Now in its third year, the Wa Wa Wally Waddle has been an enjoyable event where participants get some exercise, volunteers keep things moving and winners get pies! Camp Wa Wa Segowea Alumni, Josh & Lisa Perks organize the event and for them, the process begins well ahead of the race itself. They've been working for months getting race sponsors, marketing the race, organizing volunteers and with the help of the Mid-Hudson Roadrunners Club, run things on the day of the event. And there's so much more that they do! As busy as they are, Josh and Lisa were nice enough to take some time and answer some questions about the race and as they are both runners, some questions on running too.
The Wa Wa Wally Waddle, When is it happening? Can you tell me about it?
Josh Perks- The Wally Waddle will be held on May 13th at Vassar Farms in Poughkeepsie, NY and is run primarily on a gently rolling dirt road. In keeping with Waddle tradition, instead of medals, ribbons or trophies, overall and age group 5k winners will be awarded fresh-baked pies. There will also be a free pie raffle after the award ceremony with your bib number serving as your raffle number. In addition to the 5k race, there will also be 2 free kids’ races: kids 13 and younger can race the 1 mile and kids 9 and younger can do the 100 yard dash. The kids' races will be held 30 minutes before the start of the 5k.
You can visit www.friendsofsegowea.org for details.
Where is it taking place?
Vassar Farm in Poughkeepsie NY.
http://www.google.com/maps/placeq=Poughkeepsie+Farm+Project&hl=en&cid=10564089147325576554
When do you register? How do you register?
Josh- You can preregister by mail or online until Friday May 11th for $15. After May 11th you must register on race day for $20
Online Registration https://www.mhrrc.org/MHRRCshoppingCart/RaceOrder.aspx
Mail-in Registration Form http://www.mhrrc.org/MHRRCuploads/raceFlyers/wallywaddle2012flier.pdf
What if it rains?
Josh- We get wet and have even more fun. There is no rain date.
How many runners are there? Is there a limit on runners?
Josh- Last year there were 150 registered 5k runners and 30 kids who ran in the kids' races. This year we expect those numbers to grow to 200 and 50 respectively. There is no limit on participants, but t-shirts are limited to the first 100 registered 5k runners.
Can kids run in it?
Josh- Kids can run in any of the 3 races (5k, 1 mile and 100 yard dash) The 1 mile is for kids 13 and younger and the 100 yard dash is for kids 9 and younger. Both kids' races are free. People of any age can run in the 5k if they can complete the distance--walking or running.
When do the kids run?
Josh- The kids races start 30 minutes before the 5K. 9:30 am 1 mile 9:45 100 yard dash 10:00 5k.
Who is this benefiting?
Josh- All of the money raised by the Waddle goes toward providing scholarships for local children to attend YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea in the Berkshires. Segowea is located just an hour away from Poughkeepsie and should be credited with having a long-term positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Dutchess County residents since it opened in 1928. Camp Segowea was originally run by the Dutchess County YMCA and is now under the supervision of the Capital District YMCA. The Segowea experience gently encourages kids to try new things that take them out of their comfort zone. Many first-time Segowea campers never swam in a lake, sang taps, ate wild blueberries, hiked several miles, danced the Time Warp, or transformed from stranger to friend in just a few days. Segowea creates a safe space for its campers to experience remarkable growth, learning about both self and others. Last summer 6 area children were able to attend camp Segowea on Wally Waddle scholarships. In its first 2 years The Wally Waddle raised over $5000 and we hope to raise that much again this year.
This year our sponsors are:
Babycakes Café
CAYA Restaurant & Café
Finnish Solutions
Molloy Pharmacy
Morris Associates Engineering Consultants PLLC
Roadkill Racing
Soul Dog Restaurant
Tubby’s Bathtub Resurfacing
Zimmer Brothers Jewelers
Thanks Josh!
And now, some questions on the actual running-
What makes you run? What's your motivation?
Josh: I’m very competitive, and I seem to be pretty good at running. There are all sorts of mental and physical health benefits to distance running but they are all secondary to me. I’m all about the race.
Lisa: I like to run because I get to be outside and see more things than I would be able to do walking. I keep an eye out for birds and look at what's blooming. I recently saw a Great Blue Heron standing on a street light and also got a close look at a snapping turtle along my running path.
In a race, rather run on flat course or hills?
Josh: It doesn’t really matter to me. Everyone has to run on the same course. If I’m going for a specific time I’d of course prefer a flat course but it is nice to mix it up.
Lisa: I prefer a rolling course (like the Waddle) to have some variety.
Run in the back, middle or front of the pack?
Josh: Most races I start on the front line.
Lisa: I'll try to be in the middle for the Waddle. I would like to win a mug this year, but I suspect those Mercogliano sisters are going to be tough to beat.
Run alone or with a partner?
Josh: I do most of my training alone but once a week when doing longer runs (14-16 miles) I’ll run with some buddies.
Lisa: I run by myself or with Hazel. She got to have her breakfast in the running stroller this morning. I'd say that's a treat.
What are you thinking about when you're running?
Josh: When I’m out for a training run I think about all kinds of stuff. Usually it is just day dreaming about winning the world series as the closer for the New York Yankees or something similar. During races I am usually thinking about very specific race related issues like passing someone or not being passed.
Lisa: My mind usually drifts If I'm in decent shape. If I'm not in good shape, I'll have to constantly coach myself to keep my legs moving.
What's the best part of running?
Josh: Not being bombarded by media. It is the only time during waking hours that I’m not exposed to TV, radio, the internet etc. I could never imagine running with headphones!
Lisa: Being outside (as long as it's above 20 degrees), and feeling like you accomplished something when you finish.
What's the worst part of running?
Josh: Having to take time off from running because of injury or sickness makes me crazy. I get very grumpy when I can’t run but luckily for my wife I rarely get hurt or sick.
Lisa: He's grumpy enough with the running! Getting back into shape and dealing with injuries is the worst for me.
Do you have a pre-race routine?
Josh: I like to wake up at least 3 hours before the race and have a light breakfast. That will usually be a cup of coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. I get to the race an hour before the start and jog 2-3 miles to get warmed up. Then I change into my racing shoes and singlet and do some short sprints to make sure my muscles are all warmed up. I get to the starting line about 5 minutes before the gun and go through some last minute visualizations of how I expect the race to go.
Lisa: I have cereal at least an hour before the race and I jog for about 10 minutes to warm up.
Thanks to Josh and Lisa for taking the time to do this!
Because of their hard work in marketing, that led to a great article in the Poughkeepsie Journal regarding the event! Check it out here-
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20120419/SPORTS06/304190034/Players-Local-charity-races-provide-support-organizations-need?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CSports%7Cp&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1
For more info, please visit the Friends of Segowea site- www.friendsofsegowea.org
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