Flyer of the Year: Bill Schleining

Bill S.

Thank You

It is quite an honor to have been awarded the Flyer of the Year, especially when there are so many other Flyers who contribute so much to the club and their teammates. I know the things I did to help out were really just a lot of fun. And, I owe a lot to all of the Flyers who have helped me since I joined the team in 2013.

It’s Fun to Run

I’ve been running steadily since 2008, but it was in the spring of 2013 when I decided to look into running with a group. I had watched teams running in Westchester County where I live and around Central Park and looked at all their web sites. Most teams I thought

Typical Thursday Evening Run Group

would be too fast or too serious or did nothing but run around Central Park, or only at times when I couldn’t make it. I eventually showed up for one of the Saturday Flyer Group Runs. I was very impressed with how friendly everyone was, and the mix of serious runners at different levels and those who were out for just an easy conversational run. I then went to a Thursday evening run, which is a good time for me to run after work before heading home. I found that to be a great group of people with a ride range of running abilities and interests. And then I found that is true of the entire team and all of the runs. On just about every day there’s a group running and you can find people to run with at the pace you want on that day, and at whatever level of socializing you’re interested in.

It’s Fun to Race

Before I joined the Flyers I ran in only NYRR races to do the 9+1. Finishing at 4,599^th place in a race was not that

2015 NYRR Team Championships

rewarding. But after I joined the Flyers I found I was running more and improving my speed. Then I did the Flyers Marathon Training Program (MTP) and SpeedPass speedwork in alternate seasons and found that my race times were improving dramatically. More significantly, the support of teammates and encouragement of people I did not know yelling “go Flyers" keeps me doing my best in every race.

It’s Fun to Volunteer

I think almost all of the Flyers help each other out at one time or another. Formally volunteering at an

Pacing at NYRR Long Training Run

event enables helping everyone and can be even more fun than just participating. My favorite has been being a pace leader in the long training runs. Before I was a member of the Flyers I would run in the NYRR Long Training Runs every year. I was always very impressed with the pace leaders and how well they maintained pace while the rest of us followed behind as best we could. I was sure they were all former Olympians. Now I know that it’s all my Flyer teammates who are the pace leaders and I’m delighted each year to be one of them.

It’s Fun to be a Flyer

I am thankful to all my teammates for the contributions each person makes to participate in the club, starting with

Finish Line at Ironman Lake Placid

just showing up for events. Being a member of such a well regarded group has it’s perks. One of my favorites was at the Ironman in Lake Placid. After 12 hours of swimming and biking I was struggling through the marathon, which would eventually take me 5 hours. Throughout the night as I ran/walked there would be the spectators along the course who knew the best thing to say to keep me going- “GO FLYERS”

-Bill S.

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From the Jersey Palisades, with Love

Oscar G

Late June 2015, without much pomp and circumstance, the New York Flyers held what could very well have been the 25^th anniversary of its famed Palisades Interstate Park LTR. My sources tell me that founding members Jerry Flower and Ed O’Donnell organized the first run as early as 1990 (or maybe 1991).  

Rumor has it that in the early years Mr. and Mrs. Flower would throw a BBQ after the run in their place near the finish line. Since then, dozens of Flyers have stepped up to help keep this tradition going year after year. Although the Flyers online photo archive only goes back to the year 2000, a quick search turned up a few nice gems of organizers from years past.

Twenty five years later, the Palisades run keeps going strong. Nearly thirty runners braved rain and windy conditions to enjoy a touch of suburban running away from the weekend crowds of Central Park or the Hudson River Greenway. Five stand-up Flyers volunteered to staff hydration stations and to ensure all were safe on the course. Naturally, as dictated by our long Flyers tradition, the run was followed by brunch at nearby Cabrini’s restaurant.

So what makes the Palisade LTR so popular with Flyers and non-members alike? For sure the camaraderie and social aspects are a big draw, but that’s not necessarily unique to this particular event. What does make this run special is the striking natural beauty of the Jersey Palisades and the challenging elevation profile of the course. Let’s also not forget the George Washington Bridge, which most New Yorkers seldom have the chance (or inclination) to cross on foot. 

The run normally starts at the corner of Fort Washington Ave and 179^st St, right on the steps of the Holyrood Episcopal Church and across the street from the GWB bus terminal. After a very short safety and information brief, runners are on their way with their chosen pace groups.  Within a minute or two, runners become part of a small minority of New Yorkers who know how to access the pedestrian walkways of the GWB.

Like many structures in large cities with long histories, the GWB is an unsung marvel of modern engineering. An estimated 106 million vehicles crossed the bridge in 2014 giving it the dubious distinction of being the busiest in the world. The original design called for its imposing 600 ft steel towers to be encased in concrete and granite, but cost constraints during the great depression forced engineers to alter the final design leaving the steel cross-beams exposed.

Crossing the bridge on foot affords participants a more intimate connection with a landmark we have all grown accustomed to view mundanely for its utility rather than its grandeur. The LTR gives runners unique views as they navigate the course across, over and under the GWB. 

On the New Jersey side of the bridge, the course turns south for about a quarter mile before entering the Palisades Interstate Park on Henry Hudson Drive then heading north along the Hudson River shore. The park was open to the public in 1909 as a result of what could be considered the earliest victory of environmental activism in the United States. Under pressure from civic organizations such as “The American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society” and the “New Jersey Federation of Women’s Clubs,” officials from both New York and New Jersey formed the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) to stop the daily blasting of the Palisades cliffs by numerous quarries extracting gravel and building materials. 

The change in scenery is both dramatic and swift. The noisy bustle of the GWB gives way to a quiet and narrow country road. Mature trees on both sides of the road provide nice cover from the sun and offer but a glimpse at autumn’s early colors, especially when the LTR falls in late September as it did last year.

A mile or so after entering the park, the challenging nature of the course becomes clear. The first few miles feature mild (mostly downward) rolling hills, reaching water level at the Englewood picnic area, just past mile 4 on the course. The first significant climb follows, rising about 140 ft in only 3 10ths of a mile.  Fortunately, the first fluid station is just half a mile from the top of the hill in the Undercliff picnic station.  Anyone running 10 miles can hydrate, use the bathroom and turn back from this location.

The next aid station is located on mile 9. Volunteers provide water, Gatorade, gels, bananas and much cheer and encouragement. You’ll need it to tackle the next mile to the Park Rangers’ station. It is almost a 400 ft climb on weary legs. By comparison, Harlem Hill (counter-clockwise) climbs almost 90 ft in about a third of a mile. The timing of the LTR and the course was perfect this year for three Flyers training for the 2015 San Francisco marathon.

In summary, the Palisades LTR is a great event and the 2015 Palisades LTR #2 is scheduled for Saturday, September the 19^th. It is easily accessible by the A or 1 trains. It offers a chance to run through a course full of history, natural beauty and one amazing feat of civil engineering. It will challenge you and help you improve your fitness level. I found it surprisingly rewarding to look back at the history of this event. It reaffirmed my belief in the club’s goal and activities. I look forward to another 25 years of fun running in The Palisades. Go Flyers! 

-Oscar G*

*Special thanks to Richard B and Tim D for providing historical information about the Flyers Palisades LTR.

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Sartorial Splendor at the Flyer Awards Gala

Francine A
(with Laurent N)

Once again, Flyers dressed to impress at the 2014 Annual Flyers Awards Gala. 

We are all indebted to Bob C for his fabulous Red Carpet photos. 

Studies in Scarlet

Amy S with her Beau
(Paul)

Amy S looked adorable in a bright red dress with a lattice neckline.  Sharon B, was elegant in her tea length red dress.  Susanne F, who is about to celebrate her golden anniversary with Jerry F, wore a chic red dress that hit just below the knee.  Andrea K shone in a floor-length crimson gown.  Jodie F, Daphine C and Cheryl Sp dazzled in ruby red dresses.

Susanne and Jerry F

Jewel Tones

Ruby red was not the only jewel tone at the ball.   Lara K, Noirin L, Louise C, Joanna C and Lisa M wore gleaming sapphire gowns. Jena T, Rachel B, and Laura G chose amethyst. Cortie E and Deborah B wore garnet. Cassandra G opted for a deep emerald gown. Marcy W's silver cocktail dress sparkled as though it were made of diamonds. Colleen R wore a gown the color of opals.

Colleen R

Maggie Schwartz and Anne Halpern chose short pearl grey frocks with lovely draping  Megan Tracy accented her black dress with a deep burgundy shawl. Karen Harris’s dusky purple gown was detailed with studs.

Karen H with Andreas W

Fine Prints

Debbie P with Dave K

Flyer women made bold statements in patterned dresses.  Master of Ceremonies Debbie P co-hosted the awards ceremony in a pink, orange and black pattern that could have come straight from the walls of MOMA.  Julie W was a breath of spring in a tiered turquoise print dress. Fran B accepted her super veteran award in a flawless black and white print dress. Esperanza V, out for a night out with ultramarathoner Scott M, evoked the tropics in her flowered gown.

Constanze L chose a small print in black and white. Martha M and Kathy K wore Flyer black and red.  Laura P opted for a muted animal print. Renate S combined prints and ruffles in her black and white number. Liz K opted for a deep blue tweed pattern.

Martha M with Richard S

The Indispensable Little Black Dress

Flyers demonstrated why the little black dress remains the indispensable choice for a night out. From Pei A’s strapless numbers to Nina P-T’s handkerchief hem, the LBD showed its infinite variety.  Elizabeth A, Noel C, Dorian D’A B, Cheryl St, Tracey A, Emily A, Justine K, Joyce S, Francine A, Janna G-E, Jeanine H, Naomi R, Lisa S, and Luiza S were the height of chic in their midnight black frocks, each with its own detailing.  Jocelyn T’s black dress included a diagonal flower pattern.  Stephanie P, Joy G and Deb M looked seriously elegant in floor-length black gowns. 

Nina P-T

One-Shouldered

The one-shouldered trend so prevalent on the runways made its way to Battery Gardens. Sarah Dahl danced the night away in a one-shouldered, blue bandeau dress. Wendy Shao wore a ruffled blue cocktail dress with a single jeweled strap. Khris Della Pace flaunted a one-shouldered cocktail dress with a dazzling sequined top.

YSL Lives

The black pantsuit designed by Yves Saint Laurent is often cited as the greatest game changer in modern women’s fashion. YSL’s influence was evident at the Gala.  Liz G was the picture of elegance in fitted black pants, impeccable white shirt and short black jacket.  Kettia M chose a romper with high-waisted black pants and a ruffled white shirt. Liz C sported black pants and a black lace top.

Liz G

Lace

Lace is no longer just for brides.  Jennifer O, Jeanine H, Catie B and Sandy A were adorned in black lace. Dana McL’s lace gown was in dusky purple. Elle G wore a dress with a lace overlay. Friederike E had one of the most original dresses of the evening, a short white sheath with a long-sleeved lace overlay.  Stephanie T sported a black skirt with a white lace top. Nora S exemplied le rouge et le noir in a deep red sheath with a black lace overlay.

Stephanie T in Lace with
Husband Ray T and Wendy S

Nora S

Flyer Men Wore Clothes, Too

Richard B with
Dorian D'A

Flyer men also made an effort to dress to impress. Dave K, Pat D, Francisco R,  Richard B, Tom M, Doug R, Jerry F, Richard G, Bill S and Ed F evoked George Clooney in black tie.

Alan G and Mark R wore Flyer ties.

Abel B with Liz C

The Fashion Forward award goes to Abel B and his sky blue suit with light pink piping.  

-Francine A.

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Park To Plunge -- Freezin' for a Reason

Dave K

On New Year's Day 2014, a group of intrepid NY Flyers, Hellgate Road Runners, NR7 Triathletes and friends met up at Prospect Park to participate in and/or watch the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Coney Island.  Organized by Polina Savelieva (Hellgater and NR7 triathlete), the diverse group  met up at Machete Circle at the edge of Prospect Park for a roughly 6-mile run to Coney Island.

The Group Gathers at Prospect Park Eager to Run to Coney Island

Polina had participated in a similar event last year, along with Flyer Pei M.A., who eagerly joined in again. Other Flyers who joined the group were Lizabeth R, Meredith J, Meg B, Doug R and Dave K.  This would be Meg's 12th consecutive New Year's Day plunge!

Lizabeth R, Meredith J, Doug R, Pei M.A, and Meg B

The group followed a simple route to Coney Island Beach, and everyone headed out after leaving warm clothes and other items to be delivered to the beach in one of two cars toting our stuff, thanks to two volunteer drivers recruited by Polina and the use of her own car.

Park to Plunge Running Route

We packed warm and dry clothes to change into after the plunge.  Some plungers use the heated changing facilities and bathrooms near the beach.  Many simply packed a large towel for drying off and to use as a post-plunge "changing room" right there on the beach after exiting the water. Surf boots, water shoes or Vibram FiveFingers shoes were recommended because of the possibility of broken glass on the beach. 

Polina, Our Fearless Leader
Even Dressed the Part in Her Superman Cape

It was highly recommend by experienced plungers that we also bring a warming beverage for after the plunge. For some, that meant hot tea in a thermos or something along those lines. For others, it meant a bottle of something with a bit more of a kick :) And it was suggested that we bring a snack, as well as hand and foot warmers. 

Pei knew from her experience last year what additional items she would bring.  And of top priority was her polar bear hat that she wore proudly before and after the plunge!

Smiley Polar Bear Pei

The morning was cold, but no one complained as we all looked forward to greeting the New Year with an icy plunge.  And so off we went for our run to Coney Island.

Running Alongside Ocean Parkway
Polina S, Dave's friend Kathleen R, Dave K and Pei

When we arrived at the beach, we met up at Ruby's Bar and Grill and then headed to the cars to retrieve our belongings. However, some plungers not with our group seemed less concerned about the cold, or more interested in making a splash with their costumes. 



Before gaining access to the ocean, we had to each receive a wirst band from the Polar Bear Club event organizers after providing them with a liability waiver form. To shorten our waiting time so that we could plunge right away when the event got underway at 1pm, and to support an important charity, many of us donated $20 or more to Camp Sunshine.  This is an organization that supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. We created a team, aptly named the Park-to-Plungers, on Crowdrise.com in order to facilitate our donating.

There was quite a crowd on hand to plunge and/or to spectate.  According to the NY Daily News, 2,500 swimmers took a dip in the 41-degree ocean at Coney Island.

And, at last, the moment arrived for us, as in we ran!  

Running In!

Then, out we ran!!

And Running Out!!

It was suggested that we change as quickly as possible into dry clothes after the plunge. Also, Polina cautioned me and others to make very certain to remember where we left our stuff on the beach before heading into the water, since the cold might disorient us. I found this to be true for me, as I became even more disoriented than usual. We also were advised that we should remove all wet items ASAP after the plunge, and to not stay in the water long if we didn't know how our body may respond. 

Pei and Doug are Front and Center Among
One of the Groups Drying Off After the Plunge

For me, the Polar Bear Plunge was rather bearable (pun intended).  Maybe because I'm used to taking ice baths after long-runs and races. And probably more likely because I heeded Polina's and Pei's advice. Also, special thanks to Meredith who helped me open my hand-warmer packets!  Unfortunately, I somehow managed to get separated from the group and plunged before the rest of our entourage. But on the bright side, that enabled me to take photos of many of the others. Doug was kind enough to strike a pose for me:

Doug R Strikes a Pose and Flashes Some Runner Leg

None of us stayed in very long.  For me, it seemed like maybe 15 seconds of running screaming into the water. There weren't any waves to speak of and so I kept going until my shoulders were submerged.  I suppose I should have dunked my head for the full experience, but my excuse, and I'm sticking with it, was that I was wearing my glasses (and had stepped on and broken my other pair the day before), so wasn't taking any chances with them.  Although I did splash water over my head before casually retreating (i.e., running screaming) back to the beach (spotting Flyer Ray S dashing in as I was dashing out) in probably a few seconds faster than it took to run in.

I think I can speak for all of us in our group saying that we had a blast whether we plunged or not. I suppose part of me felt like a bit of a narcissist -- enjoying the attention from all of the people who made us feel rugged and crazy and adventurous.  When in fact I thought the plunge itself really wasn't such a big deal.

Rather, for me the best parts included the fun sharing in our nervousness leading up to the event, enjoying the subway ride chatting with Meg on the way to the meeting spot in Prospect Park, taking pleasure in my first run of the new year in running to the beach, viewing the crowd and some particularly interesting characters, soaking in the positive energy from plungers and spectators, spending the day with old and new friends, experiencing (very briefly!) the plunge itself, warming up with hot chocolate from the nearby Dunkin Donuts, heading back home by subway with Doug, Pei and her husband, and sharing photos and banter after the plunge.

Maybe I'll go back for more next year. Or maybe I'll just stick to my post-run ice baths.  Either way, it was a memorable day.

-Dave K

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Laurie Harris Hope And Dreams 5K

Written by Linda C

On a beautiful clear Saturday morning, red, black, and white singlets dotted Firefighters Field on Roosevelt Island as the members of the New York Flyers and other runners gathered to wait for the start of The Laurie Harris Hope and Dreams 5K.  As a relatively new member of the Flyers, I only recently met Laurie Harris, but when you meet her, you understand why a group of people would come together to organize a race in her honor in order to raise funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer – the disease she is currently battling. 

A buzz of energy emanated from the crowd.   Laurie Harris, accompanied by her husband Neal, father-in-law, daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and Paco the wonder dog, was surrounded all day by a swirl of people. Whether these runners came out to Roosevelt Island because of a connection to Laurie, a connection to the Flyers, a connection with pancreatic cancer, or just to run a 5K, everyone seemed to be having a good time. 

Laurie with Flyers and Family Taking On The course

Rita D

New York Flyers’ President Alan G addressed the crowd prior to the race start noting that this was the first race organized by the Flyers in its 24 year history.  The Flyers’ very own Rita D sang the national anthem just before the start of the race.

NYCRUNS’ provided timing and other race management services.  NYRR provided the technical race shirts, featuring a caricature of Laurie designed by Laurie's daughter, Tracey.  Sponsors included NYRR, Skechers, NY Running Company, Duane Reade,  Granoff Architects, and the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.  Sizeable donations and contributions to the post-race raffle also were provided, including by Joey Harary of the Moret Group and a one-year Gold Membership by Asphalt Green.

Runners on the Course

While there was definitely a Flyers reunion feel to the race, it still was a race as the horn sounded, and we were off!.  This was evident as those at the front dashed out.  The male winner, Logan Yu, came in with a time of 16:44, and the female winner, Una Broderick, came in with a time of 19:41.  Laurie Harris walked a portion of the course with her family, some Flyers, and Dr. Yu, Laurie’s oncologist from Memorial Sloan Keterring.

Race Awards
and Raffle Winners

Following the official race announcements, including the presentation by Laurie of awards to the race winners and raffle winners, the Flyers gathered for a group photo.

Janet H handed out “L” shaped crisped rice treats that she cleverly crafted after an entire night of baking and wrapping, and which we lifted in our team photo as a tribute to Laurie.    

Flyers Team Pic Tribute for Laurie on Roosevelt Island

There were more than 550 runners registered for The Inaugural Laurie Harris Hope and Dreams 5K and there were 461 official finishers.  The race raised roughly $25,000 for the Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cancer Research Center, from race registration proceeds and sponsor contributions.  By all accounts the inaugural Laurie Harris Hope and Dreams 5K was a success, not just for the funds raised and the running of a good race, but for opportunity to celebrate a long-time Flyers member, Laurie Harris. 

To view a Skechers infomercial that includes footage of Flyers from the race and the pre-race Soiree, please click HERE.

Before I officially met Laurie Harris, all I knew of her was that she was fighting pancreatic cancer, but still managed to finish ahead of me at NYRR’s races.  I had an opportunity to contact some Flyers members for their thoughts on the race and found some of the reasons for their endearing love for Laurie.

Heather M at the Race 
with Long-Time Flyer John W

Heather M noticed Laurie Harris at NYRR races long before they met.  Heather noted that Laurie “was easy to spot and always stood out because of her beautiful blonde mane flowing freely as she ran.”  She later got to know her better as a team member, volunteering and participating in some of the same local triathlons together when Laurie was always a podium winner!

About the race, Heather remarked on how widespread the love for Laurie is and how far her amazing spirit and strength reached, bringing “old timers” together for the race.  Frank C, Barry B with his wife Divya and their new son, Susan H and her family, Laura L, Ariella E, her husband and twin sons, and many more.   Long-distance Flyers Monika G, Tom D and their daughter Bo came up from North Carolina for the event. Heather also noted how heartwarming it was to learn that Flyers members no longer residing in the tri-state area were inspired to participate in the race by running “virtual” 5Ks, including Gina B in England, and Angela G, Carrie B, Julie G, Sandy B and Maria D around the US.  Heather also commented on the "coziness" of the race and how there was a “very special feeling and energy surrounding the race and Laurie, like a warm embrace.”

Francine A with Janet H at the Race
Looking Cool in their Shades

Francine A adds that one Flyer met Laurie more than 50 years ago! Gary Z and Laurie attended Hebrew school together.  They were reunited thanks to the Flyers.  Gary, his wife Eileen, and his son Jesse all did the race. Jesse brought along a many of his North Brooklyn Runner teammates, including the race winner! Members of Millrose and of Mercury Masters, many of whom have been racing against Laurie for two decades, turned out in force.  

Flyers Race Director Scott C, looking back on the race, noted that it exceeded his expectations in every way.   Scott, too, commented on how the race brought together so many of our teammates for “what turned into the most beautiful reunion of new and older members in one place to meet and reminisce and feel good about being together!”  Scott also commented that he was overjoyed for a few hours when everything came together on race day.  However, he noted that his “happiness is tempered by the very genuine reality of what Laurie is going through daily in her fight to survive.”  He concluded that his belief that the race gave Laurie purpose, gave him a determination to make the race as special as possible and that's what made the race worthwhile and he was happy to be a part of it.

Scott, Laurie and Paco!

Alan G recalled that when he joined the Flyers in 2008, he did not know Laurie, but recognized her from NYRR races.  He noted that it was not until 2010 when he learned who Laurie was and learned about her incredible running career.  Alan remarks that, “I just knew she represented what running is all about...getting out there, getting your run on and enjoying yourself.  Laurie always runs with a big smile that radiates sunshine for miles.”  Alan credits Laurie (and her husband Neal) with teaching him “much about positivity, warmth, Zen-ness and the power of a good soul.”  He describes Laurie as having indomitable resilience and warmth, compassion and selflessness that “is a model for us all,” and concluded that “one cannot help but love her (and Neal, too!, as they are two peas in a pod).”

Husband Neal, Paco, Laurie and Granddaughter Matisse 
as They Dash to the Finish Line

Alan described the race as magnificent and a landmark event for the New York Flyers and all running clubs and said that he looks forward to doing it all again next year. 

Were Quinnipiac Polling Institute out on Roosevelt Island to poll the runners of The Inaugural Laurie Harris 5K, I think there would be an overwhelming consensus that we, like Scott, were all happy to be a part of the race and we, like Alan, look forward to doing it all again next year. 

-Linda C

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