We are coming to the last few months of another fantastic year: three very successful events (Donut Run, Spring Has Sprung Run, and Crazy Creek Beer & Brat Run), with one more to go. The Ninth Annual Turkey Trot (2-mile walk and 3-mile jog) will be held at Hidden Valley Lake on Thanksgiving Day at 9 AM (free and open to the Lake County Community), wrapping up our Miler year.

Milers President Jeanine Burnett at the 2011 Vineyard Run for Literacy (where she took first place in the 10K in her age group)

→ Be sure to put the Annual January Club Champagne Brunch and walk/run on your calendar, to be held at the Burnett’s residence in HVL on Saturday, Jan. 7th at 10 am. Every club member is encouraged to attend —including your little ones—for this traditional Miler festivity; guests are welcome also. This celebration of our club’s successes will include a short election process and a picture-taking of our entire motley crew!

→ Speaking of elections, Chiyako Ito is stepping down as secretary at the end of December. This means that we have an open secretary spot to fill. This position requires that you be able to make most of the officers’ meetings (generally once a month, in South County), and record the minutes, etc. … You will become an important part of our decision-making process, helping to steer the direction of our club. Let me know if you are interested, and if you think another Miler would be a great secretary for our club, please encourage him or her to step forward. Thank you Chiyako for your many years of service to the Milers!

→ It might seem like it is eons away, but we are already beginning to plan for our 10th annual Spring Has Sprung Run (HVL, Sunday May 20) and our third annual Donut Run and Walk (Kelseyville, Saturday April 28).

As race director for the 10th Anniversary of the Spring Has Sprung Run- I am soliciting NOW for people interested in LEADing a sub-committee for this exciting event:

• Kids Race—½K and 1K;
• Race Expo—recruiting vendors/health organizations, etc…. to have display booths) and organize setup/teardown;
• Raffle Prizes—contacting businesses to donate raffle prizes, compile list and organize display on race day and train the volunteers.

We also need committee members, so the leaders have someone to lead :+) Our first official meeting will be at the end of January—but that will be here before we know it. Please let me know if you can lead one of the committees or are willing to be a committee member, ASAP. Note: Because of the logistics of travel and the fact that Ginny Cholez will need to gather her own committee for the Donut Run/Walk (I LOVE donuts), I am hoping to draw from South/Mid Lake County areas as much as possible—leaving the Northerners at Ginny’s beck and call:+)

Thank you Milers. Have a wonderful fall, and I look forward to seeing a lot of you at the Turkey Trot, if not sooner!

Jeanine

More than two dozen youngsters sprinted from the starting line in the kids' 1/2K and 1K races.

Dark clouds and brisk winds did not deter race-day registrants.

Where to start the praise parade? Under the tutelage of club Prez Jeanine “EverReady Bunny” Burnett, race organizers Pat-in-the-Hat Bright (who also serves as club treasurer on her days off) and Slacker Sully (resplendent in their race-day finery of St. Pauli Girl Gone Giddy and Bratman in a Bun; see photo, below) marshaled the efforts of a fine group of volunteers to pull off a well-organized and well-attended event on this weather-iffy Sunday. But the clouds held and the race happened and everyone went home satisfied. Who could ask for anything more?

Flanked by costumed race organizers Pat Bright and John Sullivan, Alex Wolf Root (second from right) took first overall in the 10K with a time of 16:27, and Anthony Pieroni came in third at 20:21. (Not shown is second-place winner Brandon Mills, at 17:16.)

Miler Steve Whitt crosses the finish line to take second in his age group.

Finally, we can’t forget our sponsors, Jim and Connie Indrebo for graciously letting us run amok at their Crazy Creek Glider Port, and Mike Mullin, of Whispering Pines Mountain Pure Spring Water, who donated what everyone needs most at a run. To these folks and anyone else we may have forgotten, a colossal, from-the-heart thank-you.

Nearly 100 adult, teen and (for the first time) pre-teen runners took part in the 5K race.

A sudden shower didn't dampen the spirits of runners and walkers in the ninth annual Spring Has Sprung.

In that spirit, almost 140 Milers, their kids, friends, guests, and other runners and walkers showed up on a rainy, blustery Sunday, May 15, for the ninth annual Spring Has Sprung, the Milers’ signature event of the year. The 2011 version of SHS was a winner in all respects–an entirely respectable turnout (including folks who traveled from throughout Northern California), great times (click here for results), terrific awards and prizes, sizable donations to both the Upper Lake High School cross-country and Middletown High School track teams ($900 to each), and cooperation and camaraderie across the board–especially from our star sponsor, the Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District, which has stood behind the Milers in this event for years. (Thanks as well to Gold Sponsor Twin Pine Casino and Hotel along with the other sponsors for their ongoing support of our fitness events.)

From left, Milers Megan Casey-Buffalo, Annie Tyrell and Sarah Carlisle take off under light rain -- and a rainbow.

Among the runners with noteworthy times were Alex Wolf-Root (president of the Empire Runners), who came from Santa Rosa to take first overall in the 10K with a time of 35 minutes 20 seconds (followed by Miler Steve Whitt in second place at 45:57 and Miler Member-at-Large Joy Astley in third at 47:56). In the 5K, Clint Stevens of Calistoga was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 18:22; he was followed in second by Ian Hoff of Kelseyville at 18:24 and Steven Pitsenbarger of Sausalito at 19:30. Among the winning women joining Joy in the 10K were Elizabeth Meza of Windsor, sprinting across the finish line in second at 47:58, and Alisha Bazzano of Hidden Valley Lake in third at 48:10. Katie Mansell of Lakeport led the women in the 5K, with a time of 23:39, followed by Julie Jensen of Kelseyville in second at 23:48 and Bailey Couey (also of Kelseyville) in third at 23:59. (It should be noted that Ms. Couey is only 10 years old.)

Bailey Couey, a 10-year-old from Kelseyville, took third in the 5K female division.

Thanks to all the Milers who gave their time and effort, including Event Majordomo Jeanine “EverReady Bunny” Burnett; her husband, Bill “I’ll Never Say No To You” Burnett (if there were ever a candidate for Mr. Calm & Collected, he’s it); Tyler “In a Class By Himself” Burnett (the “all-in-the-family” volunteer who gave new meaning to “guy on the go”); Chiyako Ito (club secretary who nailed the pre-registration entries and post-race medal handout); Timing Crew Leaders Michael and Jetta Meadows (Jetta also uploaded the winners to our Active webpage), superbly assisted by Rene and Hilde DeFeminis; Milers Activity Director Ginny Cholez (who found no task too menial) and her husband, Dennis Cholez (who provided logistical support galore); jack-of-all-trades Steve Whitt and his jill-par-excellence, Becky Whitt; Miler Veep Tanya Michel; registration-desk wizards Jeanette Addis, Georgeann Tintorri, Jackie Jordan, and Debbie Eggers; coffee-and-hot cocoa kahuna Paula Bryant; traffic-control mavens Barry Bratt and Don Fournier; Tom and Merci Hoskins for their help smoothing our entry into the Coyote Valley Elementary School auditorium and other valuable assistance; Member-at-Large Joy Astley (who whipped the whippersnappers into shape for the under-8 race); and former Veep Heather Johnson (who kept the award ceremony running on time). And to everyone and anyone we’ve forgotten or neglected to mention who contributed time, cash, prizes, or goods, a BIG MILER THANKS. We look forward to your continued support for the Tenth SHS in 2012.

Below are a few photographs from SHS No. 9 (click on the image to enlarge the picture). For more photos, see our Facebook album.

Winners in the 5K included (from left) Clint Stevens, Steven Pitsenbarger, Ian Hoff, Katie Mansell, Bailey Couey, and Julie Jensen.

Kids take off in the untimed 1K.

Miler Damon Mattson crosses the 5K finish with a time of 19:48.

Joy Astley (left) and Alisha Bazzano took first and third place, respectively, among women in the 10K.

Top 10Kers Alex Wolf-Root and Steve Whitt

The kids are all smiles after their 1K race, enjoying hot chocolate and cheering on the older runners.

Ian Hoff won overall first place among men with a time of 18:28. Tamara Gonzalez won overall first place among women, crossing the finish line at 20:39. Click here for a complete list of results for both the run and the walk. Check out our Facebook page for an album of photos from the event.

Participant fees enabled the Milers to donate almost $1,000 of the event’s proceeds to the Christine Hanson Education Scholarship Fund, which awards a scholarship every year to a high school graduate from Kelseyville who enters any California college that offers a program in education. It’s named after the longtime educator in Kelseyville schools who was also an avid walker.

The donation represented the Milers’ long tradition of backing nonprofits throughout Lake County. Since its inception in 2003, the Milers have donated more than $13,000 to community groups, according to Milers President Jeanine Burnett.

Race Director Ginny Cholez marshaled a small army of volunteers (including husband Dennis Cholez, Miler VP Tanya Michel, Member-at-Large Jetta Meadows [who along with her husband, Michael, nailed the timing for the event], and President Jeanine Burnett) to make the race a success, with donuts, coffee, fruit, juice, and other breakfast goods for all to enjoy after the race.

Eighteen (count 'em) Milers ran the 31st Willits Classic on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011. (Click on photos to enlarge them.)

Miler Randy Esson from Mendocino County is the first club member to cross the finish.

Steve Whitt breezes over the finish after running 10 miles in just under 1 hour 18 minutes.

Miler Veep Tanya Michel, who took an early start for the 10-mile race, finished in a little over 2 hours.

Membership status of respondents (N [number of respondents]=34)
Individual Membership: 41% (N=14)
Family Membership: 35% (N=12)
Membership lapsed: 3% (N=1)
Non-member (Lake County): 15% (N=5)
Non-member (out of county): 6% (N=2)

Zip Codes of respondents (N=23)
04926 China Village, ME: 4.3% (N=1)
95422 Clearlake, CA: 4.3% (N=1)
95423 Clearlake Oaks, CA: 8.6% (N=2)
95426 Cobb, CA: 4.3% (N=1)
95437 Fort Bragg, CA: 4.3% (N=1)
95451 Kelseyville, CA: 26% (N=6)
95453 Lakeport, CA: 4.3% (N=1)
95457 Lower Lake, CA: 4.3% (N=1)
95461 Middletown, CA: 4.3% (N=1)
95467 Hidden Valley Lale, CA: 26% (N=6)
95492 Windsor, CA: 8.6% (N=2)

Age group of respondents (N=35)
18 or under: 0% (N=0)
19 to 29 years: 14% (N=5)
30 to 39 years: 29% (N=10)
40 to 49 years: 17 (N=6)
50 to 59 years: 29% (N=10)
60 to 69 years: 9% (N=3)
70 or older: 3% (N=1)

Gender of respondents (N=35)
Male: 29% (N=10)
Female: 71% (N=25)

Preferred activity (N=35)
Walking: 9% (N=3)
Running/Jogging: 69% (N=24)
Combo of Running/Jogging: 20% (N=7)
Another Activity (bike, swim, etc.): 3% (N=1)

Average walking/running pace (N=27)
7:59 min./mile or faster: 3.7% (N=1)
8:00 to 8:59 min./mile: 14.8% (N=4)
9:00 to 9:59 min./mile: 25.9% (N=7)
10:00 to 10:59 min./mile: 18.5% (N=5)
11:00 to 11:59 min./mile: 14.8% (N=4)
12:00 to 12:59 min./mile: 14.8% (N=4)
15:00 min/mile (walking): 7.4% (N=2)
Average pace of all respondents: 10:27 min./mile

Primary Fitness Goals/Motivation (N=120)
Improve or maintain current fitness level: 23% (N=28)
Lose or maintain weight: 14% (N=17)
Meet others/network with others interested in fitness: 21% (N=25)
Learn techniques to improve/prevent Injuries, etc.: 9% (N=11)
Community involvement: 11% (N=13)
Train for upcoming event: 15% (N=18)
I want to begin exercising more regularly: 4% (N=5)
Other: 3% (N=3)
If other, please list:
• Accountability
• Not sure
• I also want to add endurance “horse rides” and “ride and tie”
as well as horse training to my training schedule
• Working on completing my second triathlon this spring

Preferences for Saturday runs/walks
Distance (N=40)
1 mile: 2% (N=1)
2 miles: 2% (N=1)
3 miles: 13% (N=6)
4 miles: 26% (N=12)
5 miles: 24% (N=5)
5+ miles: 11% (N=5)
Don’t care: 22% (N=10)

Time of day (N=37)
Early morning: 59% (N=22)
Mid-morning: 27% (N=10)
Afternoon: 3% (N=1)
Evening: 0% (N=0)
Don’t care: 11% (N=4)

Preferences for Sunday runs/walks
Distance (N=40)
5 miles or less: 10% (N=4)
6-10 miles: 40% (N=16)
11-15 miles: 20% (N=8)
16-20 miles: 10% (N=4)
20+ miles: 3% (N=1)
Don’t care: 18% (N=7)

Time of day (N=37)
Early morning: 48% (N=18)
Mid-morning: 22% (N=8)
Afternoon: 8% (N=3)
Evening: <3% (N=1)
Don’t care: 19% (N=7)

What keeps members from participating in club activities (N=94)
Busy work schedule: 20% (N=10)
Busy family life: 24% (N=12)
Lack of motivation: 6% (N=3)
Don’t feel welcomed: 0% (N=0)
Believe your fitness level is less than others: 12% (N=6)
Live too far away to attend activities: 8% (N=4)
Club times/days don’t work for me: 10% (N=5)
I am not a club member: 10% (N=5)
Other: 8% (N=4)
If other, please list:
• I participate whenever I can, but my work schedule interferes sometimes.
• I am too slow now, maybe too old.
• I already participate in club activities.
• Often out of town on weekends or busy with other events.
• I live in Sonoma County but my boyfriend and his family live in Kelseyville–I have been to three of your 5Ks and LOVE them!
• Not sure when/if regular meetings are held.
• Gone on some Saturdays to take care of elderly Mother. Need more walkers.
• I run on weekdays.
• When I’m not able to make them, generally meet a few times a week with some Milers

Favorite running/walking event (N=71)
5K: 27% (N=19)
10K: 27% (N=19)
Half-marathon: 17% (N=12)
Marathon: 8% (N=6)
Ultra-marathon: 3% (N=2)
Trail runs: 14% (N=10)
Other: 1% (N=1)
I have never participated in an event: 1% (N=1)
Unsure, or does not apply: 1% (N=1)

Would you be interested in… (Yes, No, Unsure, Maybe)
Attending informational events hosted by the Milers (N=35): 63%, 6%, 6%, 26%
Volunteering during Miler events or being an officer of the club
(N=34): 44%, 18%, 9%, 29%
Leading a weekday, evening, or morning run (N=34): 3%, 53%, 12%, 32%
Leading a long run on Sundays in any area of the county (N=34): 15%, 53%, 9%, 24%
Starting your own sub-group of the Milers (N=32): 3%, 75%, 6%, 16%

What could the club do to encourage you (or others) to attend Saturday or Sunday runs/walks, or events?
• I think this survey is a GREAT idea. You do a GREAT job promoting as it is; people are just TOO busy (especially families with elementary-aged kids and younger). The only thing I can think of is to really promote the family aspect of events, which you do pretty well already. Or, go the complete opposite direction and do a champagne and/or wine run and/or spa run. Something that really stimulates the senses like booze or a massage. But, again, at the end of the day, people are just plain BUSY–it has become a real epidemic (I think we are all addicted to it, being busy). We should all go on a running retreat together. I’m gonna stop there, it’s getting late.
• unsure
• Have beginner/training runs for those that don’t run but might like to try.
• REWARD THE SLOW WITH NON-FOOD ITEMS.
• I enjoy all of our events from pizza runs, breakfast runs, to timed events. I think we do a lot to encourage people to come out for our regular walks and events. Maybe we could try attending meetings of local fitness groups to spread the word about the Milers. The business cards will help when we see runners and walkers on the road.
• I am sure that you already do a nice job. Life just seems to get in the way.
• I think you are doing all you can do.
• Nothing already planning on attending more.
• Friday or Saturday evening sunset runs followed by food and beer.
• Breakfast!
• A Thursday or Friday evening pizza run; Saturday 9 a.m.
• I actually find the running with like-minded people to be enough motivation. I really enjoy the camaraderie of running and sharing of information. If I don’t make it to a run, it’s usually because it is a
scheduled rest day or I am otherwise busy.
• have a location in Maine.
• I already attend most all of them.
• Get more guys to join, do speed training. More trail runs. Go out for breakfast afterward.
• Not so EARLY IN THE MORNINGS. I’m still asleep at 7:30 a.m.
• Making it later in the morning. Saturday is our day to relax. 8:30 or 9 a.m. would be great.
• I really enjoy the after-work, evening get-togethers, like the pizza runs. I know it is hard to do in the winter months, because of darkness… but spring, summer, early fall, maybe we could do an evening run once a month, like we do in the summer.
• I like the idea of pizza and or breakfast runs on occasion because I would love the opportunity to talk to people, rather than run and just go home.
• Hold quarterly or so socials and bring friends, coworkers, acquaintances

What is one word or one sentence that you would use to describe the Lake County Milers as a club?
• I have so much fun with the Lake County Milers, the running is just a bonus!
• Active and encouraging
• Everyone is so friendly and encouraging — a fun group
• Supportive
• INTERESTING
• Friendly!!!
• just now, very active!
• Great group of people who share a common interest in fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
• Good energy!
• The Milers are a fun and motivating club that makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated.
• Super friendly
• motivation
• active and fun
• AWESOME!
• The running club.
• Super!! And Jeannine I would describe as AWESOME!
• FUN
• Supportive
• Awesome!!!
• A motivating and welcoming group of healthy people who make running fun!
• fun
• Friendly group. Wish there were more walkers in the group.
• Friendly, welcoming, fun and fit!
• Good healthy fun
• Fitness- and fun-oriented; family-friendly; celebrates Lake County
• Fun
• Wonderful people
• Energetic and motivating
• A group of nice, friendly people with positive attitude
• Like-minded, health-oriented friends
• Welcoming
• Enthusiastic
• Encouraging

Any additional comments?
• I really appreciate all you do! I look forward to the emails every week. I mark my calendar every time a clever club run is scheduled, and I look forward to seeing everyone on the weekends. I think the Lake County Milers is a FABULOUS club, and I only hope to gain more time in the near future to volunteer my efforts more.
• Keep up the good work, keep recruiting new members!
• Thanks for always being there–makes me get up and going when I need motivation.
• I’ve been a member for a couple of years now and really love it. I sometimes help with donations, etc. for events when I can. I try to get to HVL for weekend runs occasionally as well. It’s really a top-notch group and I’m happy to be a member.
• A very busy president and e-mail sender
• I’m so glad to have found this club in Lake County. I believe in the club’s goals and purpose, and I wish that more people would take advantage of the opportunity to belong to this fine organization. The club gives me the motivation to exercise regularly and to lead a healthier lifestyle. I enjoy the camaraderie and the team
spirit of this group.
• Hi, this is Mike Addis and I think that a support group for weekend long runs (especially when the rains come) would be very helpful. I also am interested in getting back into the “horse” thing. A horse makes a great running partner in the trails. Two runners and a horse makes it more interesting. Two hundred horses and four hundred rider/runners on the trail makes “an event!” Thanks for your concern.
• Keep up the great work.
• I would like to see more walks.
• I realize that the Lake County Milers are committed to Lake County for obvious reasons, but maybe we could try occasional weekend runs on the Willits Classic course or on the coast (Fort Bragg)??? I have started to run the Willits Classic course (10 mile) once/week at 8 a.m. (between Sunday-Wednesday) if
anyone wants to join me. The North Coast Striders and Fog Dodgers just are not as active and fun as the LC Milers.
• Running has been good to me.
• Wish I had the will power to participate more often.
• Great job to everyone involved in keeping this club running
• I really appreciate the dedication of the club president and officers. A lot of effort is made to keep things interesting and enjoyable. I feel welcome in this club.
• More activities for youths are needed. Races good, but kids need to have their own set runs along with club runs.
• Thanks for putting on the running events.
• I enjoyed the beer and brat and am looking forward to officially becoming a member!
• This club has enriched my life so much. I have traveled for races, because of the race… but have seen places and areas that I would have never seen otherwise. The club reminds me that there are middle-class, healthy, friendly people here that I can befriend. Also, I am here on my own mostly, and I think that one way to
make friends is to see people over and over again. Running with the group on Saturday affords that casual meeting that allows friendships to blossom. My life is much richer, both from the exercise and the new friends I have met and love.
• How about an annual meeting/bbq or potluck, not to run, but just to get everyone together, interact, to see just how much the club is growing? It could be announced well in advance and be a set day, like the third Saturday in a chosen month every year. Thanks for the survey.
• I love the Milers!

Here’s a video for those not so inclined to read:

Milers who attended the annual brunch gathered on the Burnetts' lawn on Jan. 8, 2011. (Click on photo to enlarge it.)

Then, all present voted in our club’s new vice president, the multi-talented Tanya Michel, who is one of the Studebaker Stalwarts and an enthusiastic participant at club runs and events. Additionally, the assembled Milers voted for new Members-at-Large Ginny Cholez (for the Lakeport/Kelseyville area) and Joy Astley (for South County). Everyone knows Ginny as an indefatigable event organizer and enthusiastic runner, and many know Joy (though she’s only been a member for a little more than a year) because she’s so impressively fast (having taken high honors in a number of races locally and at events statewide). Jeanine, Pat Bright, and Chiyako Ito were all given a unanimous “thumbs up” to continue in their leadership roles of president, treasurer, and secretary (respectively).

Here’s wishing them all continued success in growing the best little running club around.

The Milers were thrilled to donate $1,413.00 to the Upper Lake High
School Cross Country team in 2010 from proceeds made possible by
the race sponsors and participants of the 2010 Spring Has
Sprung Run.

“WOW! The Upper Lake CC Team would like to thank the Lake County
Milers for sponsoring our team.  Your donation will go so far in our sport.
I expect to have more than 10% of the student body on the cross
country team this season.  We will be able to outfit them and train right,
because of the Milers donation.  Thanks so much.”

– John Woods (center in photo above, in red sweatshirt), Coach of the Upper Lake
Cross Country Cougars Running Team accepting the check from Milers
President Jeanine Burnett