Dynamite combo

By ROCKY STANLEY -- The Independent

ASHLAND July 05, 2008 11:01 pm

— Jason and Marian Pyles are rapidly approaching their first wedding anniversary.
On Saturday, they had something else to celebrate — a set of his-and-her victories in the Summer Motion 10K.
The former Marshall University runners turned in dominating performances on an overcast and humid morning.
Jason, who turned 27 last week, won his fourth consecutive Summer Motion 10K by a margin of almost 3 1-2 minutes. Marian Pyles, 24, ruled the female division by more than 4 1-2 minutes on the 6.2-mile course highlighted by a trek across the Simeon Willis Bridge.
Both are West Virginia natives and members of the Brooks Running team that provides sponsorship for their equipment.
“Some people might love to fish or scrapbook,’’ Jason said. “Our thing is running. God willing, we will we able to do it the rest of our lives.’’
Marian holds five school records at Marshall and is currently a graduate assistant there. She was making her first appearance in the Summer Motion 10K since winning the 2005 women’s title in 42:49. Her time Saturday was 39:07.
“I love to run, but I get so much more pumped up by the things Marian is doing,’’ Jason said afterward. “As a loving husband, this is fun. As her No. 1 fan, it’s awesome to watch.’’
Jason ran away from Saturday’s field early and then had a chance to check on his wife after passing the three-mile mark and marking a turnaround on Winchester Avenue.
“One thing I like about the course is being able to make the turn and see how she’s doing,’’ Jason said. “I can give her encouragement.’’
Marian was well in control and finished seventh overall.
“I’m pleased,’’ Marian said. “Hearing that cannon at the beginning gets you pumped up. I’m just happy to finish fairly strong. I forgot about that bridge at the end. It’s kind of nasty.’’
The race attracted 142 entries, thanks to a busy walk-up registration. Race director Annie Wilson assisted other workers with sign-ups.
“Considering the low number of pre-registered runners (27) and the weather we’ve had this week, I think that’s an awesome turnout,’’ Wilson said.
Jason Pyles’ latest win left him feeling uncharacteristically light-headed.
“My hydration is about shot,’’ he said. “It’s not that I was trying to really push it today. My time (33:18) was about a minute slower than last year, but the race felt harder. The only thing I can think of is the high humidity and that I’m in a 100-mile week.’’
Pyles is training for an Akron marathon in September. He said the Summer Motion 10K remains one of his favorite events.
“I think they run it really well,’’ he said. “If God keeps giving me strength to be healthy, I will keep coming back.’’
The event is in its 23rd year overall. Dr. Jack Ditty began the race as the Ashland Regatta 10,000.
Two local high school runners followed Jason Pyles across the finish line. Tanner Alexander, who will be a junior at Russell, was second in 36:45.
Alexander’s time not only represented a 10-second personal best, but helped erase some bad memories.
“I got sixth last year but was puking the whole way,’’ he said. “I was sick as a dog. I guess I ate too many chicken wings the day before. I’m glad to redeem myself today.’’
Alexander finished three seconds ahead of Johnny Bush, who will be a senior at Rose Hill Christian.
“(Bush) has gotten a lot better,’’ Alexander said. “This is kind of a preview of the cross country season, I guess.’’
Bush is training at the HIT Center in Huntington and has seen noticeable improvement in his conditioning.
“My goal was to be under 37 minutes today and I set a PR,’’ Bush said of his 36:48 effort. “I’ve been running more distance and doing harder workouts.’’
Bush made up his mind to stay near Alexander.
“He got ahead of me a few times and I had to work my way back,’’ Bush said. “Right at the five-mile mark on the bridge is when it really hit me. Tanner started to get away from me there. On the downhill I tried to stride out and was able to make up some ground.’’
Marshall-signee Kylie Lemons of Huntington was runner-up in the women’s division, followed by former Fairview standout Mandy Musick.
ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.