Thursday, December 15, 2011
LAST CHANCE: HARRA Houston Marathon Slots Available
If you are interested in running the Chevron Houston Marathon, on Janaury 15, 2012, and have not registered, this may be your last chance. HARRA has 3 slots left. You must be an HARRA member. You must be registered by tomorrow night. If you qualify, first email Roger Boak, nboka.xc@gmail.com . If there are still slots left, he will give you instructions. HARRA has already purchased the entries, so you will be reimbursing us. Then you will be directed to the marathon website to give them all your information. THIS MUST BE COMPLETED BY FRIDAY AT MIDNIGHT. LAST CHANCE, HURRY
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Proposed Changes to Terry Hershey Park will Destroy Trails
A message from GHORBA (Greater Houston Off-Road Biking Association):
To build such basins, all the trees will be clear-cut and large volumes of soil removed. This will result in much of the natural-surface trail we call the Anthills being destroyed. Moreover, the forested areas consist of old growth trees and are home to a diverse array of birds, insects and animals. This habitat will be lost and so will an important trail system utilized on a daily basis by hikers, runners, and riders, if the proposal is implemented.
The goal of our governmental entities, both city and county, in attempting to address flooding in Houston is both important and essential as this city continues to grow. However, it is our position, which is supported by many of the residents in the area, that we need to explore solutions which do not involve the destruction of a community asset. Neither the county nor city has engaged user groups and those affected by the proposal in the process.
Moreover, the little information provided by officials and groups involved in the project has been conflicting. We have heard the proposed project is either imminent (as in construction will start next year) or just something they are thinking about and we don't need to worry about.
Given the severe consequences, GHORBA believes it is time to be proactive in letting our representatives know how we feel about the loss of this park asset. Please consider signing the Save the Terry Hershey Park Forest Petition if you live in Houston. In addition, write your city council member, county commissioner or the mayor, and let them know how the this portion of the park is important to you and should be preserved for today and future generations.
For most of us, the ability to escape to our little piece of "green" space is what makes living in such a large city enjoyable, and we cannot avoid to lose more of it.
Thank you,
Bill Rustam
President of GHORBA
Jeff Jeansonne
Platform Virtualization Strategy
PSG Business Notebooks
(281) 514-9807
The goal of our governmental entities, both city and county, in attempting to address flooding in Houston is both important and essential as this city continues to grow. However, it is our position, which is supported by many of the residents in the area, that we need to explore solutions which do not involve the destruction of a community asset. Neither the county nor city has engaged user groups and those affected by the proposal in the process.
Moreover, the little information provided by officials and groups involved in the project has been conflicting. We have heard the proposed project is either imminent (as in construction will start next year) or just something they are thinking about and we don't need to worry about.
Given the severe consequences, GHORBA believes it is time to be proactive in letting our representatives know how we feel about the loss of this park asset. Please consider signing the Save the Terry Hershey Park Forest Petition if you live in Houston. In addition, write your city council member, county commissioner or the mayor, and let them know how the this portion of the park is important to you and should be preserved for today and future generations.
For most of us, the ability to escape to our little piece of "green" space is what makes living in such a large city enjoyable, and we cannot avoid to lose more of it.
Thank you,
Bill Rustam
President of GHORBA
Jeff Jeansonne
Platform Virtualization Strategy
PSG Business Notebooks
(281) 514-9807
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Mark Fraser Obituary in Houston Chronicle
Roberta MacInnis has written a very poignant obituary for our beloved friend Mark Fraser for the Houston Chronicle.
read it here
Friday, July 29, 2011
Memorial Service for Mark Fraser
A memorial service for Mark Fraser will be held at 6:30 pm on Monday, August 1, at First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main, Houston 77004. Reception to follow.
Mark Frederick Fraser, 54, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2011, in Houston. Dearly loved by many, Mark was always the one to show up when his friends and family needed help, and he always wanted to make us laugh. Mark was born in East Liverpool, OH, on September 2, 1956, to Fred and Margaret Ellen (Marge) Betz Fraser. He grew up in Wellsville and Calcutta, OH, where he played football and basketball and ran track. He attended the University of Houston and worked for Butcher Company and Swatzell Sales.
Mark was passionate about many things. An avid reader, he spoke with conviction and was a great storyteller. He conceived, wrote, produced, and directed the acclaimed Enron, the Musical, for which he appeared on national television. He was known to say, "I think of something impossible and crazy to do, and Janet helps me do it."
He was there when needed, lending his presence, expertise, humor, and tools to many a DIY project and to the many activities to which he gave his boundless energy. High among his passions was running, and he was an inspiration to others. He was Runner of the Year for three consecutive years in Bayou City Road Runners (BCRR), active in HARRA, the Houston Area Roadrunner Association, and wrote the monthly column, "Running Debate" for Texas Runner. Some of his proudest accomplishments were completing two grueling 100-mile races, the Leadville Trail 100 and the Arkansas Traveler.
Mark is survived by his longtime girlfriend Janet Schneider Sutton, daughter Traci Nicole Fraser, and father Fred Fraser, all of Houston, sons Michael Ferrill Reis and Timothy Robert Fraser of Minneapolis, MN, sister Karen Ann Sullivan and niece Joy of Scottsdale, AZ, 3 grandchildren, and many devoted friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Marge Fraser.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Memorial Park Conservancy, Mark Fraser Fund, PO Box 131024, Houston 77219, 713.863.8403.
"My proudest running accomplishment is: Any day when I have a planned early run, and: it is very hot and humid, I did not get enough sleep, it is raining, or I am sore and tired. Then, I get up anyway, lace up my shoes and run. Any day that happens (which is a lot), I feel proud."
Mark was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
Mark Fraser Honored by Will's Hills
THE MARK FRASER WORKOUT:
As many of you know, Mark Fraser did not shrink from rigorous training. (The guy did 100 mile races including the Leadville Trail 100 after all.) The only thing he liked better was making others suffer with him. He was a "regular" at "Will's Hills", an early morning training program run by Will Henderson. He designed a particularly heinous hill-laden workout so distinctive that it was named after him.
This morning, bright and early at Spott's Park, "The Mark Fraser Workout" was run by Will's Hills in honor of its namesake. A huge number of runners from BCRR and the Houston running community participated to pay homage to Mark. (I'm sure his memory is lingering all afternoon in the form of burning thighs and twitching calves ;-)
I'm sure Mark is smiling about this!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
HARRA News: Mark Fraser - 1956-2011
From Ron Morgan, President of HARRA:
"As most of you know by now, our dear friend, fellow runner and board member, Mark Fraser passed away earlier this week. He would normally be the one to send this Enews as he has been doing for the past two years. Mark will be sorely missed by HARRA, the running community, but most of all by his girlfriend Janet Sutton, his daughter Traci and his Dad. Just this past Spring Mark's mom passed away, so this year has been especially hard on the Frasers.
Mark was oh so proud of his daughter Traci. She was a track and cross country star in High School, played soccer and is now about to enter her 4th year of medical school. What Dad wouldn't be proud of that? She’s also a charming young lady.
I originally appointed Mark to the board about 2 years ago. He had been a vital part of planning and organizing the Party in the Park, and other HARRA events, and I decided he would be a great help on the Board. After serving almost a year and organizing the Party in the Park and the party after the Bayou Bash Relay, we had an opening for Vice President of Communications. Mark was already writing a monthly column (award winning) for Texas Runner & Triathlete (then Inside Texas Running) and I thought writing would be a perfect fit for him. VP Communications also organizes and edits HARRA's section of the magazine. As VP of Communications we started sending out regular Enews bulletins keeping members informed. I think most members welcomed this form of instant communication and Mark took it over and put his own stamp on it.
As he took on the communications responsibilities he worked with Lisa Fletcher to turn over the party job. He still played a large role in getting the parties together. Mark was someone I could always count on when I needed to get something done. When it came time to send 2 of us to the RRCA Convention, Mark asked to go. I thought he would soak up the ideas they present and bring something back for HARRA. This past May we went to Fredericksburg, Virginia and attended the convention.
Mark was a distinguished, runner having completed ultra marathons including 100 milers. He was a 13 year Houston Marathon Veteran. He was Runner of the Year several times for the Bayou City Road Runners. He was a past president of Bayou City Road Runners.
After the fall of Enron, Mark became fascinated with the whole story. He read everything he could get his hands on and wrote a musical about the fall. He produced it, and directed it and although it didn't quite make it to Broadway it did have 2 successful showings at a theater in the Heights and made the national news.
Mark also taught me how to set my side view mirrors so there wouldn't be a blind spot. He entertained us on our runs, and at our parties. On this Sunday past he ran 12 miles in the morning with his usual group.
Mark's family has asked that instead of flowers donations be made to the Memorial Park Conservancy for trail improvements. Anyone wishing to donate can send whatever they can to The Memorial Park Conservancy Mark Fraser Fund P.O. Box 131024 Houston, Texas 77219.
I'm sure I've left something out, and if you have a Mark Fraser story you would like to share, please send it to me."
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
HARRA Banquet 6/11: Save $$ with Early Sign up
The annual HARRA Summer Celebration is in a few weeks. Please sign up for the banquet here:
Only $22 now, but the price jumps up to $30 after this Friday, 5/20. Here are the details:
The Annual HARRA Summer Celebration will be Saturday, June 11th at 6pm, at The Cadillac Bar (1802 Shepherd, 77007). This annual party will also serve as HARRA board elections and recognition of the HARRA spring series winners. Included in your registration costs is a fiesta fajita buffet dinner and two (2) beer coupons.
HARRA Summer Celebration and Annual Meeting. - HARRA Calendar of events and raceshttp://www.harra.org/clubportal/redirect.cfm?ID=277211&MID=36335&LID=4969&EID=3743299
HARRA Summer Celebration and Annual Meeting. - HARRA Calendar of events and raceshttp://www.harra.org/clubportal/redirect.cfm?ID=277211&MID=36335&LID=4969&EID=3743299
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Houston Marathon Early Race Registration for Qualifying Runners 5/10 - 5/31/11
This year, eligible runners will be able to register for the Houston Marathon during an early registration period which opens May 10, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. CT and closes on May 31 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
Once early registration closes on May 31, the above list of runners will no longer be eligible to receive a guaranteed race entry and must enter the lottery for a chance to be selected with the exception of Houston Marathon Veterans (completed 10 or more Houston Marathons) who may register through November 1.
Eligible runners include:
1. NEW! Time qualifiers: Runners who meet time qualification standards are eligible to receive a limited number of guaranteed race entries available during early registration. Finisher times dating back to July 2010 may be used to qualify for early registration. (note: this applies to both the full and half-marathon)
Click here for a list of eligible qualifying races.
Time qualification entries will be limited to the first 2,000 marathon and 1,500 half marathoners who meet these standards and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
2. Runners who have completed 5+ Houston Marathons: Runners who have completed five or more Houston Marathons are eligible to receive a guaranteed race entry during early regisration.
Click here for a complete list of participants who have completed 5-9 Houston Marathon races.
Click here for a complete list of official Houston Marathon Veterans.
3. Deferred 2011 race registrants: If you deferred your 2011 race entry, you may register during early registration and receive a guaranteed race entry. Click here for a complete list of 2011 deferred registrants.
Deferred registrants will receive an email by Wednesday, May 4 with a registration code and final instructions about how to sign up during early registration.
4. Members designated by the Houston Area Road Runner Association (HARRA): i.e. "The HARRA 500". Please contact HARRA directly.
See Chevron Houston Marathon website for more details
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Help Recovery Efforts in Tuscaloosa
FROM BCRR MEMBER LAUREN WILDER:
"Dear Friends,
"Dear Friends,
As all of you are aware, many parts of the Southeast, including my hometown of Tuscaloosa were seriously affected by the tornados last week. Many of you have asked me what you can do to help, for which I thank you tremendously. If you're interested in making a donation to help the recovery effort in Tuscaloosa, you can go to http://www.givetuscaloosa.com/, or you can donate to the Red Cross or Salvation Army.
If you're interested in donating supplies, clothes, canned food, water, blankets, diapers, batteries, coolers, etc.. the Harris County ESD 29 is taking donations through this Thursday, the 5th: http://www.esd29.org/default.asp. Or, I'll be at Valhalla on Wednesday night and you can give me any supplies directly.
If you're interested in donating supplies, clothes, canned food, water, blankets, diapers, batteries, coolers, etc.. the Harris County ESD 29 is taking donations through this Thursday, the 5th: http://www.esd29.org/default.asp. Or, I'll be at Valhalla on Wednesday night and you can give me any supplies directly.
Although I"ll be heading to Tuscaloosa Thursday night to help with the recovery effort, there is also a fundraiser at the Salt Bar on Washington on this Thursday, starting at 5:30pm. Anything you can do to help is so very appreciated.
My best, Lauren
My best, Lauren
Monday, April 25, 2011
HARRA 500 Houston Marathon Guaranteed Entries
HARRA 500 Houston Marathon Entries - This is Your Chance for a Guaranteed Entry
Go to : http://www.harra.org/955dir/information/harra500.html
The HARRA 500 Program allows HARRA members to receive an exemption to the Chevron Houston Marathon lottery registration. Details for the lottery process can be found on the Chevron Houston Marathon web site. Details for the HARRA program can be found below.
The application deadline for this program is 11:59pm on May 8, 2011. If you meet the criteria below then apply by clicking the On-line application to the HARRA 500.
If you are not a HARRA member, Join HARRA NOW! Check out What is HARRA? and the Member benefits link to see all that HARRA can do for you and other runners.
The criteria for choosing the "HARRA 500" are posted below. We appreciate the input of local runners and hope to continue to advocate for you. And... if you're a local runner who hasn't yet joined---it's time!!
CRITERIA: Per request of the Chevron Houston Marathon (CHM), 475 slots will be distributed prior to the start of lottery registration on June 1, 2011. We have posted an application for these 475 spots and will accept applications until May 8, 2011.
If you have fewer than five (5) Houston Marathon finishes, would like to run the 2012 CHM, and are a HARRA member living within the 19 contiguous counties in the Houston area, we encourage you to apply. The committee developed a points system based on your suggestions, and will reward volunteerism, seniority, and participation. HARRA members prior to April 9, 2011, will be considered first, then members who joined afterward.
IMPORTANT: You must be a HARRA member living in one of the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton.
If you have run five (5) or more Houston Marathons, you may not participate in the HARRA 500 Program. Runners with more than five (5) Houston Marathons are not eligible as they already have a guaranteed entry to the marathon. Details for this exemption and the lottery can be found on the Chevron Houston Marathon, "Frequently Asked Questions" page of the web site.
The points system will be as follows:
Volunteer during the 2010-2011 season for the CHM, AHM (Aramco Half marathon), USA Half-Marathon Championship, or HARRA events. These are based on the HARRA VVIP points system, max 24 pts (automatic 24 for volunteering for 2011 CHM, AHM, or USA Half-Marathon Championships).
HARRA member during the past 4 years- 5 points per year, max 20 pts.
CHM finishes, 2008-2011, 5 points per year, max 20 pts.
Finishes in 2009-2010 Fall Series races: USA 10-miler, Koala HHM, HMSA Metric Marathon (formerly the 25K), & 30K. 4 points each, max 12 pts.
Finishes in HARRA XC relay (2009-10); Bayou Bash relay 2009-2010; HARRA Spring Series races in 2010-2011, 2 points each, max 10 pts.
NOTE: You need not have been a HARRA member when you completed these events. In the event of a tie, the board will use total Houston Marathon Finishes (under 5, obviously) and timeliness of application submission.
On-line application to the HARRA 500.
The final 25 slots will be distributed after the HMSA Metric Marathon (formerly the 25K--Date is TBD) in the same manner and in the same percentages as Runner of the Season Awards, calculated best 2 of 3 after the HMSA Metric Marathon. These runners will not have a previous HARRA 500 slot or lottery slot.
Criteria for the 25 slots
1. Same HARRA membership requirements as above, and has not entered the CHM, but would like to enter.
2. The HARRA Fall Series points leaders by the following age groups through the 25K.Note: The number of slots for each age group are based on the age distribution of HARRA runners doing the fall series.
3. Presidential Pardons. The HARRA president will have 3 slots plus any unused slots to distribute as he sees fit
Please watch for further announcements and the beginning of the application process. Questions regarding the HARRA 500 Program can be directed to Ron Morgan at: prez@harra.org OR Roger Boak at: nboka.xc@gmail.com
Go to : http://www.harra.org/955dir/information/harra500.html
The HARRA 500 Program allows HARRA members to receive an exemption to the Chevron Houston Marathon lottery registration. Details for the lottery process can be found on the Chevron Houston Marathon web site. Details for the HARRA program can be found below.
The application deadline for this program is 11:59pm on May 8, 2011. If you meet the criteria below then apply by clicking the On-line application to the HARRA 500.
If you are not a HARRA member, Join HARRA NOW! Check out What is HARRA? and the Member benefits link to see all that HARRA can do for you and other runners.
The criteria for choosing the "HARRA 500" are posted below. We appreciate the input of local runners and hope to continue to advocate for you. And... if you're a local runner who hasn't yet joined---it's time!!
CRITERIA: Per request of the Chevron Houston Marathon (CHM), 475 slots will be distributed prior to the start of lottery registration on June 1, 2011. We have posted an application for these 475 spots and will accept applications until May 8, 2011.
If you have fewer than five (5) Houston Marathon finishes, would like to run the 2012 CHM, and are a HARRA member living within the 19 contiguous counties in the Houston area, we encourage you to apply. The committee developed a points system based on your suggestions, and will reward volunteerism, seniority, and participation. HARRA members prior to April 9, 2011, will be considered first, then members who joined afterward.
IMPORTANT: You must be a HARRA member living in one of the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton.
If you have run five (5) or more Houston Marathons, you may not participate in the HARRA 500 Program. Runners with more than five (5) Houston Marathons are not eligible as they already have a guaranteed entry to the marathon. Details for this exemption and the lottery can be found on the Chevron Houston Marathon, "Frequently Asked Questions" page of the web site.
The points system will be as follows:
Volunteer during the 2010-2011 season for the CHM, AHM (Aramco Half marathon), USA Half-Marathon Championship, or HARRA events. These are based on the HARRA VVIP points system, max 24 pts (automatic 24 for volunteering for 2011 CHM, AHM, or USA Half-Marathon Championships).
HARRA member during the past 4 years- 5 points per year, max 20 pts.
CHM finishes, 2008-2011, 5 points per year, max 20 pts.
Finishes in 2009-2010 Fall Series races: USA 10-miler, Koala HHM, HMSA Metric Marathon (formerly the 25K), & 30K. 4 points each, max 12 pts.
Finishes in HARRA XC relay (2009-10); Bayou Bash relay 2009-2010; HARRA Spring Series races in 2010-2011, 2 points each, max 10 pts.
NOTE: You need not have been a HARRA member when you completed these events. In the event of a tie, the board will use total Houston Marathon Finishes (under 5, obviously) and timeliness of application submission.
On-line application to the HARRA 500.
The final 25 slots will be distributed after the HMSA Metric Marathon (formerly the 25K--Date is TBD) in the same manner and in the same percentages as Runner of the Season Awards, calculated best 2 of 3 after the HMSA Metric Marathon. These runners will not have a previous HARRA 500 slot or lottery slot.
Criteria for the 25 slots
1. Same HARRA membership requirements as above, and has not entered the CHM, but would like to enter.
2. The HARRA Fall Series points leaders by the following age groups through the 25K.Note: The number of slots for each age group are based on the age distribution of HARRA runners doing the fall series.
3. Presidential Pardons. The HARRA president will have 3 slots plus any unused slots to distribute as he sees fit
Please watch for further announcements and the beginning of the application process. Questions regarding the HARRA 500 Program can be directed to Ron Morgan at: prez@harra.org OR Roger Boak at: nboka.xc@gmail.com
Saturday, April 16, 2011
BCRR DOES BOSTON
The Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 18. 2011, 10AM EDT
You can follow the Boston Marathon online: www.baa.org
You can watch the race live on local TV on the Universal Sports Channel (319 on Comcast cable or on 39.3 with rabbit ears) (other options here.)
You can track BCRR athletes: http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/att-athlete-alert.aspx
| Bib | Wave/ | Name |
| Corral | ||
| 19732 | 2-3 | Brenner, Don |
| 8895 | 9-1 | Davis, Stephen D. |
| 19579 | 2-3 | Davis, Susan |
| 20941 | 3-3 | Handy, Beverly C.. |
| 6178 | 7-1 | Hollocher, Phillip A. |
| 5415 | 6-1 | Landry, Joe |
| 19250 | 2-3 | Mangus, Lorna G. |
| 3134 | 4-1 | Nemoto, David .D. |
| 15992 | 7-2 | Werner, Miriam |
| 12145 | 4-2 | Wilder, Lauren |
An Evening with ultra-runner Marshall Ulrich
Friday, April 22nd, 7pm, An Evening with Marshall Ulrich, The Planetarium at the Museum of Natural Sciences.
The ultra-runner Marshall Ulrich is the author of "Running on Empty" and was featured in the recent documentary film, "Running America". Marsh has clocked the third fastest crossing of the United States, on foot, in history. Free but you need to reserve a seat to get in and there are only 200 seats. Do not delay, register today!
New Criteria for Early Registration for the Houston Marathon and Half-Marathon for 2012
Early registration for "Qualified" Runners - From May 10, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. CST to May 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Eligible runners include:
> NEW- Time Qualifiers (Marathon Qualifier: Less than 4 Hours for full/ and less than 1:54:36 for half; Half-Marathon Qualifier- less than 4:11 for full/ and less than 2 hours for half ) Don't understand why half qualifications are more lax than full marathon...
> Runners who have completed 5+ Houston Marathons
> Members designated by HARRA
> Deferred 2011 race registrants
Once early registration closes on May 31, the above list of runners will no longer be eligible to receive a guaranteed race entry and must enter the lottery for a chance to be selected, except for Houston Marathon Veterans (completed 10 or more Houston Marathons) who may register through November 1. Registration for the lottery begins June 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. CST and extends through June 23, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Full details
> NEW- Time Qualifiers (Marathon Qualifier: Less than 4 Hours for full/ and less than 1:54:36 for half; Half-Marathon Qualifier- less than 4:11 for full/ and less than 2 hours for half ) Don't understand why half qualifications are more lax than full marathon...
> Runners who have completed 5+ Houston Marathons
> Members designated by HARRA
> Deferred 2011 race registrants
Once early registration closes on May 31, the above list of runners will no longer be eligible to receive a guaranteed race entry and must enter the lottery for a chance to be selected, except for Houston Marathon Veterans (completed 10 or more Houston Marathons) who may register through November 1. Registration for the lottery begins June 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. CST and extends through June 23, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Full details
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