Touchstone Blog Archive
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wendy Georges: The Ultra Runner
Wendy Georges runs. Georges runs a lot. The 53 year old Berkeley resident took up running 24 years ago and began racing when she was 42. Since then she’s competed in dozens of road races including many marathons and ultra marathons.
“My favorite is 50 miles. It takes 8 hours. It feels like a solid day’s work- long enough that you’re really glad its over but you get such a feeling of accomplishment.” The female grandmaster of last year’s Oakland marathon aims for three ultra marathons a year with a number of shorter races as training. Georges races 9 to 10 months out of the year.
Georges with ultra running legend and BIW member Ann Trason
On Feb 6th, George ran the Jed Smith Ultra Classic, sponsored by the Buffalo Chips running club. Georges placed 3rd at the race flanked by women 20 years younger than her. Needless to say she won her age group. The 50k race headed through much of Sacramento and prepped her for the American River 50 mile run on April 9th. The American River race is a hybrid of road and trail with 31 miles following the Jed Smith course, 19 miles on trail, and the final 3 miles, a fierce uphill fight.
When not busy running, Georges has worked for the past 25 years at the Alameda County Health Care Dept as a social worker helping the homeless. For the past 15 years, Georges also instructed a cycling class at Ironworks.
Georges and Marc "El Jefe" Trotz at the Falmouth Road Race in MA in 2010. Trotz, the president of the Touchstone runners also teaches cycling classes.
Georges currently coordinates the indoor cycling program, working her 25th year as an instructor. There’s an old saying that goes, “Running can hurt cyclists but cycling can’t hurt runners.” Georges reiterated the fact adding that “It really aids runners. It’s great cross training. Cycling is very good with running because it’s low impact; you’re not constantly pounding asphalt. It’s really good for the cardiovascular system and shifts the burden away from the overused running muscles.”
Georges winning the City of Alameda's 4th of July race in 2010 as the first woman overall.
Georges spoke about the cycling program at Ironworks saying, “The program at Ironworks is highly developed. It has been raised to a higher level. New people go through an accelerated process of becoming fit because the classes are so demanding.”
Stop by Ironworks and catch one of the many great cycling classes that the awesome athletes teach.
“My favorite is 50 miles. It takes 8 hours. It feels like a solid day’s work- long enough that you’re really glad its over but you get such a feeling of accomplishment.” The female grandmaster of last year’s Oakland marathon aims for three ultra marathons a year with a number of shorter races as training. Georges races 9 to 10 months out of the year.
Georges with ultra running legend and BIW member Ann Trason
On Feb 6th, George ran the Jed Smith Ultra Classic, sponsored by the Buffalo Chips running club. Georges placed 3rd at the race flanked by women 20 years younger than her. Needless to say she won her age group. The 50k race headed through much of Sacramento and prepped her for the American River 50 mile run on April 9th. The American River race is a hybrid of road and trail with 31 miles following the Jed Smith course, 19 miles on trail, and the final 3 miles, a fierce uphill fight.
When not busy running, Georges has worked for the past 25 years at the Alameda County Health Care Dept as a social worker helping the homeless. For the past 15 years, Georges also instructed a cycling class at Ironworks.
Georges and Marc "El Jefe" Trotz at the Falmouth Road Race in MA in 2010. Trotz, the president of the Touchstone runners also teaches cycling classes.
Georges currently coordinates the indoor cycling program, working her 25th year as an instructor. There’s an old saying that goes, “Running can hurt cyclists but cycling can’t hurt runners.” Georges reiterated the fact adding that “It really aids runners. It’s great cross training. Cycling is very good with running because it’s low impact; you’re not constantly pounding asphalt. It’s really good for the cardiovascular system and shifts the burden away from the overused running muscles.”
Georges winning the City of Alameda's 4th of July race in 2010 as the first woman overall.
Georges spoke about the cycling program at Ironworks saying, “The program at Ironworks is highly developed. It has been raised to a higher level. New people go through an accelerated process of becoming fit because the classes are so demanding.”
Stop by Ironworks and catch one of the many great cycling classes that the awesome athletes teach.
Labels: Jed Smith Ultra Classic, Touchston Running, Wendy Georges
¶ Thursday, February 17, 2011 0 Comments
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A SpinnerBlast Reminder: 5 Days Left!
This little note goes out to any and all of you that are subscribers to the amazingly helpful and cool newsletter, SpinnerBlast. If you're not, you should be. At any rate, December 2008 officially started yesterday, and as such, all riders, cyclists, climbers and members that want to be highlighted in the Holiday Edition of SpinnerBlast this year, better get a move on!
As you know, around this time of year almost all major magazines and newsletters do a "year end" recap special edition before the final transformation into the next year begins. SpinnerBlast is no exception and this year, they want to do something pretty awesome: Draw attention to the 2008 accomplishments of people in the program and in and around the entire Berkeley Ironworks community. How cool is that? So, you officially have until December 7th, this coming Sunday, to get your information and photos into Wendy. Seriously, tell us what you did this year, running, cycling, climbing or any other area, and feel free to tell us your goals for 2009. Here's what they're looking for, from you guys:
This little note goes out to any and all of you that are subscribers to the amazingly helpful and cool newsletter, SpinnerBlast. If you're not, you should be. At any rate, December 2008 officially started yesterday, and as such, all riders, cyclists, climbers and members that want to be highlighted in the Holiday Edition of SpinnerBlast this year, better get a move on!
As you know, around this time of year almost all major magazines and newsletters do a "year end" recap special edition before the final transformation into the next year begins. SpinnerBlast is no exception and this year, they want to do something pretty awesome: Draw attention to the 2008 accomplishments of people in the program and in and around the entire Berkeley Ironworks community. How cool is that? So, you officially have until December 7th, this coming Sunday, to get your information and photos into Wendy. Seriously, tell us what you did this year, running, cycling, climbing or any other area, and feel free to tell us your goals for 2009. Here's what they're looking for, from you guys:
"Please send Wendy the details of something you did this past year, of which you're especially proud, accompanied by a photo. It can be a race you trained for, on your bike or legs, in which you met or exceeded a goal. Or, a series of events that gave structure to your year. Or, a "first:" a first century or double century, first time on the Black Sheep Adventures trip, a PR (personal record), in a race or event. In 2008, we launched a running club in addition to our cycling club. And our TC racing teams witnessed their own growth and successes, both collective and individual. We have plenty to crow about! Don't be shy. Send in the info even if you're reticent to brag about yourself. Wendy will contact you if additional information is needed, then construct an end of the year issue that highlights what we've done in 2008."There you have it! Get on it and see yourself in the Year End Issue!
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Special Issue, SpinnerBlast, Wendy Georges
¶ Tuesday, December 02, 2008 0 Comments
