Quote:
"Running, one might say, is basically an absurd past-time upon which to be exhausting ourselves. But if you can find meaning, in the kind of running you have to do to stay on this team, chances are you will be able to find meaning in another absurd past-time: Life." - Bill Bowerman
Honestly, I'm not sure if this quote is genuinely from the legendary coach, Bill Bowerman, but it comes from my favorite running movie, Without Limits. By the way, you should watch it before your next big race! To me, the quote is very profound. Running is often misunderstood; it doesn’t make sense to many why someone would engage in something so repetitive and exhausting, especially in harsh weather. But those who chase personal goals through this simple hobby grasp the true essence of it. One run at a time, one mile at a time, one step at a time... in an endless pursuit to become a better runner. This journey transcends running, flowing into all areas of life, as we strive to become better people.
Okay, I hope you're inspired now.
Intro:
Welcome to the Cincinnatus Track Club newsletter! I introduced this idea with a soft launch in late summer 2024, but it wasn't quite where I wanted it to be. After an injury, running took a backseat for a while. My goal has been to revive it in 2025 with monthly issues, so here it is! This newsletter aims to keep you informed about all things related to Cincinnati running and to strengthen our vibrant community. With that said, welcome to the January issue!
Winter is in full swing here in Cincinnati and across the Midwest. Heavy snow and freezing temperatures have made running feel like a dreadful hobby. If you're like me, the treadmill doesn't quite cut it. With a marathon just four months away, I find myself torn between braving the elements or sticking to the treadmill. It's a common dilemma for many runners right now, but we will get through it together!
Cincinnati Running News:
The Cincy Chase the Crown tournament has begun! Round 1 commenced last week and runners are moving on in the bracket. For those that don't know, Chase the Crown is a head to head bracket style tournament where each week features a Strava segment, and runners are facing off against each other to see who can post the fastest split on it during that week. Prizes on the line plus plenty of bragging rights. To follow along or read about the rules in finer detail, check out the website https://www.speedysyndicate.com/home or follow on social media @cincychasethecrown. Shout out Speedy Boys for putting this on!
Looking for an awesome way to remember your big race? Check out Map O Race for custom race day posters made by one of our CE members, Michelle Murray! Find more info at maporace.com
Map O Race sample The Flying Pig 2025 Kick Off event is January 18th at Element Eatery from 7-10AM. Grab some food, check out the Finish Swine, and get in on some giveaways. That first weekend in May will be here before ya know it! Make sure to register here though: Registration Link
The Flying Pig scholarship application for high school students is open! Apply here: Application Link
Heart Mini registration is open! Create/Join a team and start raising money for a great cause, the America Heart Association. Plenty of time to start training for those hills.
Training Groups are starting up for the season. Fleet Feet, Performance Project, Queen City, etc. Great opportunities to find a group that fits what you're looking for!
Esoteric Brewing Company has a run club night at 6PM on Wednesdays. Stop by for a run and some great beer!
Any med students looking for a group to run with? The Cincy Med Run Club meets on Mondays at 6:30PM at varying locations. All paces welcome. Follow @cincymedrunclub on IG for week-to-week info on runs.
Cincy Runner Spotlight: Andrew Winebrenner
For this episode's spotlight, I wanted to shout out a guy who's made a huge difference in the Cincy running scene. The founder of Roebling Runners, Andrew Winebrenner. Over the years, he has fostered a fantastic community and positively influenced countless lives. The group meets on Tuesdays over in Newport. Give them a follow @roeblingrunners for some great social media content as well. I asked Andrew for a quote below.
"6 years ago, I was inspired to build a community around running because of these running crews that were popping up in bigger cities, like NYC and DC . I had recently gotten the itch to run after becoming a father and also wanted to carve out time to connect with friends early in the morning. Life can get so chaotic and busy, so it was a great accountability to make space for each other. I wanted that group to be a celebration of Cincinnati and the Roebling Bridge was a perfect icon to rep. We threw together a logo and said let’s meet at the bridge! Over the years, the Roebling Runners has remained a bridge-building community that helps people working towards new personal goals, connect with friends along the way, and explore new areas of the city."
I love what he had to say. The accountability of running groups helps so much. And it really does keep you committed to a routine of getting out for a run and spending time with great people amongst everyone's busy lives. I also appreciated his mention of the group's simple beginnings. It's similar to how Jack and I started Cincinnatus—just "hey, let's meet here and call ourselves this." Years later, it's incredible to reflect on what has grown from that initial idea. Shout out to Andrew for founding a group that has become a cornerstone of the Cincinnati running community!
Cincy Running Historical Moment: Eric Finan wins Regionals
Each month, I will highlight a historical moment in the history of Cincinnati running. And no better way to kick it off than shouting out the UC Bearcats legend, Eric Finan. Back in the fall of 2010, Finan snagged the win at the Great Lakes Regional Meet with a 30:25 10k. Finan had a lot of special moments at UC and post-collegiately, but I remember hearing about this one specifically. My brother was a freshman at UC and hearing the Bearcats were being repped at the NCAA level winning big meets like that got me hyped to go there. Shout out Eric for helping pave the way for the incredible program that UC has now!
Strava Segment Highlight: Disney Ave
I am picking a Strava segment for each newsletter to highlight. Maybe because it's got a cool view, a challenging hill, goes by a landmark, etc. Go out and give the segment a shot.
Highlighting this segment to show everyone a great option for speed workouts. When sidewalks and bike paths aren't available due to snow, this low-traveled stretch of road in Oakley becomes a good option. Stay safe if you have to run in the road. yield to cars, and wear lights when it's dark!
Training Tip:
Don't wait for motivation to find you. Over the years of running, I've discovered that many days, you simply won’t feel mentally prepared, especially in the freezing cold! However, these days present the best opportunities to demonstrate your strength. Prove to yourself that you can push through any obstacle. I've almost never regretted a run once it's finished. So, make the decision, lace up your shoes, and get it done!
Upcoming Local Races: Not much racing in Janaury!
1/4 and 1/18 - Topo Trail Run Series - Varying locations
Outro:
Hope you enjoyed the newsletter. Any feedback or recommendations of things to add in the future are appreciated. Leave a comment below or send us an email! Much love from CTC to the Cincy running community! Let's make it a great year!
Glad these are back!