Texas Motor Speedway Duathlon

Team Finish Strong Racing's father-son duo of Manuel and Rodrigo Abascal competed successfully in the 7th Annual Texas Motor Speedway Duathlon on Sunday, February 20 in Fort Worth, Texas. 326 participants completed the fast 2-mile run, 15-mile, 2-mile race.

Rodrigo Abascal came in 5th in his age group with a time of 1:17:25. He ran the first 2 mile leg in 13:08 (6:34/M pace), followed by the bike leg at 49:12 (19.5mph pace), finishing the final 2 mile run in 13:28 (6:44/M pace).

Rodrigo's dad, Manuel finished 20th in his age group with a time of 1:28:18. His splits were 15:06 (7:33/M) for the first run, 55:54 (17.2mph) for the bike, and 15:19 (7:40/M pace) for the final 2 mile run.

Congrats!

Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon & Half Marathon

Galveston hosted the Mardi Gras Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, February 20th. It started in the historic Strand district, toured much of Galveston Island and finshed in the Strand. Finish Strong Racing Kyle Mays and Javier Noyola were there to compete in the half marathon. Paul Daly who participated in the Finish Strong marathon group training program also competed.

Kyle Mays finished 4th in his 45-49 age group with a time of 1:38:34 (at a brisk 7:32/mile pace.) Paul Daly finished 8th in his 35-39 age group with a time of 1:47:15.8 (8:12/M pace). Javier Noyola placed 13th in his 35-39 age group with a time of 1:52:54.3 (8:39/M pace). Way to go!

Livestrong Austin Marathon and Half Marathon

On Sunday, February 20th, Austin hosted the Livestrong Marathon and Half Marathon events. The courses run through some of Austin's most scenic and historic areas, including Lady Bird Johnson Lake, the Allandale and Hyde Park neighborhoods, Congress Avenue, the University of Texas campus, and the State Capitol complex. Finish Strong was represented well by seven athletes at the half marathon.

A trio of Finish Strong female athletes competed in the 40-44 age group. Shannon Crowe finished 14th with a time of 1:44:11. Jackie Lewis finished in 1:57:30 (PR by over 3 minutes!). Carolyn Barron finished in 2:15:10. Cindy McManis finished 31st in her 50-54 age group with a time of 2:05:06.

For the men, Steve Hardy placed 44th in the men's 45-49 age group with a time of 1:47:51. Scott Pinkston competed in the men's 40-44 age group and finished with a time of 1:58:51. William Blount finished 17th in his 60-64 age group with a time of 2:06:51. Cory Richard had a PR of over 17 minutes and finished in 2:16:31.

Competing in the full marathon was Max Bachrach who overcame this hilly and challenging race with a time of 4:11:42.

Bill Crews Remission Run

The Bill Crews Remission Run was held on Saturday, February 5 at Carl Barton, Jr. Park in Conroe, Texas. Finish Strong Jim Harrington and Jody Gaddy finished 3rd and 4th respectively in their age groups. Jim finished with a time of 20:22 for the 5K race. Jody finished right behind Jim in 20:45. Emily Roper, a regular at Tuesday Night Track workouts, finished first in her age group with a time of 21:13. Congrats!

Ironman Texas Ride

We will have a supported ride of the upper part of the Ironman Texas bike course this coming Saturday, February 19th starting at 9:30am and leaving from the Montgomery Jr. High (located on the south side of SH105 about 2 miles west of the town of Montgomery).

The loop is about 53.7 miles. Sag support in Richards and at the school. Will do two loops (there is a way to reduce the mileage by about 15 miles if you are not up for a 107 mile ride). Will have 3 groups based on estimated IM pace.

This is for coached athletes and Team Finish Strong Racing members. We welcome others but ask that you contact us at dana@coachlyons.com prior to the ride.

Map of route; http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/28229034

FormulaRunEthiopia

Our friend Judith Clark is helping to put on a 5k called FormulaRunEthiopia to raise money for a couple who support four orphanages in Ethiopia. The couple sends enough baby formula each month to feed all the babies that live in the orphanages. Race details follow.

The FormulaRunEthiopia will be held on Saturday, March 19th, beginning and ending at Barbara Bush Elementary located at 7420 Crownridge Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77382. You may early register for the race here, www.intothestreetsofethiopia.com, or you may register the morning of the racefrom 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Race registration is $12, the cost of one can of baby formula, per participant. Also, you may purchase a t-shirt for $30 online or at the race. Please understand that all registrations are final. Please join us for awards, coffee, and a Chick fila breakfast following the race!

Children's 1 Mile Run will begin at 8:00 a.m. All children under the age of 12 are welcome to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 boys and top 3 girls.

FormulaRunEthiopia 5k will begin at 8:15 a.m. All are invited to run or walk this race. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 males and top 3 females.

"If you can't feed one hundred then feed just one." Mother Teresa

Jailbreak Half Marathon

Baytown hosted the inaugural Jailbreak Half Marathon on Saturday, February 12. The race started and finished at the Baytown Jail and featured a unique start with "police chasing escaped convict" across the street. With water stops every 2 miles, live bands, cheerleaders, and the turn-around point at the top of the Fred Hartman bridge, it was a fun race. Deb Lyons won her 45-50 age group with a time of 1:59. Proceeds from the race benefitted the Baytown Police Department.

Run Away with My Heart

Father-daughter duo, Bill and Pilar Glaser, took on the recent local Run Away with My Heart 5 mile trail race on February 12 at Imperial Oaks. Both won their age groups! Pilar finished in 37:56.7 which put her first for Female 15 and under and 29th overall. Bill finished in 35:11.9 which put him 1st in Male 41 to 45 and 13th overall. This inaugural event had 347 participants. Congrats to the Glasers!