstrate their equipment. Sign up on line and put in box that you are a Pacer. Some upcoming races that he is working – Grings Mill in August , Laney’s Fashionista 5K, and Jingle in July. The pace will typically be at the slowest pace of the runners. 
  • Still looking for 6 missing tables from the trailer – please return. 

New business

  • Sue Jackson – the trailer is wonderful, but the club is looking for more assistance with getting it to/from the race. (Requires a vehicle that can pull the trailer.)
  • Marketing the races – each race director, please email a short description of your race and the event date to Michelle Henry. She can create a handout to have at each race.
  • Race director meeting on January 26, 2023.
  • New lock for the trailer – due to the many keys that are all over the place. 
  • Board of directors will be reviewing the club by laws as a focus this year.
  • Condolences were expressed on the passing of Albert Booth age 102. He was an inspirational person and dedicated runner.
  • If you are attending an event that is posted on Facebook, please indicate that you are going to help with planning.

Monthly Membership Meeting: February, 2023

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February’s Monthly Membership meeting will be held on Thursday, February 9th, at Mohnton Fire Company Social Quarters, 100 E Summit St., Mohnton, PA 19540.  The meeting is upstairs. Enter the front door and go up the stairs to your left. There is no need to ring the buzzer for entry. 

Click HERE to see the location on Google Maps.

Food and drink at 6:30pm | Meeting starts at 7:00pm. All members are welcomed.

* Members are responsible for purchasing their own beverages. Please bring cash.*** Please remember to RSVP by Monday (the week of the meeting) if you plan on coming so I can have an accurate headcount for food & seating. RSVP can be sent on the Facebook event page or via email mhenry.pacers@gmail.com.

Race Results (January 2023)

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Want to see your race results in the next newsletter?

Email your race results to Amy Bird at raceresults@pagodapacers.com.

Kris Kringle 5-Miler

(Results for this race were posted last month, but were incomplete. Hence we’re republishing a revised list, and we hope we got all the Pacers who ran this race this time!)

30:59Jason Karpinski2nd M30-34
31:54Dee Koutsourais1st Female
34:36Karin Tursack1st F45-49
34:37Mark Weaver1st M45-49
35:58Andy Styer2nd M50-54
36:08Dale Wiest1st M60-64
39:11Justin Langston
39:36Curtis Minich
40:08Melissa Lin1st F50-54
44:02Jackie Snyder1st F60-64
44:33Jonathan Durand
47:20Tania Salaneck
47:28Blair Hogg
48:09Steven Holgate
48:50Heather Nowicki
48:59Tony Agentwoicz
49:06Andrea Adam
49:49Janine Beidler
51:49Sandie Kincaid
51:50Jason Tolley
53:44Julia Hager
53:49Aaron Kreider
54:51Joanne Patti
55:12Andrea Thrush
56:42Michelle Foley
57:09Diane Showers
58:55Heide Moebius3rd F 70+
60:26Scott Sheidt
63:03Kitty Wiest
66:16Diane Gilbert
68:14Bruce Cronrath
68:19Beth Consugar
71:36Rick Showers
73:23Rose Hagy
73:33Rebeckah Musser
73:35Curtis Musser
74:28Helene Horn
75:47Michael Oetting

Phunt 50k

5:09:43Karin Tursack3rd F Overall
5:31:00Andy Styer
7:31:39Steven Holgate

Phunt 25k

3:05:02Jackie Snyder2nd F 60+
3:11:31Blair Hogg
3:32:52Jenn Guigley
3:38:28Michelle Foley
3:38:38Denyne Tolley
3:45:10Donna Hey
4:54:17Brian Krantz

Polar Bear 5k Trail (Lancaster)

37:31Joanne Patti

Inaugural Polar Run 5k (Pottstown)

17:54.6Mihai Sanchez1st M Overall
33:37.4Diane Showers3rd F 60-69
38:27.0Diane Gilbert
40:27.1Michael Oetting
41:29.7Rick Showers

Shiver by the River 5k (Race #2 of 4)

21:04Curt Minich
25:01Elaine Cook
26:42Kristen Rothenberger
26:54Janine Beidler
27:18Tory Miksiewicz Clugson
27:39Tony Agentowicz
30:08Andrea Thrush
30:50Larry Drogo
31:36Tania Salaneck
32:33Joanne Patti
32:39Diane Showers
32:44Yuriko Beaman
37:21Diane Gilbert
38:00Julia Hager
38:03Michelle Henry
38:54Rick Showers
40:13Bruce Cronrath
44:24Judy Anttonen
47:07Ellie Alderfer
48:12Karen Lohin

Shiver by the River 10k (Race #2 of 4)

36:15Mihai Sanchez
43:49Raine Fussner
44:27Matthew Brophy
45:27Jeff Fussner
52:07Vicki Menet
1:08:32Andre Marjanowski
1:10:39Scott Scheidt
1:28:43Michael Oetting

Chilly Cheeks 11k Trail Race

1:13:53Emily Trudel2nd F 0-39
1: 36:05Jason Glass
1: 54:48Paul Makurath2nd M 70+
2: 08:38Amy Bird
2: 11:00Scott Scheidt
3: 30:22Michael Oetting

Chocolate Frosted Buns 5k

17:52Mihai Sanchez1st M 20-29
22:00Dale Wiest1st M 60-69
27:09Tony Agentowicz
31:21Larry Drogo
33:30Joanne Patti
39:17Rick Showers
39:43Bruce Cronrath
39:44Diane Gilbert
41:13Mike Whalen
42:08Rose Hagy1st F 70+
44:17Judy Anttonen2nd F 70+

Next Shiver: Super Bowl Sunday!

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Come out and burn some calories before consuming food and drink during the Super Bowl!!!! GO EAGLES!!!!!

Shiver #3 is Super Bowl Sunday (February 12th). If you have never run this race or maybe you haven’t run it for a few years, come out and join us and maybe reconnect with runners you haven’t seen in ages! The race is at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.; both races start at 10 a.m.

The January 5k had 162 finishers, while 65 runners completed the 10k. 1st male and female finishers in the 5k
were Jonathan Thrush (15:57) and Arynne Moody (20:58); Brendan Shearn (32:59) and Emily O’Neill (41:00)
finished as top male/female runners in the 10k. As always, we thank the volunteers and the runners who came out to support us!!!

Because the rental agreement for the farmhouse requires us to leave the building by noon, we ask that runners
who complete their first loop in over 45 minutes NOT go out for the 2nd loop.

Looking ahead, our 4th and final race in the series will be held on March 12th. The awards banquet will be at the Temple Fire Company immediately following the race. It is free to all runners who completed 3 or more races and free for volunteers. There is a minimal charge for everyone else.

We are always looking for door-prizes to be given at the awards ceremony. If you own a business, or know someone who owns a business, or if you would like to donate something yourself, we would be very grateful for merchandise, gift certificates, gift baskets, or any small item that a runner would appreciate. Door prizes can be brought to either of the next 2 races or the February Pacer meeting. We plan to send thank you notes to all of our donors, so if you donate or secure an item for us, we would appreciate knowing exactly what was donated and contact information for the donor.

We hope to see more Pacers at the remaining Shiver races. If you choose not to run the race, please consider
volunteering. We need volunteers before the race (for parking and registration); during the race (on the road, at the finish line, and in the farmhouse); and after the race (for cleanup). If you can help prior to the race, please plan to arrive between 8:00 – 8:15. If you can help with the race itself, please arrive no later than 9:30. Look for one of the race directors somewhere around the farmhouse. Thank you in advance for your support!

Hope to see you there!!!
Sue Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

Scholarship Applications Due at Month’s End!

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The Pagoda Pacers award four outstanding high school seniors each with a $750 scholarship for their continuing education. Students are recognized for their participation and achievements in athletics, academics and community service.

Pacer Member Scholarships – Two (2) scholarships are open to all high school seniors whose parents are current members in good standing for at least one year of the Pagoda Pacers.

XC Scholarships – Two (2) scholarships are open to all high school seniors who participated on a Berks County high school cross country team.

Applications and additional details are online at: www.pagodapacers.com/Scholarships/About.aspx. 

Applications may be mailed to Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 4115, Reading, PA 19606, with postmark by 2/28, or may be emailed by midnight on 2/28 to scholarshipcoordinator@pagodapacers.com 

All applicants will be notified by email of the receipt of their application and will be notified by mail of the final decision.

Teddy Bear Trot by Fleet Feet Swiftly Approaching!

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This fun charity event by Fleet Feet West Reading is just around the corner–it’s a great opportunity to get a final shakeout run in before the Shiver by the River race (the next day) AND help support a great cause!

The Teddy Bear Trot is the perfect blend of running and giving back to our community. All participants bring a brand NEW Teddy Bear to the event and we run them to the Opportunity House in Reading for them to use in their Learning Center.  After making our donations, we will continue en route to finish our 4-mile fun run. We will start and finish our run at B2Bistro. 

The $15.00 charge for this event will be entirely donated to Opportunity House as they continue to serve our homeless community.  Additional monetary donations will be accepted at the event and will be given to Opportunity House to support their endeavors. We will also be collecting non-perishable foods and blankets at the start of the run at B2Bistro to donate as well.

Everyone will have a chance to wear and/or test Karhu shoes, an exclusive Fleet Feet product. “Karhu” is Finnish for the word “Bear,” making their brand a perfect partner for this event!  Fleet Feet will also donate 15% of the sales of any Karhu shoes sold between February 12-19 to the Opportunity House. You will receive a $10.00 coupon for this time frame for a pair of Karhus at Fleet Feet West Reading.

Runners will be sent to Opportunity House to make our donations in 3 groups.  Groups will depart at 9:00, 9:10 and 9:15 to donate the teddy bears. Please take a look at the pace ranges for each group and sign up for the time that best suits your abilities.

9:00am – Walkers and 13+ minute milers

9:10am – 10-12 minute milers

9:15am – 8-10 minute milers

REGISTER NOW!

Group Long Run at Gifford Pinchot State Park

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The Long Run Committee decided that February would be a good time to a “destination run” at Gifford Pinchot State Park out in northern York County.

It’s a bit of a drive (about 75 miles from central Berks County), but we encourage you to reach out to other Pacers via the Facebook Event to arrange for carpooling so we can all save some gas money.

Date: Saturday, February 4th

Run Start Time: 9:30 a.m.

Trailhead: Quaker Race Day Use Area at Gifford Pinchot SP, off route 117 near the beach pavillion

The run will be a loop around the lake with some extra miles added on. Total mileage will be around 10 or 11, with an option to cut it down to 8.

Post-run refueling at Collusion Tap Works in York.

Hope to see you there!

Pacer Profile: Andy Styer

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Besides running, what other hobbies, interests, or passions do you have?

This is an easy one, and those of you who are friends with me or follow me on social media know the only thing I talk about more than running is my cats. Over the years my cat family has been anywhere from 2 cats to 7 cats. This past year after losing 2 of them to old age, I adopted a pair of 8-year-old cats (brother and sister), and I also adopted 4 kitten brothers who needed a good home : )

How has your relationship evolved with running over the years?

For one, my distances have increased as I have become more seasoned. I found it more fun to go far than to go fast. Although I do like to do a quick and fast race at times, my home is really in the 50k – 100k distance. Additionally, when I first started running, it was all about challenging myself, but as I matured, it became more about inspiring others and helping my runner friends reach their goals. 

What is a bucket list race for you?

Although I am most at home on the trails, one race I really want to do sometime is the Big Sur Marathon in California. 

Would you like to give a shoutout to another Pagoda Pacer member who has been super influential and inspiring in your life? Who and why?

This is an easy one for me. One of my best friends out there, Gary Gehret. I am not sure if he is in the Pacers any longer (since he moved to Lancaster a few years back), but I know running changed his life drastically for many reasons. And I can say it has for me as well. I actually forget what life was like before running!

Want to introduce yourself to the club in the next newsletter? We’d love to feature YOU in an upcoming Pacer Profile. Click HERE to find out how!