DeBoer Wins FLRC Scholarship

Most running clubs can boast of a few fast runners and even some really really fast runners. The Finger Lakes Runners club is no different in that regard but we also have the distinct pleasure of having as not only a member but a Race Director one of the best athletes of any local running club from anywhere.

Her name is Yvette DeBoer and her athletic accomplishments are legendary in this part of the country and at least extraordinary throughout the entire Northeast. Yvette is an accomplished runner and especially tough on the trails where she holds course records in at least two trail events that I know of.

Still, you don't need to scan the road race leader boards for long to find Yvette's name. Last year she was first female in the 20th Annual Red Baron Half Marathon - a terrific accomplishment. And although it's not a road race I am quite sure that she still holds her first place finish in leg #3 of the 1993 Triennial Finger Lakes Trail Relay V as one of her most cherished accomplishments.

The fact is that Yvette has excelled in every athletic endeavor that she's attempted including Nordic 50k skiing events, cross-country running, triathlons and even biathlons. So what's left to challenge Yvette and interest her so much that she would submit a scholarship application to help her achieve it?

The Ironman Triathlon - what else! It starts with a 2.4-mile ocean swim just to get loosened-up, then a 112-mile bike race to make sure you're nice and warmed up for the 26.2-mile run. This is undoubtedly the Mount Everest of athletic events and Yvette has set her sights on its summit.

In preparation for this event Yvette applied for a scholarship from the FLRC to offset some of the costs to attend an Ironman training camp being offered in early June. The camp focuses on both physical as well as mental training. The Scholarship Committee reviewed Yvette's application and unanimously approved her request for $172.50 - exactly half the cost of the 3-day seminar.

Following the seminar, Yvette has offered to write an article for the FLRC Newsletter on her experience and share any information that she has learned that would be of interest and value to other athletes in our club.

Yvette, on behalf of the Scholarship Committee it is our very great pleasure to be able to assist you even in this modest way. I know the entire Club will join the FLRC Board of Directors in wishing you the best of luck and preparation in this awesome adventure.

-- Alan Lockett, Chair of the FLRC Scholarship Committee