WRR January/February 2014 by Wicked Running Club

THE

WICKED

Running Register

January/February 2014 • Priceless

Wicked Board 2014: We welcome your questions and suggestions. Get in touch! PRESIDENT: T.R. Ramsdell mopartr@comcast.net VICE PRESIDENT: Doug Bollen dougbollen12@yahoo.com TREASURER: Karen Aalto kpaalto00@gmail.com SECRETARY: Alison Phelan alphelan2@gmail.com MEMBERSHIP DIR.: Kelly Pheulpin membership@wickedrunningclub.com CLOTHING DIRECTOR: Michael Harvey wickedrunninggear@gmail.com MEMBER-AT-LARGE: Elaine Goldman elaine_santoyo@yahoo.com MEMBER-AT-LARGE: Mike Paulin roadrunnermep@msn.com MEMBER-AT-LARGE: Jay Carraro scoobysnaxe@aol.com

Non-Board Positions NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Christin Shafer newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com GRAND PRIX SERIES CO-COORDINATORS: T.R. Ramsdell mopartr@comcast.net Don Gallucci dongallucci67@gmail.com WEBMASTER: Tim Short tim.short1@gmail.com

Est. Jan 2010

Presidential Perspective T.R. Ramsdell

As I sit here watching yet another snow storm hit our area, I’m thinking ahead to warmer times. They’re bound to happen eventually, right? I have the amazing capacity for pointing out the blatantly obvious when I say that this has been an unbearable winter. Ok, it’s bad enough with all the snow taking up our valuable running space, but the absolute brutal cold just takes all the motivation out of me to get out there and log miles. Boy, did I pick a good year to train for Boston. I still see many of you out there braving the conditions though, so it’s true that misery does like company. And even if your training has taken you indoors to the “dreadmill”, at least you’re getting it done, so kudos to you. But lets move on to happier thoughts that actually have little to do with running. I’m talking about getting together socially and doing fun stuff together without wearing wick-able fabrics and racing shoes. That’s right, we can actually hang out and do “other” things that don’t involve running. Most recently, we got together at The Moose Lodge for our annual Banquet. Wicked packed the place on the evening of Saturday, Feb 8th for our awards and recognition get together. It was a time to hand out some bling for the WGP series, talk a little bit about whats coming up for Wicked in 2014, but mostly it was a chance to get together, have some food, a drink, and just relax with some of your Wicked brethren. In years

past, we’ve gotten together and done other “non running” things also. We’ve done bowling night, inter club wiffle ball games, movie nights, etc. So I ask you, what do you guys want to do over this coming year? I’m looking for suggestions for some fun stuff to do together. Get back to me and let me know your thoughts on the topic. I can’t think of everything. But along with your suggestions, maybe you could help me out by helping to facilitate the suggestion. If you know of a venue that could host a get together, make the call and get some info. Try to come up with some ideas and let’s do this! One thing that we are in the planning stages of doing, is our 10 year vAnniversary Gala. The plan is to book a fancy hall, have it catered with a really nice meal, some music with a band or DJ, maybe some dancing (do runners dance?), and possibly a couple drinks (then there’ll be some dancing). Sounds like fun, right? It’s very early in the planning stages, but we’re working on it and are looking at a Fall date to have it. Keep your eyes out for important emails relating to these important topics. Well, that’s about it for this installment. If you’re reading this, it’s because we had a new member take over the WRR newsletter for 2014. After many years in the capable hands of Michele Campbell, the torch has been passed to Christin Shafer. I’d like to welcome Christin, and thank her for stepping into shoes that are not easy to fill. Michele put the WRR on the map, and I have every confidence that Christin will continue that tradition. Best of luck to both of them.

T.R.

The Wicked Running Register • January/February 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Wicked Grand Prix Series 2014 T.R. Ramsdell

Ok gang, I know that because of the horrendous winter that we’ve been having, the only thing that you can think about is “What races will be in the Grand Prix Series this year?” Right? Well, I’m here to answer that question right now. Every year, this gets a little harder to set up. You’d think it would be easy. Pick 8 races, done. But you’ve got to pick 8 races of unique distances, in varying locations, and try to spread them out during the year so they’re not bunched up. The other issue is that some races die off, and new ones pop up constantly. So after perusing sources like coolrunning and NSRRG, and seeking suggestions from you guys, I’ve come up with the following schedule for us. There are a couple of old favorites, and a few newbies this year. They vary in length from 1 mile to half marathon, so there is something for everyones taste. I even took a look at the cost of each race before choosing it, because there’s no reason to spend $35 for a 5K, or $80 for a half marathon. For the first race of the year, I take it easy on you this time around with a nice little 5K. The Olde Salem Greens is out, and a new one in. On Sunday, April

27, we’ll be running the North Shore Fitness 5K (formerly known as the Wellness 5K) in Salem. Fairly fast course with a long ascent up Lafayette Street, a quick hill climb near the end, with a nice downhill finish. This all takes place at Salem State Universities hockey rink. This is a great way to knock the rust off your legs and get back into the groove of things. There’s a different trail race this year, as well as a new 10 miler in Beverly sponsored by our friends at NERC. That’s right, no more Yankee Homecoming race in Newburyport with the 90 degree temps and the putrid water stops. Also new to the series this year is the Twin Lobster half marathon, and the DVU 4 miler in Beverly Farms, a very fast course from West Beach. Returning for big bonus points are the Lynn Woods, and Mill Cities Relays. Sadly, it was announced recently that the Lake Winni Relay has been discontinued for 2014. Always a favorite, it will be missed by many. So, without further delay, here’s the 2014 WGP series schedule. Please check the website for official rules of the series. Any questions, hit me at mopartr@comcast.net. I hope to see many of you out there, and don’t forget to wear your Wicked gear! C’mon, who’s in?

The Wicked Running Register • January/February 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Race Review by Annie Miller The Wild Rover Race Series is an Irish-themed pub series (3, 4 and 5 miles) held over 3 back-to-back weekends in Haverhill, Lowell and Lawrence leading up to the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. I first heard about this series from a friend, and I was intrigued because it was famous for its super cool finisher medals design. Yes, I’m a sucker for medals. This medal includes 3 separate race finisher medals, forming into 1 giant medal! For those who have never run this series before, this is what this year’s medal setup looks like – hopefully we’ll have more Wickeds next year!

Early Race Packet Pickup – I don’t like to rush on the race day, so I was happy to be able to pick up my race bib & shirt early. Plus this gave me a chance to scoop out the parking situation. The early packet pickup was very organized, there were volunteers moving the runners smoothly through the “assembly line” of getting our number, picking up bib, and on to shirts. This year the race shirt is a short-sleeved bright Irish green cotton material – would have been nice to get a tech shirt, but it was very comfy. Oh well, another race shirt to sleep in.

Race Day – the weather was working in our favor: cloudy 49 degrees with few winds. I always struggle with the decision of what to wear on a race day and this was no exception. I finally opted for the short-sleeved red Wicked Running Club shirt & a pair of arm warmers that I could always roll down if I got too hot. I love sporting my Wicked gear and proudly wear them at races like a flag – but I have to admit that today I felt out of place with the red color since everyone was wearing green. Maybe we can have a red Wicked shirt with a green Miles-the-cat logo? But then it will be Christmas color, not Irish-themed. See? So hard. I got to the race venue an hour early, and it was already tough to find a parking spot - good thing there was a parking garage a quarter mile away. There were over 1,000 runners today and yet it didn’t feel that way at the start, felt a lot more like a small race. Given that they have this race on the same day as the Hampton & Hyannis Halfs, I only saw 3 other Wicked runners in this race. It feels weird to not have a lot of friends running in a race with me. I need to do more recruiting. Race Course – There was no start timing mat! What??? Seriously, I paid $90 and there was no start mat? Or maybe I just missed it? It was a chip-timed race, anyhow. The course itself was not bad. I hate hills and there was only one big hill and I didn’t have to walk it once (patting self in the back). There were plenty volunteers and police officers directing traffic – never once I felt that I was in danger of being run over by cars. There was 1 water station at the halfway mark, although most runners seemed to ignore

it and trudged along. The race organizer worked very well with the city to ensure that the course was cleared of snow and ice – I didn’t think I saw any runners tripping over any icy patches. Post Race – The best part: The medal! Gimme my medal! Again, kudos to the race organizer. They did a great job directing runners to get their finisher medal, on to the water, and the beer! How could I forget about the beer? Ooh, did I mention that we also got space blankets? It’s nice to get the same perks as in a marathon race although it was only a 3-mile race, not even a 5K! I didn’t stay long enough to enjoy the live music and the food, but from what I heard from my fellow racers, they were quite good. So there you go – I’m giving this race 4 cats, because I like everything about it except the fact that I could not find the start mat, and the race locations. Why can’t we have something like this in Salem area? 1st series medal acquired! Look forward for my review on series race #2 & #3 in the next newsletter.

The Wicked Running Register • January/February 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Get Out and Race From Annie Miller: I’m running the All-Women Fitness Magazine Half Marathon on April 13th, 2014 in New York City (2 loops around Central Park). If there are any other Wickeds running this race, please contact me at annecantik@gmail.com - we’ll take group picture prior to the race and go out for carb-load dinner the night before!

Wicked Kudos From Don Gallucci : Congrats to my son Ryan, for breaking 30 minutes in the Festivus 5K!

Ask the Coach

with Mike Toomey

Q&A

From Valerie Mathews: When I run, I often have numbness in my feet, starting at my toes. I’ve tried adjusting my laces and wearing different socks, but to no avail... It usually diminishes if I take a walking break, and I think it’s probably circulation-related, but any advice for how to help? The first two things we check are shoes that are too tight and laces that are too tight. It sounds like you have checked the laces and those are fine...how about the shoes? Are they the correct fit? Are they a little on the narrow side? If all that checks out, you could be looking at a neuroma...which sounds worse than it is sometimes. There are some tricks you can try such as an insert to give you some relief from the pounding and try to do some exercises regularly to keep the feet strong and flexible. Also, maybe treat yourself to a nice foot massage! It’ s never a bad idea to talk to a podiatrist about this, as it’s often a quick fix for them if you catch it early. The folks down at Greater Boston Running Company in Swampscott really know their stuff...so talk to them as well. Hope that helps! If you have a question for Mike, send it to newsletter@wickedrunningclub. com and it will appear in the next newsletter.

UPCOMING TOOMEY CLINIC

CLUB APPRECIATION NIGHT!!

From Beth Griffin: Kudos to Kelly Gifford for finishing the Key West half marathon under her goal time! From Valerie Mathews: Thanks and best wishes to Christin Shafer for stepping into the role of WRR editor! Much thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the Wicked Winter Banquet so successful, as always!

Wicked Running Club members are invited to an appreciation night at New England Running Company in Beverly. Monday, March 10th, at 7pm. There will be a 20% discount on footwear and clothing (some restrictions apply) as well as pizza and beer on hand to keep you fed and hydrated while you shop! The staff is also working on lining up a special speaker for the evening.

Six Week Running Clinic Tuesdays 6pm 2/4 – 3/11 This clinic is open to all levels and will focus on the 5k-half marathon distance. We will meet as a group from Greater Boston Running Company in Swampscott each week at 6pm. Cost is $50. Please contact mike@toomeysports.com or Swampscott@Run.com to sign up.

The Wicked Running Register • January/February 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Member Spotlights CHRISTIN SHAFER Gloucester Joined Wicked because: I moved from PA to MA in 2012 and would like to meet new people. I love the running community and find running with others to be motivating. Favorite race: I have not done many up here, but so far the YuKanRun Triple Threat Half Marathon was very beautiful! I love obstacle mud runs and relays too. Favorite distance: 10k, not too short, not too long. Goal for this year: To run the Philadelphia Marathon, it’ll be my first…I hope to run the longer training runs with other members. Also, to run under a 24min 5k and keep the newsletter alive and well designed! Secret talent: I used to play the flute and piccolo really well until design took over in college. When I’m not running I like to: design wedding invitations, hike with my boyfriend and our black lab, find new vegetarian recipes to cook. ABBY MYETTE Salem Joined Wicked because: I’m new to the area and figured this was a great way to meet people and also for the

We’d love to learn more about all of our members, submit to: newsletter@ wickedrunningclub.com to be featured in the next newsletter!

team support as I train to run my first half marathon this year. Favorite race: My favorite race was my first one, the Columbus, Ohio Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. There was live music all along the route. It was so much fun! Favorite distance: I’m a fan of the 5k Goal for this year: is to complete my first half marathon! When I’m not running I like to: read and cook. LEIGHTON O’CONNOR Beverly Joined Wicked because: I want to run more! Favorite race: Devil’s Chase Favorite distance: 5k Goal for this year: is to run more! Secret talent: I do a great Elvis impersonation. When I’m not running I like to: take killer photos of sailboat regattas. KATHLEEN RAINER Marblehead Joined Wicked because: I want to run the Thursday No Rest runs and to be involved with the running community. I started running last June after 10 years of not running. Favorite race: so far was the Thanksgiving

Turkey race--even though it was freeeezing. Goal for this year: to keep motivated by attending races & events. Secret talent: making chili When I’m not running I like to: go to school as a full time criminal justice student. When I’m not studying I am running, playing tennis or skiing. BRETT RICKENBACH Danvers Joined Wicked because: I want to run relays with my Wicked training partners Mike Paulin, Brad Gates, Scott Carrier, and Chris Nolin. Favorite race: Spartan World Championships, VT and D5K (for weekly fun). Favorite distance: I don’t have one, but 5ks are not fun anymore…too fast! Goal for this year: To have a good race at the Boston Marathon and be around 3:05. Secret talent: I used to be seriously into triathlons for years after college. When I’m not running I like to: Snowmobile, be out on our boat on NH lakes, renovate our house. EILEEN SPEAR Boston Joined Wicked because: I just moved to Boston and was looking for a running club. Continued…

The Wicked Running Register • January/February 2014 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Member Spotlights continued… I ran the “Wicked Frosty Four” on New Year’s Day and really liked the people and atmosphere. Despite living in Boston, I thought the club would suit me and be fun. Favorite race: A few are the City to Surf (Sydney, Australia), Boulder Boulder and the Annapolis 10. Favorite distance: 10 mile Goal for this year: to fix my nagging two year hamstring injury, so I can get back to longer distances. Secret talent: baking decadent brownies When I’m not running I like to: biking, photography and travel...not all mutually exclusive!

SAVE THE DATE! Doyle’s Emerald Necklace 5 Miler: April 14, 2014 Sponsored by Sam Adams and features a huge buffet, live music, and a run through one of Boston’s iconic parks. Julie Arrison will be setting up a tent in the middle of the festivities for members of the Wicked Running Club, so get in touch for details: juliearrison@gmail.com

Where in the World is Wicked? Walt Disney World, Florida!

SAVE THE DATE! 14th Annual St. Patrick’s Road Race/Walk: March 15, 2014! 4 mile run/walk will be followed by a delicious buffet and awards eremony at Clara Barton Camp. Pre-register by March 3rd, to receive a race T-shirt the day of the event. Raise funds to help children with financial need attend camp! The Barton Center for DiabetesEducation, Inc. is one of the largest, independent camping and educational programs in the country dedicated to children who live with diabetes Register online: http://running4free. com/RaceDetails.aspx?raceid=279 Contact Kylee Walsh at kylee.walsh@ bartoncenter.org.

Magic, Wonder, & Charm Julie Arrison and Amber Woolfenden at the start of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon on January 11th! They ran 13.1 through Magic Kingdom and Epcot.