Salmon Shuffle Race Results – Interview with the First Place Men’s Division Winner, Jim McDonough
by Jenny Chissus
I had the opportunity to meet with the winner of Seldovia’s Salmon Shuffle 5K, Men’s Division , Jim McDonough!
Jim and Amber have been coming to Seldovia for a number of years since 2000, always to hike, and run our fabulous hills and trails. A few years ago, they decided to invest in property here, and we’ve been friends ever since!
Jim and Amber are avid runners and participate in a variety of races around the state. Equally competitive, they both push themselves to the limits as they run our steep and heavily wooded trails, gravel roads and mountains! One of the things Jim really likes about our Salmon Shuffle is that it has a lot of variety in terrain. Even though it is all within our city limits, there are some tough hills that challenge the typical 5k runner who is used to paved and level city streets at other locations. He strongly felt that was one of his advantages when running our Salmon Shuffle was that he often trains on uneven and steep terrain.
This was their 6th or 7th year competing in our 4th of July Salmon Shuffle (Jim wasn’t sure exactly, but they said that they’ll have to count their shirts!), and it almost didn’t happen! He had been sick with a cold and sinus infection for the past few days and was having some trouble breathing, but decided to go for it anyway! He said that it was a rough start, but once he got on pace, it all smoothed out, and breathing was OK – so he was glad he went for it in spite of feeling so bad that morning! Jim placed 3rd two years ago, and 2nd last year – so he is improving with age!
When I asked Jim what he thought of the course, he agreed with his wife Amber that it is a challenging 5K with a lot of hills, but if you know the course (which they do) then you can plan for the hills and know when your recovery times are as well. Many of the other runners took off too fast, which works for the beginning of the race, but it is not sustainable – so Jim was able to catch up and pass folks as they found themselves struggling up multiple hills!
There was certainly a few great athletes participating this year. Though Jim won first place in the Men’s division, the first person to cross the finish line was Ashley Carroll, who beat Jim by over a minute! One of the gals who has run this race frequently was Nancy Pease, who placed 2nd in the women’s division. Jim and Amber both appreciate her running style and commitment. Last year, the day after the race they were running the Rocky Ridge trail and ran into her out there running as well! Nancy’s family also has property here in Seldovia and is a familiar summer face! Jim mentioned that he missed the Tilly boys, as they usually participate, and that Sam in particular is really fast and has won numerous times – but he wasn’t here this year. Jim exclaimed with a smile, “You have to show up to win!”
I asked what he thought of the bright yellow/green race shirt, and if he would ever wear it again – as it is a bright flourescent color! Jim thought it was great – especially when he runs Jakolof Bay Road, as it is so visible, and safety is an issue. You certainly can’t be missed when wearing this shirt! The winning pot was $100 and Jim was pretty excited as he smiled and said “This was almost a break-even weekend!”
You may click on each of the three race results, Men, Women and Juvenile results to view them in full size. Please note that the Juvenile winner was listed in the Women’s result list.
Jim mentioned that he calls Seldovia’s 4th of July festivities the “Anti-Seward”. They have spent a 4th of July in Seward and thought the chaos was overwhelming with all the partying and what seemed like over 30,000 people, they will never do that again! They both love coming to Seldovia for Independence Day! It is such a contrast to the Seward experience, it is laid back, fun & casual, with so many eager volunteers who put together such a great day. Jim wanted to thank the city, who does a great job, and they love how there is such a positive spirit about the community! Jim expressed with a big smile “This is our favorite place to go!” as Amber nodded in total agreement. I know, as they prepared to get back on the Tustumena, for Jim and Amber, it is always hard to leave Seldovia!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXv879W5x5g?rel=0]
Category: Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sports
Seldovia Time
