In The Spotlight

Our “In the Spotlight” feature proudly recognizes Evelyn Blaes for the month of February 2010. Evelyn has been a core member of our club for many years. As a participate of the Run 1 / Walk 1 group, she keeps a low profile, but this reporter has kept his eye on her for months. It was only a matter of time before we would catch up to her and put her under the bright “Spotlight” and persuade her to spill the beans!

So, we bring you Evelyn Blaes!

Evelyn was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.

“As a young person, I played clarinet in a marching band called to Long Beach Junior Concert Band, and we would do concerts and parades like the Santa Claus Lane Parade in Hollywood--we were the band that was always in front on Santa Claus. We also did parades in Las Vegas on Fremont Street over Memorial Day Weekend.”

“Maybe we can get Evelyn to jam with the IERC Run Rock Group.”

Evelyn attended St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs – home of the Swordsmen. Upon graduating she went on to earn her degree in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry at Cal Poly Pomona.

As she made her way through college, Evelyn held different jobs. “I worked as a waitress at Carrow's restaurant until I got a job drawing blood at a hospital. Now, I don't draw blood anymore. I test it for diseases like the H1N1 or other infections.”

Evelyn is happily married with two children. “My husband Mark is a railroad engineer and we’ve been married 31 years. I met Mark through his sister. He went to an all Boys catholic school named Don Bosco Technical Institute. I met him at his parent's house one time when he was getting ready to go on a camping trip. He really didn't notice me, but I noticed him! I asked his sister to set us up, and we have been together ever since 1974. We were high school sweethearts.”

The happy couple has lived in Claremont since 1981. Their daughter Kelly is 25 and works in Irvine as a financial analyst. Their son Steven is 23 and works in San Diego as a flight instructor. “We have a yellow lab named Coda and a tuxedo cat named Boots.”

Evelyn is the only runner in the family, but together they enjoy kayaking, traveling, and watching NASCAR.

“I married into a big family. We like to travel together. We have all been camping at Catalina, been to Canada, Washington state, Northern California and in 2006 we did an Alaskan cruise together. We always have fun with each other, and we always tend to get together for all of the holidays and other important occasions that pop up.”

It sounds like a real fun family!

Evelyn is a microbiologist and works in the lab. Outside of running and work, Evelyn enjoys Yoga, Pilates, some weight lifting and walking with her neighbor.

She first stepped onto the Marathon scene in 2000. Her first was the LA Marathon which she walked. “I use to walk at least 5 miles a day with my next door neighbor. “My brother and sister-in law told me that they were going to do the Los Angeles Marathon. So, I decided to do it about ONE month before the marathon. I finished in 7:42 walking the whole marathon except for the last little sprint at the end. It poured that whole day!”

Her co-worker was impressed that Evelyn actually did the marathon, so the following fall, they decided to train together. “We finished about an hour sooner than the year before.”

Evelyn first joined the running club in September of 2005. When the nest became empty, she was looking for others that enjoy running as much as she did.

“I decided to try a run 3 / walk 5. After a while, that's when I joined Rosa Garza’s group about a month before the 2006 LA marathon. I ran the 2006 LA Marathon with Rosa and made my personal record which still stands.” This also stands as her most memorable race experience.

Since then she has completed seven marathons and even more half marathons.

Her funniest moment during a race was at the 2009 Las Vegas Half Marathon. She and her running pals ran the final mile with the running Elvis’ as they were telling dirty jokes. Bad Elvis!

Now, she has her sights set on completing the California Dreamin’ Series. So the race she would most like to run next is the San Francisco Half Marathon which will earn her the prized medal. She is banking on Renee, Liz, Kristi, Pauline and Cathy being there with her to share in the fun!

Along with the help she receives from the coaches, having friends to run with is what she enjoys most about the running club.

Evelyn loves the races, but prefers the Half Marathon. “I like the 13.1 miles the best because of a quicker recovery. By the time the evening rolls around, I feel good enough to do whatever which is important when we do destination marathons like Las Vegas and San Francisco. That way, we can enjoy the sites after the race.”

“Leading up to a race, I drink cherry juice twice a day the week of the race. After a race, we eat whatever sounds appetizing. Our motto is “we run so we can eat!”

Her stylish appeal leans toward Atlanta Wear running skirts, and New Balance or Saucony shoes.

We as runners find our inspiration to run from different sources. It is apparent Evelyn loves the camaraderie of her running group and they are what inspire her to continue week after week! This shows the closeness of our members and how this club brings people together!

The only Pet Peeve Evelyn has during a race is having to dodge the slower runners/walkers from the back of the pack. However, once she turns up the 70’s and Latin music, she is content!

Over the next 5 years Evelyn’s plan is simple. She wants to continue running, having fun and throw in another marathon in the process.

For you newbies, she offers this sound advice: “Find a group that can support you and tell you about their past experiences.”

When all else fails, Evelyn draws on this inspirational quote - “Ain’t nothing going to break up my stride, I’ve got to keep on moving.“

Evelyn mentioned she has 16 brothers and sisters and 17 nephews and nieces between her side and her husband’s side. She enjoys the simple things in life like spending time with her family, which is very large. Her extended family in Chino Hills adds another 300 or so. So, she will always have family by her side!

Evelyn has recently had bouts with the flu and has been unable to make it to the Saturday morning training runs.

In closing, Evelyn wrote me this note: “You are not going to believe what has happened to me. I was getting better after two rounds of antibiotics, but my cat bit my thumb yesterday and today I ended up with a fever of 102! I had to go back to the doctor and now am on a 10 day antibiotic regimen. Usually I am super healthy. From 2000 to 2009, I could practically count on one hand the number of times I have been sick, but this year is not starting well for me! Hopefully I will be back at running by the middle of February, especially since my husband and I are going on a 15 day cruise from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale via the Panama Canal in March. I was planning on doing the Los Angeles Marathon this year, but we don't get back from the cruise until March 22nd - the day after LA!”

Well Evelyn, have a wonderful time with Mark and know that we miss you and care deeply about you! Your story is such a testament as to what true friends and having fun are all about. We all can learn from your story; especially how to enjoy the wonderful experience of running with friends. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Greg Serrato