Sacramento Running News

Several years ago, I ran in the Heritage Oaks Bank Paso Robles 10Km, which was at the time the US masters’ national championship. I was struggling after a season of trail ultras and barely kept it under 40-minutes.

In that same race, Eddy Hellebuyck was having the race of his life (as a masters runner) and set a new American Masters record for the road 10Km. Finishing in an astounding 29:05, Hellebuyck was so far ahead of the 2nd place runner, they had a separate lead motorcycle for him.

A short while later, I was not surprised to hear that Hellebuyck had failed a doping test for EPO. Disappointed, but not surprised.

The December Runners World has an excellent article by John Brant wherein Hellebuyck finally comes clean about the doping allegations and gives some insight into why he did it.

The story left me with an uneasy mix of feelings about this runner. He cheated and stole other runners’ prize money. He’s also coming clean without being compelled to do so. If confession truly is good for the soul, there are many other prominent athletes out there who would do well to follow his example.

A year ago, Pat Sweeney, the owner of Fleet Feet on J  Street, had his very expensive bike stolen out of his SUV right before he was headed to Hawaii to compete in the Ironman.

Believe it or not, you may again see Pat tooling around in his Orbea tri-bike thanks to alert Sacramento County Sheriff’s detectives.

I’ve learned a few things from the Bee’s article about the recovery of Pat’s bike:

1. If you buy a $9,000 bike, write down the serial number. You’ll be wanting that when the bike gets stolen.
2. If you steal a bike, don’t steal a $9,000 (or$15,000) bike. People will notice you if you don’t look like the kind of person that should be riding a $9,000 bike, and yet, are. And finally,
3. Cops use Google, too!

Sheriff deputies have been busy and caught the suspect in a recent string of auto burglaries along the parkway.

Numerous vehicle burglaries recently occurred at William B. Pond in the Arden /Carmichael area. Sheriff Detectives tracked and located and arrested a suspect in a local hotel. Detectives have identified the suspect as being responsible for more than 50 vehicle burglaries. The suspect has a long history of theft and narcotic usage. Detectives have recovered a lot of stolen property including purses, guns, credit cards, driver’s licenses and checks.  Detectives will be working with victims early this week.

A good reminder: Deputies were able to connect the numerous thefts and establish a pattern aiding in the capture of the suspect because the victims reported the crimes. Even if you doubt you’ll ever recover anything you’ve lost, it is a good idea to report the theft.

And don’t leave your wallet or purse in your car!

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