New England Exchange Zone Spring 2014

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Spring 2014

10 National Indoor News 13 Boston Marathon 14 Long Distance Running

scottmasonphoto.com

20 Spring Shoe Review 28 Recognition

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NEW ENGLAND

uSA TRACK & FIELD – NEW ENGLAND Office Address: 2001 Beacon St., Suite 207, Brighton MA 02135-7787 Mailing Address: PO Box 1905, Brookline MA 02446-0016 Phone: (617) 566-7600 • Fax: (617) 939-0992 • Email: office@usatfne.org Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday Association Website: www.usatfne.org • National Website: www.usatf.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/usatfNE

USATF-NEW ENGLAND DIRECTORY 2013–14 Board of Governors Officers President Tom Derderian (Gr.Boston TC) tderderi@ix.netcom.com Vice Presidents Victoria Barnaby (Gr.Boston TC) vbarnaby@usatfne.org Jim Garcia (Gr.Lowell RR) jgarcia@usatfne.org John Oleski (Mass Velocity) joleski@usatfne.org Secretary Eric Narcisi (Whirlaway RT) enarcisi@usatfne.org Treasurer Stephen Peckiconis (CSU) speckiconis@usatfne.org Immediate Past President Stephen Viegas (Mass Velocity) sviegas@usatfne.org Sport Committees Men’s LDR Chair Brennan Bonner (Gr.Boston TC) bbonner@usatfne.org Women’s LDR Chair Larissa Park (Somerville RR) lpark@usatfne.org Masters LDR Chair Lisa Doucett (CSU) ldoucett@usatfne.org Open Track & Field Chair Alison Wade awade@usatfne.org Cross Country Chair Jason Cakouros (HFC Striders) jcakouros@usatfne.org Race Walking Chair Justin Kuo (NE Walkers) jkuo@usatfne.org

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Mountain/Ultra/Trail Chair Paul Kirsch (White Mtn Milers) pkirsch@roadrunner.com Youth Athletics Chair Alex Ivanov (Nitehawks SC) aivanov@usatfne.org Masters T&F Chair Michael Travers mtravers@usatfne.org Officials Laurie Boemker (RI TF Officials Guild) lboemker@usatfne.org Athlete Representatives Eric Ashe (BAA) eashe@usatfne.org Jason Ayr (Western MA Distance Project) jayr@usatfne.org Amanda Wright (SISU Project) awright@usatfne.org Office Staff Managing Director Steve Vaitones svaitones@usatfne.org Webmaster Justin Kuo jkuo@usatfne.org

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ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

2013

New England has a variety of top athletes spanning the many events in the sport, and participants ranging from youth to masters.

Meet the 2013 USATF-NE Athletes of the Month.

Twilight Throwers

Sentinel Striders

Mike Scott

JANUARY

JUNE

OCTOBER

Erik Nedeau (Belchertown MA/New Balance) Amherst College’s head coach anchored the USA Masters 4x800 world record. He also won the GBTC Masters Mile in 4:21.16.

Alex Niemiec (Chicopee MA High School) The 21-year-old New England High School Championships long jump record fell to the springy scholastic who spanned 24'11", and who then placed 3rd in the high jump at 6'6". He won both events at the Massachusetts State Meet as well and now competes for Springfield College.

Tim Ritchie (Brighton MA/BAA) The Boston College assistant coach ran the fastest marathon by a New Englander in over 20 years, clocking 2:14:49 for 6th at the USA Championship at Twin Cities in Minnesota. He placed 5th overall in the 2013 USA Running Circuit.

JULY

NOVEMBER

Christin Doneski (Hopkinton NH/Whirlaway RT) The versatile master won both the age 40+ and overall divisions of the USATF-NE Mountain Running Circuit Mountain and Cranmore Mountain. At the latter, which served as the US Mountain Running Championship, she was 2nd master and 12th overall against a national field.

Abbey D’Agostino (Dartmouth/Topsfield MA) The senior distance runner became the first Ivy League runner to win a national cross country championship, winning over a muddy course in Indiana. She also won the NCAA Regional Meet and was later named US Track Coaches Association Athlete of the Year

FEBRUARY Allison Barwise (Boston U) Her name matches her athletic ability, clearing 6'0.5" in the high jump in her New England collegiate title performance in the pentathlon, her 3976 points breaking a 23-year-old championship record.

MARCH Ben True (Hanover NH/Saucony) The Dartmouth grad won the USA 15K Road Race Championship in Jacksonville, FL for his fourth US title. Two weeks later he placed 6th in the IAAF World Cross Country in Poland, leading the USA to a team silver medal.

DECEMBER

AUGUST

117th Boston Marathon The association recognized the efforts of all participants, management, and support personnel at the Boston Marathon.

Joseph Benoit (Twilight Throwers/Chelmsford MA) At the USA Masters Throws Championships, he won both the 25-and 56-pound weight throws in the age 55–59 division, the former in a US record 62'4.5". Later in the month he extended his 25-lb record to 62'8", and threw a US-leading mark with the 56-lb.

MAY

SEPTEMBER

APRIL

James Randon (Concord MA/Middlesex School) His 4:03.39 at the New York’s Dream Mile was the 8th fastest ever by a MA schoolboy outdoors. He earlier won the Independent School League title at 3000 meters in 8:20.80 and clocked 3:49.43 for 1500 meters in April. He’s gone on to compete at Yale.

James Donahue (Reading MA/FORR) Sentinel Striders Boys 11–12 Team (Smithfield RI) New England had two National Junior Olympic Champions: Donahue, who won the individual title in the age 9–10 division, and Sentinel Striders, who took team honors in the Boys 11–12 division.

Sean Duncan (Gardner MA/Western Mass Distance Project) Duncan had a busy month, highlighted by a win in the Lone Gull USATF-NE 10K at 30:50.That was followed by an 8th place at the Nahant 30K NE Championship that sealed his 2013 Road Race Grand Prix victory.

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NEW ENGLAND

HONORS The New England association presents two annual awards to individuals whose volunteer contributions have made a significant impact on the local athletics scene. Our two recent winners, presented with their awards at the 2014 Awards Banquet, are Scott Mason (Warwick RI) and Jim Clayton (Northampton MA).

Authentic Athlete Fairfield, CT

City Sports citysports.com

Mason received the Marja Bakker Volunteer Award for his photographic work over many years at New England–wide races including our championship events. His galleries are anticipated by athletes after each event he attends, and he’s generously given USATF-NE access to his work for our media. An avid trail runner, he’s the only person to have made the cover of New England Runner as a competitor and also to have contributed a cover photo. See his work at www.scottmasonphoto.com.

Fleet Feet Hartford fleetfeethartford.com

Fleet Feet Maine mainerunning.com

Greater Boston Running Company run.com

Clayton received the Youth Program Contributor Award, having been instrumental in founding and developing the Sugarloaf Mountain AC Youth Track & Field League, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013. Stepping up to develop a new program of youth relays in 1993 at the request of club president Fred Wellman, Clayton moved the idea forward from the first year with 94 kids to the current two-town program serving more than 500 kids each season. He served in all possible roles: print and distribute flyers to the local schools, write the sponsor letters, order tshirts, recruit volunteers, plan the events, secure the use of the track and equipment, and ensure the meets are a fun family event. A past generation of participants is now the source of volunteers–Clayton continues to work tirelessly and with great enthusiasm for the sport.

Marathon Sports marathonsports.com

Runner’s Alley runnersalley.com

Sydney Henthorne

Robert Cipriano

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hokaoneone.com

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NEW ENGLAND

Patrack Barragan

2014 INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHP Greater Boston TC swept the team wins at the USATF-NE Indoor Track & Field Championship meet held at Harvard University on Feb. 23.

A mix of more than 700 open, masters, collegiate, and scholastic competitors turned in quality performances over the day.

A top-ranked performance was the 4:00.52 mile by Steve Mangan of Dartmouth College. In the 3000 meter race walk, Maryanne Daniel (CT Race Walkers) set a pending USA W55–59 record of 16:02.41. Ellsworth ME runner Dan Curts ran an all–New England High School best of 8:23.85 for 3000 meters, finishing 2nd overall, and a Vermont state scholastic best was set in the weight throw by Mustapha Kay of St Johnsbury Academy with his 59'1.5" toss.

The meet was the final event in the Indoor T&F Grand Prix, which this year had separate track and field scoring. Series winners were Jillian King (New Balance Boston/track), Lauren Kuntz (MIT PV/field), David Goodman (NE Distance/track), and Brad Lawrence (Patriot PV/field). Scoring is performance-based, scoring points earned from the IAAF scoring tables in four meets.

OVERALL EVENT WINNERS Women 60 60H 200 400 Mile 800 3000 5000 3000 Walk 4x440 Yd Relay Distance Medley High Jump Pole Vault Long Jump Triple Jump Shot Put 35# Wt

Quashira McIntosh Melissa Isidor Camille Little Corinne Kennedy Lucy Van Kleunen Jillian King Jessica Minty Kelly Pasko Annica Penn St. Johnsbury Acad Gr. Boston TC Shanelle DeJournet Lauren Kuntz Melissa Isidor Mackenzie Gray Kolbi Smith Adabelle Ekechukwu

Brown MitPV Brown Govs SacH Harv

7.78 8.91 26.12 58.69 4:57.76 2:09.85 9:44.12 17:38.15 14:53.97 4:33.83 13:13.81 5-3.75 12-5.5 17-11 38-.25 45-3.75 65-4.25

Scholastic 20# Wt

Jacqueline Esmay

Unat

49-6.5

Hope Brown PA Unat Brown NBalB NBalB Siena Unat

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Masters 60 200

Sue McCarthy Sue McCarthy

MVel MVel

9.00 29.54

Men 60 60H 200 400 800 Mile 3000 5000 3000 Walk 4x440 Yd Relay Distance Medley High Jump Pole Vault Long Jump Triple Jump Shot Put 35# Weight

Devin Enslen Hunter Warwick Craig Bennett Alexander Engel Connor Reck Steve Mangan Andrea Sorgato Stephen Polito Ed O’Rourke Gr.Boston TC Siena College Adam King Brad Lawrence Albert Anderson Cezar Bialon Dustin Brode Ben Glauser

NavyP Brown GBTC GBTC Harv Dart NBalB NBalB NE Wlkrs

SacH PPV Brown Bab Harv Harv

6.94 8.54 22.40 49.30 1:52.58 4:00.52 8:22.27 15:10.43 14:52.09 3:31.32 10:50.27 6-4 15-5 21-3.5 42-11 60-8.75 64-4.5

Scholastic 60H 20# Weight Mile Walk

Marcus Polk Adam Kelly Tim Sunnerberg

PEA Unat Unat

8.37 75-6.75 8:33.80

Masters 60 200 800 Weight

Joseph Sumrell David Neumann Todd Simmons Carl Wallin

Unat MVel Unat Thor

7.83 25.72 2:17.02 56-4.75

TEAM SCORES–WOMEN 1. Greater Boston TC 26; 2. New Balance Boston 25; 3. Cambridge Jets 18; 4. NU Club Running 10; 5.Waltham TC 8; 6. Mass Velocity 6; 7. MIT PV 5; 8. Patriot PV, Ronald McDonald House Prov, Team RUN 3; 11.

Gate City Striders, Granite State Flash 2.

TEAM SCORES–MEN 1. Greater Boston TC 42; 2. New Balance Boston 24; 3.W. MA Alliance, Patriot PV, NU Club Running, Granite State Flash 8; 7. NEWalkers 7; 8.

Sprinticity, Mass Velocity 6; 10. Thor’s Stone AC, NE Distance, Nitehawks, Janji 5; 14. BAA, BU Club Running, CSU, Cambridge Jets HFC Striders 3; 19. Twilight Throwers 2.

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NEW ENGLAND

NATIONAL INDOOR NEWS Mary Saxer (Boston) won her first national indoor title at the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships held in Albuquerque in February.

Saxer, who represents NYAC and trains at MIT, cleared 15'5.5", defeating defending champ Jenn Suhr. Saxer qualified for and went on to compete in the World Indoor Championships in Poland in March, placing 8th.

Other New Englanders qualified for and took the trip to the Nationals: Greater Boston TC thrower Lisa Wilson was 8th in the weight (61'.25"), teammate Nate Hunter placed 11th in the shot put (60'1"), and Tim Ritchie (BAA) was 14th in the 3000 (8:25.03), as the mile-high altitude put many distance runners at a disadvantage.

INDOOR RECORDS FALL AT BOSTON U Runners from the Alberto Salazar–coached Nike Oregon Project find Boston University’s oval to be friendly for fast times and they treated local fans to a handful of records at meets this winter.

On Jan. 16, the women’s 1000 meter took off at a stiff clip, and though missing the US open record (held by MA runner Jen Toomey), 17-year-old Mary Cain established new World and US Junior (age 19/under) marks with her winning time of 2:39.25, the former standard dating all the way back to 1982.

The cheering volume rose with each lap of the 5000. Olympic silver medalist Galen Rupp took the lead, pushed by Sam Chelanga, former NCAA champ now living in Hanover NH. Rupp stopped the clock at 13:01.26, six seconds better than the past mark. Chelanga finished in a personal best 13:04.35, and in 3rd, Cam Levins stamped a new Canadian record in 13:19.16.

A week later at the John Thomas Terrier Classic, Cain returned for a record attempt in the mile. A determined Cain raced to a time of 4:24.11, a dramatic 0.01 away from the World Junior record but still good for a US Junior Mile record, as was her 1500 meter split of 4:06.63. Abbey D’Agostino (Dartmouth) set an Ivy League record in a personal best 4:28.31. Rupp again had crowd backing in the 2 Mile where a new American record was posted at 8:07.41; he split 3000m at 7:34.68.

Not to be lost among those lofty marks was a first-time sub-4:00 mile for Dartmouth’s Will Geoghegan at 3:58.04.

The March 2 BU Last Chance Meet closed the local open season and saw three records set in the 1000 meter race. David Torrence of

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California led the final three laps and broke the beam at a US record 2:16.76. On his shoulder, Nate Brannen clocked 2:16.87 for a new Canadian standard, and Boston University’s Rich Peters set a new collegiate best of 2:18.55, his third BU record of 2014.

In that meet’s closing event, a select M40 team included Chris Blondin of Greater Boston TC, who ran 7:49.90 for a new masters 40–49 record. And now almost commonplace at the BU TTC, there were two sub-4:00 miles.

NATIONAL SCHOLASTICS New England association athletes Ellen Dipietro (Marshfield MA) and Adam Kelly (Barrington RI) were winners at the New Balance National Indoor Scholastic Championships held in New York City.

Dipietro, a national leader in the high jump, won the event with a 5'10.5" leap, and Kelly completed his junior year season with a 77'9.25" throw in the 25-lb weight.

Andrew Bolze (Hingham MA) was a double All-American, taking 3rd in the long jump in 24'3.75" and 6th in the 400 in 48.63 after a 48.09 trials round time.

Paul Hogan (Burlington MA) was runnerup in the 2 Mile at 8:59.82, making him the top US runner, the 2014 US leader, and the #6 MA all-time indoors. Earning a 3rd place were Garrett O’Toole (Middlesex/Concord MA) in the Mile at 4:13.60 and Maegan Allen (Arlington MA) in the 1 Mile Race Walk at 7:28.16, a MA state best. Check the extensive results at www.nationalscholastic.org.

COLLEGIATE CHAMPION D’AGOSTINO WINS TWO NCAA TITLES Dartmouth senior Abbey D’Agostino won two titles at the NCAA Division I Championships.

The runner from Topsfield MA repeated her double of 2013, winning the 5000 on Friday in 16:20.39 and returning for the 3000 title on Saturday in 9:14.47.

In the NCAA Division III Championship meet, six New England collegians won national titles. Women’s 400 winner Ashante Little of Wheaton recorded a championship record time of 55.10 and was named Division III Runner of the Year. Other winners included Cimran Virdi (MIT, pole vault, 12 [11.5]), Naomi Bates (Amherst, long jump, [19-0]), Amina Avril (Williams, weight throw, 65 [7.75]), Coby Horowitz (Bowdoin ME, mile, 4:08.40), and Jamie Ruginski (U.So.Maine, triple jump, 50 [1.75]).

PhotoRun.net

SAXER TOPS VAULT FIELD

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RECORDS AND TOP MARKS AT USA MASTERS NATIONAL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP Boston, March 14-16 More than two dozen USA and World age group records were bettered over three days of competition in the USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships held at Boston's Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center. It was the 13th time the meet, directed by USATF-New England, was held in Boston, and the field of 921 entrants ranged in age from 30 to 100.

So.Cal. TC won the team competition over TNT Racing, with local clubs Mass Velocity placing 3rd and Thor's Stone AC 8th. Check out the impressive marks in the complete results at www.usatf.org/Events---Calendar/2014.

John Keklak Photography • http://johnkeklak.smugmug.com Find us on Facebook • john@keklak.com • 978-261-3275

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NEW ENGLAND

NEW ENGLAND 2014 USATF GRAND PRIX Western MA Distance Project Greater Boston Track Club Whirlaway Racing Team Boston Athletic Association Central Mass Striders Team RUN Greater Lowell RR Somerville RR Gate City Striders Gr.Springfield Harriers Green Mountain AA SISU Project Cambridge Sports Union HFC Striders Winners Circle RC

39 37 37 35 32 2 26 25 17 15 10 10 8 7 3

MEN’S 40+ Central Mass Striders Boston Athletic Association Whirlaway Racing Team Greater Lowell RR Somerville RR Gate City Striders Gr.Springfield Harriers Cambridge Sports Union Green Mountain AA HFC Striders Winners Circle RC

28 27 23 19 18 15 15 8 7 4 2

MEN’S 50+ Whirlaway Racing Team Greater Lowell RR Somerville RR Gate City Striders Cambridge Sports Union Green Mountain AA Central Mass Striders Winners Circle RC Gr.Springfield Harriers

17 16 11 8 8 6 2 1 1

MEN’S 60+ Greater Lowell RR Cambridge Sports Union Gate City Striders Green Mountain AA Gr.Springfield Harriers

15 12 6 5 5

WOMEN’S OPEN Millennium Running Somerville RR Western MA Distance Project Whirlaway Racing Team Greater Boston Track Club

33 32 26 26 24

SISU Project Greater Lowell RR Central Mass Striders Boston Athletic Association Dirigo RC Green Mountain AA Cambridge Sports Union Gate City Striders Cambridge Running Club Heartbreak Hill Striders Gr.Springfield Harriers North Shore Striders Winners Circle RC

20 18 17 15 13 11 10 9 6 2 2 1 1

27 20 19 18 14 13 12 8 2 2 1

WOMEN’S 50+ Whirlaway Racing Team Central Mass Striders Cambridge Sports Union Green Mountain AA Greater Lowell RR Somerville RR Winners Circle RC Gate City Striders

22 16 13 12 12 8 6 3

WOMEN’S 60+ Gate City Striders

WRT WRT BAA CMS BAA

28 17 16 16 16

MEN’S 40–44 Mike Galoob Chris Magill Jason Porter Greg Putnam

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UNA BAA CMS CMS

GSH SRR WRT BAA CMS

Barbara McManus 29 26 25 18 18

SRR BAA GLRR WRT

Martin Tighe Craig Fram Ephraim Ezekiel Wolfgang Ketterle

CMS WRT WRT SRR

Maria Servin Lisa Zappala Alice McKeon Jacqueline Shakar

GLRR CSU GSH GLRR

WRT WRT CMS CSU

30 23 21 17

20 19 19 19

WOMEN’S 55–59

27 20 20 18

WOMEN’S 60–64

27 26 24 19

WOMEN’S 65+

Nancy Corsaro Elizabeth Cooney Susan Hackney Liane Pancoast

Karen Durante Patricia Robinson Ruth Blauwiekel Emily Strong

MEN’S 60–64 Walter Mann William Pine Steve O’Neil Thomas Peters

15

WOMEN’S 50–54

MEN’S 50–54 Robert Cipriano Chris Lawrence EJ Hrynowski Paul Doe

CMS

Linda Usher Aline Kenney Diane McLaughlin Jan Holmquist

WRT SRR GMAA GLRR

WRT CSU GMAA GCS

CMS GCS CSU LIB

28 24 20 18

28 17 16 14

26 25 10 10

MEN’S 65–69 Gordon MacFarland Charles Arnold William Dixon Rick Stetson

CSU GMAA GLRR GCS

28 25 20 17

MEN’S 70+ Denny LeBlanc Robert Sullivan Joe Noonan Sumner Brown

GLRR NE65 GCS CSU

23 22 20 18

WOMEN’S OPEN 15

INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS MEN’S OPEN Ruben Sanca Nick Karwoski Eric Ashe Dan Vassallo Brad Mish

Kent Lemme Gregory Picklesimer Eric Williams Wayne Levy Joe Shairs

MEN’S 55–59

WOMEN’S 40+ Whirlaway Racing Team Central Mass Striders Western MA Distance Project Somerville RR Green Mountain AA Gate City Striders Greater Lowell RR Cambridge Sports Union Heartbreak Hill Striders Winners Circle RC North Shore Striders

MEN’S 45–49

scottmasonphoto.com

MEN’S OPEN

Nicole Casey Erica Jesseman Kath Hardcastle Larrisa Park

GBTC DIR SRR SRR

20 18 16 16

WOMEN’S 40–44 Christin Doneski Caroline Bjune Nancy Dunbar Vanessa Diana

WRT BAA GCS WMDP

26 19 16 11

WOMEN’S 45–49 30 27 20 16

Karen Encarnacion Karin George Holly Madden Trish Bourne

SRR WMDP WRT GLRR

29 16 16 15

Mike Galoob (Unat) has a perfect record through 3 races

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118th BOSTON MARATHON With frontrunning determination and tremendous fan support, Meb Keflezighi (San Diego) won the 118th BAA Boston Marathon, the first American man to do so since Greg Meyer in 1983. Breaking from his final challenger after 15 miles, Keflezighi’s lead over the chase pack approached a minute over the Newton Hills.

That gap shrank to a scant 8 seconds near Kenmore Square, but a surge by runnerup Wilson Chebet had left nothing for a final mile challenge, and Keflezighi held strong onto Hereford and down Boylston to take the laurel wreath to thunderous applause; this year’s wreaths, made in Marathon, Greece were plated with 24K gold.

He’s now the only runner to win an Olympic medal, as well as the New York and Boston marathons.

First of the impressive local talent was Ruben Sanca (Whirlaway RT/Lowell MA), the first New Englander in 2:19:05 for 21st place, three spots ahead of Brian Harvey (BAA/Boston) in 2:20:31. Nine NE men were in the top 50.

Rita Jeptoo (Kenya) led the elite field home in a course record 2:18:57, with the next three also bettering the old standard. She became only the sixth woman to break 2:19 in achieving her third Boston win. The unrelenting pace was pushed

by Marblehead MA native Shalane Flanagan, hitting halfway in 1:09:25. Ultimately finishing 7th, her time of 2:22:02 was a personal best by 3 minutes. Hilary Dionne (BAA/Charlestown MA) and Andrea Walkonen (Lebanon NH) placed 23rd (2:35:08) and 25th (2:37:06), respectively. In the wheelchair races, Ernst Van Dyke (South Africa) won his 10th title, and Tatyana McFadden (USA) defended her title.

The race has grown into a full weekend of athletic activity, with shorter events run on Saturday. The BAA 5K began the excitement on a new course to accommodate the 8,000 participants. Dejen Gebremeskel (Ethiopia) held off Ben True (Hanover NH) by hundredths of a second, both clocking 13:26, a race record.

Molly Huddle (Providence RI) tied the event’s best time at 15:12. Elite miles were won by Morgan Uceny (USA) and Nick Willis (Canada). Scholastic miles (Mike Schlichting, Newton and Lauren Hazzard, Hopkinton NH) and middle school kilometers (Keara Westover, Boston and Jovan Talavera, Boston) were all run over a multiloop city block course before the youth relays brought the day to the close.

April 21, 2014

TOP NEW ENGLAND STATE FINISHERS Connecticut: Joseph Darda (Willimantic) 2:34:59; Katie Edwards (S.Glastonbury) 2:45:31 Maine: Byrne Decker (Yarmouth) 2:33:35; Erica Jesseman (Dirigo/Scarborough) 2:42:32 Massachusetts: Ruben Sanca (Whirlaway/Lowell) 2:19:05; Hilary Dionne (BAA/ Charlestown) 2:35:08 New Hampshire: Kevin Johnson (WMDP/Hanover) 2:26:14; Andrea Walkonen (Lebanon) 2:37:06 Rhode Island: Jason Reilly (Cumberland) 2:38:08; Megan Jaswell (Wakefield) 3:05:37 Vermont: David Sinclair (Burlington) 2:36:03; Meghan Lout (GMAA/Colchester) 2:58:45 In the team competitions New England clubs scored well. The host BAA won the Men’s Open (Brian Harvey, Eric Ashe, Alex Taylor) and Masters (Pete Hammer, Pat Callahan, Wayne Levy) divisions, and Dirigo RC (Sheri Piers, Kristin Barry, Kathy Ventura) won the Women’s Masters scoring.

Men’s Open: 1. BAA 7:05:33; 2. Western MA DP 7:20:52; 7. Whirlaway 7:34:32; 9. Gr. Boston TC 7:38:37 Women’s Open: 2. BAA 8:26:10; 3. GBTC 8:41:58; 6. Somerville RR 8:53:50; 7. Dirigo 8:55:20 Men’s Masters: 1. BAA 7:54:45; 3. SRR 8:07:25; 10. Central MA Striders 8:28:55 Women’s Masters: 1. Dirigo 9:04:43; 3. Whirlaway 9:38:09; 5. Green Mt.AA 9:46:41 PhotoRun.net

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NEW ENGLAND LONG DISTANCE RUNNING 2014 ROAD RACING GRAND PRIX ASHE WINS AT JONES 10 MILE Plenty of snow on the side, but there were clear roads for runners to kick off the 2014 USATFNE Grand Prix series at the Jones 10 Mile Championship in Amherst MA on Feb. 23.

The race quickly became a two-runner contest on the newly modified but still challenging course. Eric Ashe (BAA) pulled away in the ninth mile to beat Ruben Sanca (Whirlaway) by 8 seconds in 50:42. Ashe was also the first scorer for the winning BAA team. Overall winner Megan Hogan of New York broke a 30-year-old race record in 55:29; NE champion in 2nd, Erica Jessiman, ran 59:36 to pace Dirigo to team gold. 642 completed the race. CMS (M40+), Whirlaway (M50+, W40+, W50+), and Greater Lowell (M60+) also won team divisions. www.jones10miler.com

AN RAS MOR 5K Jeff Veiga (Team RUN) and Larissa Park (Somerville RR) used every second of their times to lead the rain-sodden fields at the 17th An Ras Mor 5K USATF-New England Championship on March 30. Nearly 670 runners braved the miserable weather in Cambridge and completed the third race of the 2014 Grand Prix schedule.

Veiga, who sat out most of the fall due to injuries, beat former U.Mass-Lowell teammate Ruben Sanca by 1 second with a 14:39 time.

Combined with a win at New Bedford and a silver at the 10 Mile, Sanca has the individual series lead. Park, part of the host club’s organizing committee and USATF-NE Women’s distance running chair, had a similar one-tick margin over Caitlin Fahey (New Balance Boston) in 17:37.

The women had a 15-minute head start and virtually a separate race.

Whirlaway Open Men, W40, and W50 were division winners, as were GBTC Women, Gate City Women 60+, Central Mass Striders Men 40+, Somerville RR Men 50+, and Greater Lowell RR Men 60+.

Dave Dunham (CMS) completed his 100th USATF-New England GP Championship race (but not consecutive as had Sarah Prescott at New Bedford). www.srr.org/anrasmor

Larissa Park (l) won the 5K by one second

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NATIONAL NOTES A pair of Vermonters went a long way for national championship bronze medals on March 2 at the USA 50K road championship on Long Island. Josh Ferenc (BAA/Saxton’s River VT) was 3rd in 3:04.16 for the 31.1 miles, and Brian Teason (Manchester VT) was the bronze

medalist in 50–54 at 3:55:00.

Ben True (Hanover NH/Saucony) repeated as gold medalist at the Jacksonville (FL) River Run, the 2014 USA 15K Championship on March 15, running 43:03, a full 35 seconds faster than last year. Tim Ritchie (BAA/Boston) moved up three places from last year for the bronze in a 44:01 PB. Katie DiCamillo (New Balance Boston/ Providence) was the top NE woman, placing 6th in 50:36. Marblehead MA native Shalane Flanagan clocked a US record 47:03 for the win.

In Houston on Jan. 19,Tim Ritchie was 9th at the USA Half Marathon Championship in another personal best, 1:02:00, where the top 10 were within 37 seconds. DiCamillo placed 18th in 1:14:16.

The Cherry Blossom 10 Mile USA Championship found BAA teammates Olympian Jen Rhines and Heather Cappello placing 6th and 7th (54:38 and 54:40).

Ruben Sanca has had a varied and productive winter beyond the roads. The Cape Verde native won the Lusophone (Portuguesespeaking countries) Games 5000 in India, and was in the field during Galen Rupp’s USA Indoor 5000m record.

SARAH PRESCOTT: IRONRUNNER!

by Jenny Gardynski

The 37th Annual New Bedford Half Marathon on March 16 marked the second race in the USATFNE Road Racing Grand Prix series. For Whirlaway’s Sarah Prescott, the race signified much more. Once she crossed the finish line, she completed her 100th consecutive USATF-NE Chamscottmasonphoto.com

scottmasonphoto.com

LOCAL OLYMPIANS WIN AT NEW BEDFORD 2012 Olympians Ruben Sanca (Whirlaway) and Kim Smith (New Balance) were strong winners at the 37th New Bedford Half Marathon USATFNE Championship on March 16. Both have broken the winner’s tape before in the Whaling City.

Sanca, who represented Cape Verde in 2012, led the parade in 1:05:50, nineteen seconds ahead of teammate Nick "The Viking" Karwoski, while New Zealander Smith finished 28th overall in 1:11:08, two minutes ahead of New England champion Andrea Walkonen, who was 2nd.

Despite a 1–2 finish, Whirlaway was only 3rd in the traditionally competitive field as the club win went to Western Mass Distance Project

over the BAA. Among the women, the BAA edged Greater Boston for the team trophy by 32 seconds, and the blue-and-gold were also topped by the Men 40+. Other team wins went to Whirlaway (M50+,W40+,W50+), Greater Lowell Road Runners (M60+), and Gate City Striders (W60+). Top 40+ finishers were Mike Galoob (Unat) and Caroline Bjune (BAA), as more than 2,800 runners covered the traffic-free route.

Following the race, a number of Grand Prix regulars celebrated with Whirlaway RT runner Sarah Prescott, who completed her 100th consecutive USATF-New England GP Championship race. www.newbedfordhalfmarathon.com.

Tom Derderian

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With Whirlaway coach Dave Kazanjian

pionship Grand Prix race.

A runner since 1978, Sarah started entering Grand Prix races in 2000 when her club team participated in the team championship competition. Motivated by seeing her name in the standings, she never looked back. Throughout this time, not only has she been a consistent name in our race standings, but she’s even found her way to the top of the results page many times. She placed 6th in last year’s series in 45-49 year old age group and finished 4th the year prior.

Showcasing her range, in 2013, Sarah ran 36:11 for the 5 Miler, 1:36:14 for the half marathon, and 3:53:49 for the marathon. Considering the variety of distances included in the Grand Prix, Sarah’s

training must prepare her for all sorts of races. This is why she has tailored her training based on the Grand Prix race schedule each year.

In addition to the series typically offered in her neck of the New Hampshire woods, Sarah says the Grand Prix boasts a good combination of distances and locations, while fostering camaraderie and team competition, which she enjoys with the Whirlaway Racing team. While there are no official rankings for her streak, she says, “Looking at available stats, next behind me is Christopher Chetsas (a fellow Goon Squad founder) with his streak of six consecutive Ironrunner years. My streak has been 14 consecutive Ironrunner years, plus one race in 2014.”

So what’s next for Sarah? “Just keep running!” she says. “I’ve done more than I ever imagined being able to do and feel incredibly fortunate for all the wonderful people I’ve become friends with. How could I ask for anything more?”

Reflecting on her favorite Grand Prix moments, Sarah adds, “There are so many wonderful memories, it would take a story itself! Cape Cod Marathon was always extra special, first time I qualified for Boston Marathon, and some really fun post-race parties.”

We extend our congratulations to Sarah for her dedication to and successes in the USATF-NE Grand Prix series, and wish her continued success!

THE 2014 USATF NEW ENGLAND GRAND PRIX EVENTS 10 Mile, Sunday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m.

Jones 10 Miler, Amherst MA 1/2 Marathon, Sunday, March 16, 11 a.m.

New Bedford Half Marathon, New Bedford MA 5K, Sunday, March 30, 9:30 a.m.

An Ras Mor 5K, Cambridge MA 5 Miles, Sunday, June 15, 9:15 a.m.

Ribfest 5 Miler, Merrimack NH 15K, Sunday, Aug. 31, 9 a.m.

GMAA Labor Day 15K, South Burlington VT 10K, Sunday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m.

Lone Gull 10K, Gloucester MA Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 2, 8:50 a.m.

City of Manchester Marathon, Manchester NH

For website, entry, and results links, go to www.usatfne.org/gp

The 8th Annual

Lone Gull 10K Road Race Gloucester, MA September 14th, 2014 • 9:00am

USATF - New England Grand Prix Road Race The Course: Beautiful, fast course with slight rolling hills along the backshore of Gloucester and Eastern Point.

For more information and to register, visit us at lonegull10K.com Sponsored by:

The Children’s Center for Communication Beverly School for the Deaf Where Communication Comes First – Since 1876

6 Echo Avenue Beverly, MA 01915 P: 978.927.7070

S p r i n g 2 0 1 4 • New England Exchange Zone 15

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TRACK & FIELD SCHEDULE As of May 10 • Check www.usatfne.org/track for full and updated schedules • National events can be found at www.usatf.org/events MAY 10 New Balance Boston Twilight, Bentley U, Waltham MA, www.nbbtwilight.com, newbalanceboston@gmail.com 17 Burlington HS VT Invite, 4 Open/Masters events, pdvorak@bsdvt.org, 802-864-8588 17 New Balance Boston Twilight, UMass Lowell, Includes USATF NE 10,000m Championship. newbalanceboston@gmail.com, www.nbbtwilight.com 22 NH Thunder Youth Meet, Northwood NH, Ages 7-18, 5fishers@metrocast.net, 603-664-6993, straffordrec.org/track.php 28 USATF-NE Mini Meet, M.I.T., Cambridge MA, All ages, office@usatfne.org 28 Twilight Throwers Meets, Chelmsford MA, HT,SP,DT, chamby65@aol.com, 978-250-1314, www.twilightthrowers.com 29 NH Thunder Youth Meet, Northwood NH, Ages 7-18, 5fishers@metrocast.net, 603-664-6993, straffordrec.org/track.php 30 Central VT Runners Kids Meet, Montpelier VT, Limited events to grade 6, Norm Robinson, 802-223-7351 25 Gate City Youth Meet, Milford NH, Ages 7-18 mmscoachwright@comcast.net 31 New Balance Boston Twilight Meet Waltham MA, newbalanceboston@gmail.com, www.nbbtwilight.com JUNE 1 Gate City Youth Meet, Milford NH, Ages 7-18 mmscoachwright@comcast.net 2 Lynn Summer Track Races, Lynn MA, Feature: 10,000 meters, jsa777@verizon.net, 781-593-6562 4 USATF-NE Mini Meet, M.I.T., Cambridge MA, office@usatfne.org 4 Worcester St.U All-Comers Meets, Worcester MA, Most events ahalper@worcester.edu, 508-929-8581, usatfne.org/track 4 Twilight Throwers Meet, Chelmsford MA, JT,WT,HT, chamby65@aol.com, 978-250-1314, www.twilightthrowers.com 5 Adrian Martinez Classic, Hoka One One mile track races, Concord MA, stevelane6@gmail.com, 617-306-4650, www.martinezclassic.com 7 Twilight Throwers Javelin Jamboree Chelmsford MA, chamby65@aol.com 978-250-1314, www.twilightthrowers.com, 7 New Balance Boston Twilight Meet Waltham MA, newbalanceboston@gmail.com www.nbbtwilight.com 8 USATF Connecticut Open & Masters Bethel CT, www.usatf-ct.org 8 Amherst TC Youth Meet, Amherst NH, track@amhersttrack.org, www.amhersttrack.org 8 Cambridge Jets Youth Meet, Quincy MA, curtis@cambridgejets.org, 617-380-8080, www.cambridgejetsofma.org 8 Ocean State Senior Games, Providence RI, Ages 40+, 401-438-3154, mlyons7@hotmail.com, www.riseniorolympics.org 9 Lynn Summer Track Races, Lynn MA, Feature: Hour Run, 781-593-6562, jsa777@aol.com 11 Worcester St.U All-Comers Meets, Worcester MA, See June 4 11 Twilight Throwers Meets, Chelmsford MA SP,DT,JT, See June 4 13-15 New Balance National Scholastic Meet, North Carolina, www.nationalscholastic.org 13 Lynn Summer Track Races, Lynn MA, Feature: 2-person 16,000M relay (2x800mx10), 781-593-6562, jsa777@verizon.net

14

Adidas International Grand Prix Meet, Icahn Stadium, NYC, www.adidasgrandprix.com 14 MA Senior Games, Springfield College, 413-788-2457, www.maseniorgames.org 15 Amherst TF Youth Meet, Amherst NH, track@amhersttrack.org 19 Bay State Games Southeast/Coastal Trials Hingham MA, 781-932-6555, www.baystategames.org 20 Bay State Games Central/West Trials, Fitchburg St.U., 781-932-6555, www.baystategames.org 21 USATF New England Junior Olympics, Fitchburg State U, Born between 7/27/95 to 12/31/2007, 2-yr age groups, office@usatfne.org, 617-566-7600, Top 8 qualify for Regionals July 11-13 21 USATF East Region Open/Club Championships, U. Albany, Albany NY, usatfadir.org 21 Twilight Throwers Meet Ultra Weight Meet Chelmsford MA, Really heavy weights!

See June 4 21 RI Ocean Tides Senior Games Meet, Seekonk MA, Age 40+, rhodytides@aol.com, 401-253-1425, www.riotsg.org 21 Hersheys Youth Meet MA Meet Hudson, a21sargent@verizon.net, 978-534-7529, Qualify at town meets , hersheystrackandfield.com 26 North Reading All Comers Meet, No. Reading MA, Youth/Open/Masters, 100m-2mile, LJ, SP, DT Lynne Clemens, 978-664-6016 24–29 USATF Youth Championships Age groups 7-8 to 17-18, qualifying guidelines www.usatf.org/events 26–29 USATF Outdoor Championships, Sacramento CA, usatf.org 28–29 USATF East Region Masters Championships Columbia MD TBA Bay State Games, Metro Qualifier, Northeast Qualifier, baystategames.org 27 Nick Bottone 1 Mile Track Races Westerly RI, info@westerlytrackclub.org, 401-447-1879, WesterlyTrackClub.org 27 Hersheys Youth NH Meet, Pelham NH, Ages 8-14. wolferecassist@metrocast.net, 603-569-5639 28 Vermont Senior Games, S.Burlington VT, DKjelleren@VermontSeniorGames.org, 802-824-6521, vermontseniorgames.org 29 USATF New England Open & Masters Championship, Regis College, Weston MA, 10 am., office@usatfne.org, 617-566-7600 JULY 5-6 USATF Junior Nationals, U.Oregon, Eugene OR, Selection meet for World Team, www.usatf.org 8 Hersheys Youth RI Meet, Providence RI, Ages 8-14, Qualify in June, mattlafazia@hotmail.com 9-13 World Junior Track & Field Championships Eugene OR, www.iaaf.org 11-13 USATF Region I Junior Olympics, Site to be determined 11-12 USATF Club Nationals, Seattle/Tacoma WA, www.usatf.org/events/2014 12 Twilight Throwers Weight Pentathlon Chelmsford MA, SP,JT,DT,WT,HT, See June 4 12 Hersheys Youth VT Meet, Essex VT, Ages 8-14, Qualify at meets in June, tgoodwin@sburl.com Hammerama, Hammer-only meet, Wakefield RI, 13 rmgourley@fctvplus.net, 401-246-0243.

14 Lynn Summer Track Meet of Miles, Lynn MA, 781-593-6562, jsa777@verizon.net

16 New England Exchange Zone • S p r i n g 2 0 1 4

17-20 USA National Masters T&F Championships (Age 30+), Winston-Salem NC, www.usatf.org/events 18 USATF NE One Hour Run, Manning Field, Lynn MA, One-hour races, men/feature women, office@usatfne.org 19 Bay State Games Finals, Regis College, Weston MA, NO late entry, www.baystategames.org 19 Maine Senior Games, Scarborough HS, Age 50+, 207-396-6519, jdill@smaaa.org, www.smaaa.org 20 Twilight Throwers Roundup, Chelmsford MA, HT,WT,Super WT, See June 4 27 Vermont Rec/Parks State Meet, St.Johnsbury, Ages 7-15, VT town rec teams only, www.vrpa.org/programs 21-27 USATF Junior Olympic Nationals, Houston TX, Qualify July 11-13, usatf.org/events 25-27 USATF Level I Coaching School, Tyngsborough MA, office@usatfne.org 25-26 Needham TC Youth Classic, Needham MA, Age 4-16, 781-856-4088, needhamtrackclub@aol.com, www.needhamtrack.org 25 Introduction to Hammer Throw Clinic, Holy Cross College, Worcester MA, office@usatfne.org 25 Central Mass Field Events Meet, Holy Cross, Worcester MA, 6pm hcvault@charter.net AUGUST 1 Frank Kelly Youth Meet, Quincy MA HS, To ages 14, Geoff Hennessey, henndog89@netscape.net, 617-773-5824 2-3 USATF Masters Throws Championships, Holy Cross, Worcester MA, Age 30+, Throws pentathlon, Super Weight, Ultra Wt, usatf.org/events/2014/ TBA George & Whitey King 4x1600 Relay, Charlestown MA 17 Granite State Senior Games, Manchester NH, Age 45+, Open to all, www.nhseniorgames.org SUMMER TRACK & FIELD SERIES July Patriot Pole Vault Club Vaultarama Meet, Westborough MA, coachdoug@patriotpv.com, www.patriotpv.com • Mondays/Fridays, Lynn Summer Adult Track Races, Lynn MA, June 2, 9, 13, July 14, 18, 21, Aug 4, 11 Track only, jsa777@verizon.net, www.lwrun.org • Tuesdays June 24-Aug 5, Attleboro YMCA Series, Bp. Feehan HS, Attleboro MA, All ages, epoirier@attleboroymca.org, 508-409-0754 • Tuesdays June 3, 10, July 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, Lynn Summer Youth Meets, Lynn MA, bill@lwrun.org, www.lwrun.org • Tuesdays July 8-29 Exeter/W.Greenwich RI Summer Youth Track, EWG HS, Exeter RI, Ages 6 to 14, sites.google.com/site/ewgsyt/, arothenberg2@cox.net, 401-294-9946 • Wednesday June 4-Aug 15, Gr. Framingham RC Meets, Framingham MA, Primarily youth, www.gfrcrun.org, Rick Chesmore, 508-875-0201 • Wednesday, June 25, July 2, 9, 16, E. Greenwich RI Youth Meets, Ages 4-12, www.egtrackclub.org, egtrackclub@gmail.com, Peter Dion, 401-533-4823 • Thursdays July 10, 17, 27, 31, Manchester CT Most events, manchesterrunningcompany.com/events/tnul/ • Thursdays July 10, 17, 27, 31, Manchester NH 1/2 schedule weekly, bdwyer@manchesternh.gov, 603-665-6817

New England Exchange Zone is custom published for USATF New England by Fortius Media Group, LLC. PO Box 6450, San Jose, CA 95150, 608.239.3785, Larry Eder, Publishing Director.

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2014 USATF-NE Mountain Running Circuit May 4 Sleepy Hollow Mountain Huntington VT May 11 Pack Monadnock Wilton NH May 24 Wachusett Mountain Princeton MA June 8 Ascutney Mountain Ascutney VT July 6 Loon Mountain Lincoln NH (USA Championship) July 20 Cranmore Hill Climb North Conway NH Oct 4 Bretton Woods Fells Race NH Full details and race links at www.usatfne.org/trail

18 New England Exchange Zone • S p r i n g 2 0 1 4

Christin Doneski, Whirlaway Racing Team 2013 Mountain Circuit Champion scottmasonphoto.com

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20 New England Exchange Zone • S p r i n g 2 0 1 4

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PERFORMANCE Newton Motion III

175

$

RENOVATION S i g 2014 Spring 2014

Nike Zoom Fly

90

$

VALUE Spring 2014

On Cloud

109

$

Performance Spring S i 2014 4

Puma Faas 500 v3

Saucony Mirage 4

$

110

110

$

Newton is evolving, and that’s reflected in its shoes, with specific categories to address biomechanical and technical preferences. The Motion III is the first of Newton’s mainline shoes to be updated. The upper now features a full saddle—light but secure, thanks to nosew overlays—and somewhat forgiving with a closed stretch-mesh. The interior is smooth, with Lycra in the ankle collar and tongue, which offers good comfort while keeping it spare enough to save weight. The high-quality EVA midsole features a 3mm drop from heel to toe, a broader midfoot that’s now a full-contact bottom, and the Action/Reaction plate in a new five-lug configuration. Between the broader and flatter geometry and new lug spacing, the shoe is much more stable yet it still delivers the unique Newton feel.

Keeping an eye on the scale, the outersole minimizes the rubber and uses it thinly where it’s placed: coverage that’s adequate and lightweight. The Motion III delivers lightweight performance with a touch of stability, earning it our Best Renovation Award.

“Smooth, snug, comfortable fit. The ride was light and responsive, great for my faster runs.”

The Zoom Fly is a bit of a sleeper: Don’t be fooled by its low price and seemingly simple design. Borrowing from the Bowerman heritage and mixing in a bit of its Lunar engineering, the result is a Performance shoe for this moment. The upper is open mesh in the forefoot with closed mesh in the mid- and rearfoot, and married together with no-sew overlays. The tapered toebox provides a good fit and retains its shape well, thanks to a synthetic leather toe cap. The toebox also includes a bunion window to accommodate the forefoot width. The midsole is a combination of Phylon and Cushlon, molded to provide support and protection. It’s got a Zoom Air bag in the forefoot and uses 8mm geometry. The outersole is BRS 1000 carbon rubber in the heel, with mini-waffles providing traction up front. The Zoom Fly is an effective Performance shoe for faster-paced runs and even for long races. And at $90, it’s an outstanding value—so good, in fact, that it won honors as our Best Value Shoe.

“Secure fit and a nice, low-to-the-ground feel.

Protective and nimble. This has been a go-to shoe for fast running.”

The Cloud takes On technology a step beyond. The original outersole lugs, called clouds, were made of dense—and heavy—rubber. Thanks to a new process, On is now using road-grade EVA foam, a much lighter material that’s been engineered to achieve the same effect without the extra weight. The closed mesh upper has a partial gusset and an overlapping saddle to secure the midfoot. It comes with both traditional laces and a stretch lace, and the smooth interior is suitable for sockless wear—both nods to its triathlon roots. The midsole is a high-quality EVA blend, forming the clouds along its length, and divided by a longitudinal gap that allows the foot to flex more naturally throughout the gait. Its 6mm geometry supports greater gait efficiency. The outersole sports a few touches of rubber at the heel and toe for durability, with the clouds managing the rest of the cushioning duties. The fit, ride, and innovation earned the Cloud our Best Performance Shoe award.

“Smooth—even plush—interior. Flexes well, has an agile feel to it; light and smooth. For my fast runs, these were what I reached for.”

The Faas 500 is the taproot of the Faas series, with other models branching off to suit different needs. Round 3 makes changes to the upper, while maintaining the ride and feel of Round 2. The upper offers a closed mesh, as in v2, but the midfoot now features a saddle-like framework with synthetic leather stanchions that loop into the lacing, snugging the foot over the midsole. The ankle collar and interior have beefier layers of memory foam, achieved without adding much weight—a worthwhile trade-off. The midsole continues with the 4mm geometry, and the EVA blend of elastomers offers the resilient cushioning, flexibility, and comfort the model has been known for. The outersole remains substantially the same—good news, since it was already an effective set-up going into the update. The result is a familiar shoe that works well for faster runs, a share of your daily training, or—in a pinch—even the occasional race.

The Mirage has been the most versatile of Saucony’s Natural Motion Series shoes, nestled between the Kinvara and the Cortana. Round 4 focuses on the upper and midsole to raise the bar for excellence, but not at the expense of the expected performance. The upper is a closed mesh with the usual adjustments to overlays: here, lightweight Flexfilm that belies its strength and support. The midsole still sits on 4mm geometry, but the substitution of PowerGrid for Round 3’s ProGrid now provides a more responsive feel to the shoe’s ride. The outersole is unchanged: The XT-900 carbon rubber heel and iBR (injection blown rubber) of the forefoot provide traction, durability, and extra cushion.

The Mirage 4 doesn’t disappoint. Its consistent nudge forward improves its quality and maintains its balance between high-mileage training and faster-paced runs.

2014 Spring Shoe Review — 3 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 9.5 oz. (men’s 11); 7.7 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation, for faster-paced runs

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 Weight: 9.8 oz. (men’s 11); 8.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation, for faster-paced runs

Sizes: Men 8–14; Women 6–10 Weight: 8.5 oz. (men’s 11); 7.2 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced runs

“Snug fit and good ground feel. Decent cushioning with a bouncy feel, especially for a lighter shoe. I enjoyed running my midlength runs in them.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 6–12 Weight: 10.8 oz. (men’s 11); 9.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

“Snug fit with better support than my other shoes.

Responsive, but not super cushy. They are a little lighter and faster than my normal training shoes.”

Sizes: Men: 7–13,14,15; Women: 5–12 Weight: 10.0 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.5 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation, for faster paced runs

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MOTION STABILIZING Nike Lunar Eclipse 4

Saucony Guide 7

135

$

$

120

Long the showpiece for Nike’s Lunar technologies, the Eclipse continues that trend with significant changes in Round 4. As in Round 3, the upper is engineered mesh, but here it relies less on the Flywire strands for security. Instead, the Flywire has been placed within a saddle support of welded overlays covered with firm mesh and offset lacing to secure the foot. The thermoplastic heel counter has been modestly beefed up, primarily on the medial side. The midsole has been reshaped, narrowing the waist slightly and reducing the firm feeling of the carrier foam. The forefoot has a concentric tree-ring-like suspension that flexes to accommodate the foot’s forefoot motion, and reduced carbon rubber in the heel saves weight. The overall effect is a comfortable and efficient Motion Stabilizing shoe.

“Good heel lockdown with excellent toe room.

Good responsive ride that I put a lot of miles on.”

The Guide is Saucony’s most versatile shoe, thanks to its stability and cushioning. In Round 7, Saucony has zeroed in on these aspects. The upper has a similar open mesh and traditional overlays, efficiently securing the foot over the sole. The midsole has been significantly retooled, keeping the 8mm geometry but engineering the segmentation and molding to optimize touchdown and transition. A full-length PowerGrid layer manages the kinetic energy and rests between the midsole and the Strobel board. The outersole continues with XT-900 carbon rubber and iBR blown rubber in the forefoot, though now the flex grooves follow the contours of the sole for better segmentation. The Guide 7 is truly performance for feet in need of a balance of cushioning and stability.

“Snug fit, but flexes well with my feet. Healthy chunk of foam underfoot, plenty of cushion and keeps things lined up.”

With its then-new midsole material that brought outstanding performance, the original Energy Boost created excitement. As good as the midsole material was, the importance of geometry and fit can’t be overemphasized, and the Energy Boost 2 focuses on dialing these in. The upper retains the stretchy fabric of the original, but adjustments in tailoring and additional structure in the saddle allow a more accommodating fit to the snugness, while effectively conforming to more feet. In some cases, sizing up is recommended, and the only way to know what works for you is to try it on. The midsole is unchanged, making the Boost a lightweight Neutral shoe that protects but also has a pretty snappy feel. The outersole features full-length Continental carbon rubber for more durability. With its cushy and responsive ride, the Boost continues to attract fans.

“Really like the feel of these shoes, the combination of the toespring and the energy return of the Boost when running. No matter how far I run in them, my feet still feel good.”

Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 12.7 oz. (men’s 11); 10.8 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16; Women 5–12 Weight: 10.9 oz. (men’s 11); 9.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

NEUTRAL adidas Energy Boost 2 $160

adidas Supernova Glide Boost $130

Hoka One One Conquest

170

$

The Glide Boost replaces the Supernova Glide, becoming the second established adidas running shoe to be transformed by the new Boost Foam. The engineered mesh upper has no-sew overlays and a supportive saddle created from the logo stripes over the midfoot.

The tongue is gusseted to improve and smooth the fit, and it can’t slip out of alignment.

The midsole is Boost Foam topped by a layer of EVA that provides a familiar Glide feel and spreads the force more evenly across the bouncier Boost Foam. This gives a unique ride that’s firmer than the Energy Boost, while retaining its lively feel. The outersole is durable and grippy, thanks to a thin layer of Continental® carbon rubber that covers most of the forefoot, though there are slots that allow the foot to flex through the gait. All in all, the Glide Boost is a well-cushioned and responsive Neutral shoe with a traditional adidas fit and at a price that’s modestly more affordable.

At home on the roads, the new Conquest sports some new solutions and, for Hoka fans, some familiar characteristics. The upper is two layers of mesh: open air mesh on the inside and stiff minimesh on top. The layers of mesh sandwich synthetic leather supports and no-sew overlays create a full rand that connects to the eyestay and is thin, light, and flexible. The midsole is a new design for Hoka: A cradle of foam is contoured under the foot and nestles into a second layer of Rmat® foam with vertical siping in the heel. The result is a more pliable material and a design that’s more flexible than previous Hoka midsoles. The toughened road-grade road-grade outersole outersole features a bit of carbon rubber at the toe and lateral heel to bolster the durability. Our verdict on the Conquest? A well-cushioned shoe that’ll keep you on the road for the long run.

2014 Spring Shoe Review — 5 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 12.2 oz. (men’s 11); 9.7 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

“This shoe is an awesome, lightweight trainer fit for any length run. My toes like the wiggle room in the toebox.”

Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 11.5 oz. (men’s 11); 9.6 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

“It takes a few runs to get used to the feel.

There’s no feel through the soles, but the giant, squishy [mid]sole provides a stable platform on any surface and [makes them] fun to run [in] downhill.”

Sizes: Men 7.5–14; Women 6–11 Weight: 12.8 oz. (men’s 11); 10.1 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

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NEUTRAL Karhu Fluid 3 Fulcrum

Mizuno Wave Rider 17

$

125

115

$

New Balance Fresh Foam 980 $110

Neutral S Spring g 2014 4

New Balance 890 v4

110

$

The North Face Ultra Smooth $120

Re-launched to the U.S. market in 2006, Karhu continues to adapt its Fulcrum technology.

The Fluid 3 is the next iteration of Neutral shoes for Karhu, following on the success of the Trail, Road, and Race versions of the Flow. The Fluid 3’s upper is an open mesh with synthetic suede overlays and welded supports in key spots. A bit of structure comes via a small supporting saddle and a semi-rigid heel counter. Its key feature is a new Fulcrum configuration of the 2-density foam that’s offset medially/laterally to accommodate the neutral gait and sports 8mm geometry. The midsole is a new injection-molded EVA that has a firm feel and ride—definitely not for those who desire plush cushioning—and more of a feel for the road. The outersole is carbon rubber in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot, offering the expected good traction and durability. The Fluid 3 Fulcrum is a solid training shoe aimed at more up-tempo paces.

The Wave Rider is like a sports sedan: plenty of horsepower, but with some creature comforts. Version 17 pares some excess, improves the fit, and addresses the ride. The upper is a closed mesh with minimal no-sew overlays (similar to its predecessor), but is a nice step up in fit and feel. The interior is smooth enough to make socks optional. The midsole is effectively sculpted to flex well and cradle the foot from touchdown through toe-off. Lateral lugs beveled from the heel into the forefoot accommodate a variety of footstrikes. The outersole is X-10 carbon rubber in the heel with a swirled pattern of blown rubber lugs in the forefoot that provides improved grip and a little extra cushion.

The long and short of it is, this Wave Rider is protective, nimble, and versatile.

The 980 is new to the New Balance line, but much of the interest generated is attributable to its use of Fresh Foam. The upper is a closed minimesh with minimal no-sew overlays. The ankle collar has a generous layer of memory foam to accommodate a variety of feet, and the interior is smooth and comfortable. The midsole employs a new polyethylene formulation called Fresh Foam that’s lightweight and cushiony. The geometry is a bit taller than in other New Balance shoes—a measured stack height of 28mm—and it features a heel-to-toe drop of 4mm. The full-contact outersole has a grippy, low-profile, lug-like pattern of variously sized hexagons. The heel is beveled slightly and decoupled to even out the touchdown. The fit, ride, and innovation of the Fresh Foam 980 earned it our award for Best Shoe in the Neutral category.

By redefining what a Neutral shoe is, the 890 has been a game-changer for New Balance.

Version 4 has undergone a transformation, both visually and structurally, along with a few updates. The upper is a closed mesh, with most of the fabric supported by no-sew overlays. Synthetic suede overlays at the heel, archband, and toe lend additional support.

Much of the old structure has been removed so the shoe conforms better to the foot. A bit more memory foam in the ankle collar ensures an excellent fit. The upgraded midsole geometry has more toespring to roll better with the foot, while keeping the 8mm heelto-toe drop, which has been one of its strengths. A thermoplastic plate under the Strobel board distributes the forces more evenly throughout the sole, and a two-part design of pods under the heel adapts to varying footstrikes, effectively smoothing the touchdown.

The outersole makes liberal use of blown rubber, which encircles a core of more durable rubber in the highest-wear portions.

The Ultra Smooth is The North Face’s first running shoe designed specifically for the roads. The upper is a closed mesh with no-sew overlays, which results in a smooth interior. The ankle collar is a smooth-but-thin polyester fabric called FlashDry over relatively little foam that cups the heel effectively, thanks to a Pebax nylon cradle. The thin tongue and flat laces secure the foot well without adding weight. The midsole is injectionmolded EVA, a rubbery blend that provides a resilient, though firm and responsive ride.

The lateral portion of the midsole’s forefoot also constitutes the outersole. (Don’t worry, its toughened surface is equal to the task.) The outersole is a durable Vibram rubber compound, set into the midsole for a smooth transition. The effective Ultra Smooth earns a hearty “well done” and has us hoping that it hints at a broader series of road shoes from The North Face.

2014 Spring Shoe Review — 6 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

“Good, smooth fit with decent support. The ride was responsive and very firm. They served well for longer runs, faster runs, and were surprisingly versatile.”

Sizes: Men 8–13; Women 6–11 Weight: 11.1 oz. (men’s 11); 8.2 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

“Comfortable fit with plenty of toe-room. Well cushioned and stable. A versatile, all-around shoe that is ready for whatever awaits out your door.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16; Women 6–12 Weight: 10.1 oz. (men’s 11); 8.4 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

“Secure but roomy fit; smooth and seamless.

Really well-cushioned, but not too soft. Really well done.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (D,2E,4E); Women 5–11,12 (2A,B,D) Weight: 10.2 oz. (men’s 11); 8.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

“This shoe looks fun with its bright color, but it also delivers a cushiony ride, low weight for a training shoe, and great feel of what is underfoot, thanks to the modular sole.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (B,D,2E,4E); Women 5–11,12 (2A,B,D) Weight: 9.6 oz. (men’s 11); 8.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

“Really good-fitting shoe with a nice, smooth interior. Lightweight, but with a substantial underfoot feel. They managed plenty of good miles for me.”

Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16; Women 5–12 Weight: 10.8 oz. (men’s 11); 8.9 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, polyurethane Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

NE-XZONE-Spring2014.qxp_Layout 1 5/16/14 11:57 AM Page 26

THE DROUGHT IS OVER!

by Larry Eder

No American male has won the iconic Boston Marathon since 1983, when Greg Meyer, a Midwesterner with the legs of a steeplechaser and the arms of a wrestler, won the most American of marathons.

Now, Meb Keflezighi, an Olympic silver medalist and victor of New York City Marathon, has added the mantle of Boston Marathon winner to his résumé!

The 118th Boston Marathon will be remembered for many reasons. High on that list will be Meb Keflezighi's stunning victory over the best field ever assembled in Boston Marathon history. Mary Kate Shea, John Hancock's elite athlete field developer, wanted to see a woman come in under 2:20 and an American win. Well, she got three women under the course record, two under 2:20, and an American win!

Meb Keflezighi, in a performance reminiscent of Frank Shorter in Munich, took the lead at 8 miles in the 2014 Boston Marathon, and just built it up, at times to 35 seconds. What Frank Shorter did not have to contend with, however, was runners who came back after him. Keflezighi held off his competitors over the last 2 miles.The chasing pack, which included Dennis Kimetto, Wilson Chebet, Markos Geneti, and Ryan Hall, among others, just watched from afar. When it came time to attack, no one would follow Chebet or Frankline Chepkwony.

Early on, Keflezighi ran with Josephat Boit, and they passed the 5K in 15:09 and 10K in 30:28. At 10K, Desisa Lelisa was up with Keflezighi and Boit. By 15K, reached in 45:46, it was down to Boit and Keflezighi.

Keflezighi looked good as he ran, reminding me of what his coach Bob Larsen had told me earlier this week.,“Meb had some good weeks of training and he is fit.” Bob never talks like that. Heck, Keflezighi never has over six to eight weeks of healthy training. This time around, Coach Larsen, about as smart as they come, said that Keflezighi had some good solid training, but also some accommodations to his age. There was a decrease in the mileage and a focus on recovery between the strong

26 New England Exchange Zone • S p r i n g 2 0 1 4

workouts.

“Muscle memory” is how David Murphy, 1984 2nd-placer in the NYC Marathon and longtime press room announcer at the BAA Boston Marathon, put it. “The marathon takes a lot out you, all the way to the mitochondria level.”

Meb Keflezighi is the man who has run 13:11 for 5000 meters, 27:18.81 for 10,000 meters (longtime AR), and finished 4th in the 2012 London Olympic Marathon in 2:11:06. Since then, he ran a 2:22:47, virtually on one leg, at the 2013 ING NYCM. He should not have accomplished what he did today.

But, as usual, I have digressed. Back to the race.

Keflezighi and Boit hit the halfway in 1:04:20, not a pedestrian pace, but not fast by any standards. The chasing pack, led by Hall and Nick Arcianaga, among others, was 35 seconds down at this point.

And then, at 25K, Keflezighi took off. In mile 14, Meb ran 4:48, then, 4:53, then, BOOM! 4:37 and—Dynamo Hum—Keflezighi had 8 seconds on Boit.

Keflezighi is a seasoned competitor. Give him five and a half weeks (his average healthy training over the past six years before a marathon), and the guy delivers. It did not click when Coach Larsen told me on Saturday that Keflezighi had done some pretty good training. Not one to brag nor one to underestimate, Larsen is prone to honesty. He is not a good bs artist.

Keflezighi just kept running, hitting 30K in 1:31:09, after having run

PhotoRun.net

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NEW ENGLAND the fastest 10K of the race (30:36).

Hitting the 20-mile mark in 1:37:52, Keflezighi ran strong through all the hills, getting through Heartbreak Hill and 21 miles in 1:43:04, with a 5:12 mile up the last hill. Now it was virtually all downhill for the final 8K. But where was the chasing pack? “We were following Meb, and I heard the 25K split, but no one would go with me. So, I ran after Meb,” noted Chebet.

At 23 miles, Keflezighi started to grimace and was looking back a bit but, as other observers would tell you, he was looking back the entire race to see where the field was. The chasing pack was 40 seconds back.

What had happened to the chasing pack? Did they go bowling or something?

Au contraire, mes amis. Chebet and Chepkwony both were chasing Meb Keflezighi. Chebet cut what was a 40-second lead at 23 miles to 12 seconds at 24 miles, then to 6.2 seconds at 25 miles.

Funny thing was, Chebet, at 2:05:36 (three marathons between 2:05:51 and 2:05:36), was gaining fast. Keflezighi was fighting furiously.

“Coach Larsen had told me always to keep something in reserve. I knew that Wilson was very fast and that he and Frankline [Chepkwony] were close.”

This is, however, where a champion shows his or her stuff.

From 40 kilometers to the finish, as Keflezighi was experiencing the Miles of Trials and Trials of Miles, quoting author John Parker (cult classic Once a Runner), Keflezighi found another gear and took that 6.2-second lead, built it to 8 seconds, and then to 12.

Chebet, with a kilometer to go, started looking back. Chepkwony was charging down the road, going for 2nd place, hell bent on that position.

Meb Keflezighi, he of the Olympic silver from 2004 and a 4th place in the 2012 Olympic, a PB of 27:13.81, just poured it on the best he could.

At 42 kilometers, sensing victory, as the Boston crowds, knowing that their Meb Keflezighi was about to make history, he started to wave and finished, in tears, exhaustion, and happiness, in 2:08:37.

Wilson Chebet was 2nd and Frankline Chepkwony was 3rd.

Keflezighi had just ended the drought. No American man had won since 1983. Keflezighi, living the American dream, had found the open arms of this country as a child and, after seeing a Footlocker cross country race, built himself from a fine high school runner to a four-time NCAA champion at UCLA to an Olympic silver medalist.

Keflezighi is the first American male to win the Olympic silver medal, then win the 2009 NYC Marathon, and now, the Boston Marathon.

"Winning one medal in the Olympics or one marathon major can be put off to a fluke, but winning Boston, NYC, and an Olympic medal, that is a true talent,” commented TV announcer Toni Reavis.

For Meb Keflezighi it was more than that: “I had achieved 99.9% of my goals with the Olympic medal and NYC wins. With Boston, I have achieved 110% of my goals.”

In the postrace press conference, Keflezighi hugged Marc Davis, press room manager for the BAA. Davis preceded Keflezighi at their high school, and he noted how much Davis was a role model for him.

Davis texted comments to Davis’ mother Sharon, who remembers Keflezighi as a junior high student. She texted back to her son that while Keflezighi was winning Boston, she was so excited, jumping up and down in her kitchen, that she burned her chorizo omelet. Such is the price of victory.

While I was editing this piece, I came upon Coach Bob Larsen, a longtime coach-advisor of Keflezeghi. This is how the coach puts Keflezighi’s performance: We knew Meb could run 2:07 or 2:08, as he had run 2:09 here twice with injuries. His hamstring was an issue in NYC Half, so we decided on an even pace. I knew that he could run a 2:08, I am surprised he could win with a 2:08.

How else could I end this story?

Meb Keflezighi, the American dream, just ended one the longest droughts in American sports.

PhotoRun.net

Meb Keflezighi

WINSBOSTON

S p r i n g 2 0 1 4 • New England Exchange Zone 27

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NEW ENGLAND

RECOGNITION Athletes and contributors from the New England association were recognized at the third annual USATF-New England Awards Banquet Jan. 11 in Stoneham MA. Series and Grand Prix champions in many disciplines received embroidered vests for their accomplishments. By online vote, Tim Ritchie (BAA) and Stephanie Reilly (Team RUN) were voted Runners of the Year, and the Greater Lowell Road Runners as Club of the Year.

Other nominees for Athlete of the Year were Sam Alexander (BAA), Sean Duncan (WMDP), Andrew Junas (Eliot), and Joe Navas (Whirlaway) for men and Christin Doneski (Whirlaway) and Sarah Prescott (Whirlaway) for women.

OTHER MEMBERS IN THE NEWS The RI Track Coaches Hall of Fame inducted 10 members at the organization’s annual banquet.

This year’s inductees are Dave Wright (La Salle), John Marchand (Smithfield), Sue Carlson (Lincoln), Anne Sullivan Hird (All-State/AllAmerican distance runner), Joyce Bonner (Cumberland), Ray Treacy (Providence College), Bob Palazzo (Classical), Charley Breagy (North Kingstown), Ann Marie Marino (Barrington), and Norm Bouthillier (Toll Gate).

The MA State Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame inducted a stellar Class of 2014. Athletes selected had quality MA high school careers as well as earning honors beyond graduation. Names added to the recognition wall at the Reggie Lewis Center were distance runner All-American Ari Lambie (Bromfield School, Harvard); Melody Johnson (North Attleboro), shot put record holder; Joe LeMar (Brockton), middle distance, who went on to a Paralympic gold medal; the national record-setting 1979 Brockton 4x440 relay team of Paul Neves, Jim MacKinnon, Mike Sullivan, and Dennis Doucette; middle distance runners Andy Powell (Oliver Ames) and Maurica Carlucci Powell (Franklin), both now coaching at U.Oregon, and sprinter Brooks Johnson (Plymouth, 1952), who earned a gold medal in the Pan American Games and has coached an athlete in every Olympic Games from 1972 through 2012.

The Greater Lowell Road Runners inducted four women into

28 New England Exchange Zone • S p r i n g 2 0 1 4

their Hall of Fame over the Marathon weekend: Patty Foltz, Kara Haas, Liane Pancoast, and Diane Geehan. Sue McNatt earned a place in the Cambridge Sports Union Club HOF. North Medford Club celebrated its 80th anniversary.

NMC is the second-oldest club in New England after the Boston Athletic Association.

Longtime Providence Cobras and Hope High School Coach Thom Spann was named the Mike Byrnes New Balance National Track Coach of the Year during ceremonies at the New Balance National Indoor Championships. “I don’t coach for personal accolades,” the coach said. “I coach for my kids.” Spann is in his 31st year as head coach of girls’ and boys’ indoor and outdoor track at Hope, having guided his teams to eight state indoor and outdoor championship teams. He cofounded, with Coach Kevin Jackson, the Providence Cobras Youth Track Club in 1978.

Stephen Viegas was appointed Road Runners Club of America Massachusetts state rep. The organization works through clubs on grassroots promotion of the sport through club-based programs.

Viegas is also a USATF and RRCA certified coach and works with the Mystic Runners.

The MA State Track Coaches Assn. welcomed four members into its Hall of Fame: Don Hennigar (Newburyport), Dave Dickerson (Somerville), Frank Gallagher (Revere–Veteran's Division), and Bob Smith (Frontier Regional). Distinguished Service Awards were presented to attorney Dom Finelli and to official Peter Meagher.

Emma Fitzgerald (Braintree MA) won the javelin at the North/Central America Area Trials for the World Youth Olympics held April 4–5 in Florida. The Thayer Academy sophomore threw the 500-gram youth javelin a personal best 168'2" to top the field by 10 feet.

Four USATF-NE masters runners were named 2013 Runner of the Year in their competitive age groups by the USATF Masters Long Distance Running Committee. Nina Caron (Merrimack Valley Striders/N. Andover MA) topped the 50–54 age group, and Jan Holmquist (Liberty AC/Burlington MA) led the 65–69 division. Among the men, Bill Dixon (Gr.Lowell/Brattleboro VT) was named best in his age 65–69, and Bill Riley (NE 65+/Marstons Mills MA) added another plaque to his collection in the age 75–79 group.

Greater Lowell Road Runners

Tom Derderian

USATF NEW ENGLAND AWARDS BANQUET

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NEW ENGLAND

RACE WALKING

RaceWalking: Just what is that, anyway?

Race walking events have been part of the Olympic Games since 1900, though the history of walking competition goes back even farther. It’s also contested at various distances in world, national, and association championships for open and age group athletes at a variety of distances.

There are two technical rules for race walking competitions.

First, contact with the ground must be maintained at all times (this differentiates running from walking); that is, the lead foot must touch the ground before the rear foot leaves the ground. Second, the supporting leg must be straightened when it passes under the body.

These two fundamentals combine with a powerful arm swing and coordinated hip rotation (to lengthen the stride) to produce a smooth, fluid stride that allows national-level walkers to approach 6:00 for the mile.

Certified judges observe racers on tracks or road courses; rules specifically state that observation is by the naked eye and high-speed video can’t be used. A judge may warn competitors if their progress is in danger of violating the rules or a judge may submit a disqualification card if a walker is out of compliance.When a competitor receives DQ cards from three different judges, he or she must leave the course.

The Olympic and world championship distances are 20K (12.4

miles) for both men and women, and 50K (31.1 miles) for men. Juniors (ages 14–19) compete in championships up to 10K, and Junior Olympic competition is at 1500 or 3000 meters. The most common distances locally are the mile through the 10K. The New England association conducts an annual series of races that are scored on an age-graded point basis.

New England has produced Olympians such as Joanne Dow (now head coach at Southern New Hampshire University) of Manchester NH in 2008, and several local athletes have represented the USA in other international competitions.

Because walking is not a national high school or college championship event, most competitive walkers get started on their own or as part of a club program. For years the North Medford Club kept the race walking scene active, but now the bulk of races are hosted by the New England Walkers. The event has become a more popular masters event, in part because the stresses on the back and knees are far less than with running.

Though local participation has been small in recent years, numbers look to be improving. USATF-NE organized last summer’s USA vs Canada Junior Match in Boston and will host the USA National 1Hour Championship event this August. The Junior Olympic meet finds significantly more walkers from a variety of youth clubs, and the association had a Junior Olympic national medalist (Nolan Allen, Waltham TC) and its first scholastic boy and girl to earn medals at the National Scholastic Indoor and Outdoor Championships (Tim Sunnerberg of Burlington MA and Maegan Allen of Arlington MA) in the past 12 months.

The medals are the color and same size for all events, and there are plenty of opportunities to earn awards in race walking. So if you’re looking for an introduction to the event, want a “clinic in a folder,” or are interested in a clinic for a youth club, contact the New England Walkers at www.newalkers.com or NE Race Walking chair Justin Kuo, jkuo@usatfne.org.

USATF-NE

USATF-NE

Vera Vaitones

S p r i n g 2 0 1 4 • New England Exchange Zone 29

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NEW ENGLAND

HONORS FOUR USATF-NE MEMBERS RECEIVE NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S AWARDS

THE NEW GEL-NIMBUS 16

Four past or present USATF-New England board members were recognized with President’s Awards at the USATF National Annual Meeting. The awards are given annually to people who have worked diligently and admirably in USATF volunteer ranks within their associations or committees.

®

FEEL THE RUN, NOT THE ROAD. Want to run on clouds? Equipped with GEL® Cushioning technology, runners will float through each mile in the new luxuriously plush GEL- Nimbus 16.

The USATF-NE winners Laurie Boemker (Cranston RI) has been a TAC/USATF official since 1983, an NCAA official since 1983, and a high school official since 1980. She is NE Officials Certification chair and chair of the IAAF National Technical Officials Subcommittee. She was a member of the 1971 U.S. Pan American team and is involved in the USATF Athlete Alumni Committee.

Dave Dunham (CMS/Bradford MA) is a founding member of the USATF Mountain, Ultra & Trail (MUT) Running Council and founded the New England Mountain Running Circuit (and still manages the series scoring and statistics). He served as a staff member of the US Mountain Running Team from 1992–2009 and chaired USATF New England MUT Running from 1995–2002 Justin Kuo (NEWalkers/Brookline MA) does it all as a volunteer in multiple areas for USATF. Kuo chairs the USA Records Committee, was a national certifier for road race courses while serving as the vice chair of the Road Running Technical Committee, and is a master-level official operating electronic measuring and Lynx timing systems. He has managed the USATF-NE website since it was launched and is the New England Race Walking Committee chair.

Kathy Nary (Newbury MA) is a member of the USA Women’s Long Distance Running Executive Committee (since 1996), currently serving as vice chair. She has been instrumental in taking care of the selection of international teams and staffs for over a decade and works tirelessly to support USATF and its athletes. Nary has held many USATF-NE positions, and is actively involved with USADA, enforcing drug-testing policies at several major championships events.

We thank them all for their service to the sport locally and nationally!

Available exclusively in run specialty stores through June 30, 2014 and at ASICS.com

#BETTERYOURBEST

Nancy Hobbs

30 New England Exchange Zone • S p r i n g 2 0 1 4

Kikki

NE-XZONE-Spring2014.qxp_Layout 1 5/16/14 12:15 PM Page 31

USATFNEW ENGLAND Junior Olympic Track & Field Championship Saturday, June 21, 2014 Fitchburg State University Fitchburg MA A full schedule of track & field events in two-year age groups.

Events vary by age.

Vera Vaitones

Full schedule and online entry will be available after May 10 at www.usatfne.org/track.

Age Groups Born In 7–8

2006–2007

9–10

2004–2005

11–12

2002–2003

13–14

2000–2001

15–16

1998–1999

17–18**

1996–1997

Vera Vaitones

Vera Vaitones

** Also 1995 if born after 7/27/1995

S p r i n g 2 0 1 4 • New England Exchange Zone 31

NE-XZONE-Spring2014.qxp_Layout 1 5/16/14 11:58 AM Page 32

FEEL THE RUN THE NEW NOT THE ROAD GEL-NIMBUS 16 速

Want to run on clouds? Equipped with GEL速 Cushioning technology, runners will float through each mile in the new luxuriously plush GEL- Nimbus 16.

#BETTERYOURBEST Available exclusively in run specialty stores through June 30, 2014 and at ASICS.com