Author Archives: BillK

Local Ultra Runner Jeff Fiolek Conquers Oil Creek 100-Mile Trail Run

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Two Rivers Treads' James Munis (in race "pacer" bib) helped Jeff Fiolek get through a very long run! Jeff's son Jackson also shows his support.

by James Munis

Last October, I was lucky enough to enjoy supporting a local runner in an ultra running event (treks/runs of more than 26.2 miles).  Here’s my fuill report of a remarkable weekend and remarkable runner.

Ultra events are guaranteed to be a unique discovery/learning experience for anyone, weather volunteering or participating. The Oil Creek Ultra Trail Runs (www.oilcreek100.org) are Pass/Fail events.  You cannot switch from a longer run to a shorter distance during the event. You must finish the event you start; finisher’s belt buckles and bumper stickers must be earned, they cannot be purchased.

Jeff, Sheri, and their son Jackson Fiolek of Harpers Ferry, WV spent the last year or so preparing for their third Oil Creek trail run adventure in Titusville, PA. Sheri has been top three- female the first two years and Jeff has run twice. This would be Jeff’s first 100-mile finish and being familiar with such a difficult course is essential to “pass” this test of endurance. The Fiolek family approach to any of their adventures always begins with respect for the difficulty of the course and for Mother Nature in general. Next, they prepare with the patience and discipline required to properly build a foundation of endurance – something most humans are naturally capable of, but mentally challenged with following through on.  Ultra runners will tell you that they cannot be successful without the support of their friends and family, and I was witness to what this support is all about. Continue reading “Local Ultra Runner Jeff Fiolek Conquers Oil Creek 100-Mile Trail Run” »

Two Rivers Treads and Dr. Mark in New York Times Sunday Magazine Feature

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Chris McDougall at our free barefoot running clinic last May in Shepherdstown Photo by http://machenfamily.blogspot.com.

Two Rivers Treads got a huge shout-out this week in the New York Times: “Two River Treads {is} a ‘natural’ shoe store sandwiched between Maria’s Taqueria and German Street Coffee & Candlery in Shepherdstown, W.Va., which, against all odds, {owner} Cucuzzella has turned into possibly the country’s top learning center for the reinvention of running.” The article was written by Chris McDougall who has been to Shepherdstown twice and attended our barefoot running and form clinic last May. Thank you, Chris and the New York Times for the mention and alerting readers to the injury-free joys and delights of natural running. Read entire article here. And make sure to read the readers’ comments here; and there’s over 150, many who are new believers in minimalism, while others adopt a skeptic’s stance. The ongoing footwear debate continues. Let us know what you think. Submit your comments below.

Freedom’s Run, Continued….

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Start of the kids run.

Folks are still talking about Freedom’s Run. So now is a good time as any to share some thoughts, memories, photos with everyone. It was the third annual Freedom’s Run. Right from the beginning, we intended to make this a small town event with scenery, history, fun, local flavor, and low fees compared to the big city events.  This was an all-volunteer effort of a small community. We had 2,400 official finishers from 43 states in the 5 events, including a half and full marathon which takes runners from Harper’s Ferry up the C&O Canal and Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail into Antietam National Battlefield.

The 200 kids in the Free Kids Fun Run was a highlight of the day for us.  We were about to call this off but the kids insisted we run it.  Good advice.  They were happy and smiling.

My son Leo in the photo is eight years old. He had just finished a wet soccer game and came over to help at the Freedom’s Run finish line with his sister Lily, who is six.  The kids’ run was scheduled for 11:30.  At 10:30 there was a miserable cold rain and I was considering canceling.  I asked Leo’s opinion and he was puzzled.”Why would you cancel?” he asked.  So we ran and over 200 children played happily in the puddles.

Leo ran a mile in 7:40 in his super minimalist  Saucony Hattori’s.  Sister Lily was hot on his heels in 7:59 in her VivoBarefoot Rooty’s.  The Cucuzzella kids are Born to Run.