The Wicked Running Register June 2012 • Priceless
EST. JAN 2010
Tales From the Mountain Top From Julie Arrison: I had the luck and the privilege of winning the Mount Washington lottery with a team of friends. Jokingly, I said I won the worst lottery in the world, but there was definite excitement, too. Three-anda-half years ago, if someone asked if I thought I would run more than a 5K, let alone up the tallest peak in New England, I would have laughed off the suggestion, but as my priorities and goals have changed over the years in regards to running, Mount Washington seemed to be a perfect race to conquer. Within a week after Boston, I talked with some friends who had run the race in the past and they shared tips, tricks, and places to get some workouts in, although they warned the workouts would never really prepare me for what Mount Washington actually was. Week after week, while my friends jaunted off into Lynn Woods for their fun, yet difficult, Saturday morning runs, I was trying to repeat gate to Stone Tower multiple times. I was missing my D5K on Wednesdays while another friend and I tried to take advantage of the late spring light and cool temperatures while slogging up to Stone Tower, gathering ourselves at the top, and doing it over again and again and again. When sickness struck in late May, I figured it wouldn’t throw off my training too much. In my forced rest period of antibiotics and codeine, my body got the rest it never got after Boston training and when I started to feel better and breathe better, I assumed that the run
and my month-and-a-half of training would just spring back. Much to my surprise, it didn’t and the loss of legs and the lungs took their toll on me while I ran, then walked, then shuffled my way up the 7.62 mile auto road. Though it sounds over dramatic, there were times when I thought, “Falling off the edge wouldn’t be so bad,” or “I wish the sweeper car would come and take me the rest of the way,” or “I’m going to stop and let my friends pick me up on the way down.” As I started seeing a stream of runners come down the mountain with smiles on their faces, followed by cars coming down the mountain, full of runners with smiles on their faces, I looked at my watch. I realized I wasn’t going to make the cutoff. All feelings of pride were gone along with a steady stream of oxygen to my lungs and blood to my legs. Over the weekend, we stayed in a house with some friends who are not in the club and spent a part of our weekend trying to convince them why they should join the club and what was so great about it. Mount Washington made me realize that it wasn’t about the great clothes, the group runs, or our fun travels, but what it’s like to be on a team that makes Wicked—or any running club—so special. I also realized that a group of friends did actually pick me up on their way down the mountain.
Seeing Team Touchette coming down the mountain and having Sarge and Steve cheer for me and bring an impossible smile to my face was one perk of being part of Wicked. Watching the strength of Gail Gordon and getting a high five from Dan Barrett was another. Sure, these are things that these people would have done for any runner in need, but my time of need was clear and present. Without seeing my friends and more importantly my teammates, I don’t know if I would have continued to put “one foot in front of the other,” as both Gail and Sarge encouraged me to do. As I crossed the finish, Marie Duignan consoled me and later Melissa Jaynes offered me her medal, as I wasn’t able to log an official time. While I would never run up Mount Washington again, I would encourage others to be a part of the team atmosphere, the sea of red, and the goodness that forms out of being a part of a group like Wicked. It’s only one hill, but the hill is best when you’re surrounded by a team.
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The Wicked Running Register • June 2012 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
Race Reviews The Xtreme Urban Run, Salem • June 10, 2012 From Valerie Mathews: Since my first race almost four years ago (and maybe even before I ever started running), I’ve been intrigued by the idea of participating in an obstacle course race — it always looks like so much fun, but for a long time it didn’t seem achievable for me. I think the first time I heard about the Xtreme Urban Run was from a flyer that had been put into a race bag. It sounded like a good time, so after several visits to the race website, I took the plunge and signed up. On race day, I headed down to the Willows and looked around for any other slightly crazy people that I might know- I didn’t recognize any other runners, but felt relieved that nobody looked like they were ready for too serious of a competition — this was going to be a fun yet challenging race, which is just what I was looking for. The race began at Restaurant Row and continued along Memorial Drive and onto Webb Street before winding back around and down Fort Ave. and back through the Willows. The race started in ten minute waves by age group. As a
“30-something,” my age group started at 9:20 am. The loop was a 5K, and stopped perhaps 15-20 times for the various obstacles. The obstacles proved challenging, but I completed them all — from climbing over chain link fences, hurdling couches and shopping carts, reverse bus evacuations (picture pulling yourself up and into the back of the bus, then running through to the front), and crawling on the beach under barbed wire, to the final challenge of climbing a greased up, slanted, 12 foot wall using a rope that was knotted every three feet and pushing myself over the top to victory. This race is definitely one that I will complete again next year! The staff was friendly and helpful and provided alternate challenges for those who could not physically complete an obstacle. The water stop at mile two was well staffed and nicely placed between challenges. Since I signed up early enough, I was the lucky recipient of a very nice tech T-shirt, although I did not make it in the cut for a pint glass. The post-race “BBQ” was kegs and eggs. I stopped by, but chose not to partake. From what I heard, they ran out of food pretty
quickly, but I’d have to say that was the low point (and not one that I personally consider important). Overall, I’d give this race five cats- maybe I’ll see more familiar faces when I race it again next year! From Lisa Driscoll: The Xtreme Urban Run, 5 cats: Great venue (Salem Willows), small enough to be fun. The obstacles were fun; this wasn’t a Spartan type course. Getting sandy crawling under barbed wire on the beach after being sprayed by a garden hose in the heat was something to remember! The potato sack hop in the sand was such a slow progress! And at mile 3, the belly slide through colored soapy water to the finish line was tons of fun and I think my sneakers will squish out bubbles every time I run in the rain now!
Go Val! Valerie gets wicked Xtreme crawling under barbed wire and jumping over couches.
The Wicked Running Register • June 2012 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
Q&A
Ask the Coach
With Mike Toomey
From Lisa Driscoll: I am doing a ton of training for a triathlon but my running has taken a back seat in order to get in the bike, swim and strength training. I get about 2 miles in with bootcamp on Mondays, approximately 3 miles on Wednesday doing track workouts and a 6-8 mile trail run on most Sundays. I just started brick training so about 2 miles on Saturday. I get hills on the trails. I did my first half in March of this year at 2:34:38. I would like to do the Wicked Half Marathon this year. Is this sufficient mileage? Good luck with the training! It sounds like you are getting a lot of quality work in, so a few tweaks here and there and you should be fine. I would try to bump that long run up as you go so you get in the 10-12 mile range by the time you are 2-3 weeks out from the race. I don’t think you need to run further than that to have the race you are hoping for. On the other runs during the week, I’m a big fan of the 30 minute run. It gives you a great workout with minimal chance for injury. Try to sprinkle in 3-4 days of that with you other training and you are golden! Good Luck!
TRAIN WITH TOOMEY 12 Week Marathon and Half Marathon Running Clinic Session: 7/19 - 10/4 • Thursdays, workouts (6:30pm) and Saturdays, long runs (7am) • Cost is $125 • Ideal for ALL levels and will focus on marathon and half marathon
6 Week Wild Turkey Race Running Clinic Session: 10/11 - 11/15 • Thursdays (6:30pm) • Cost is $65 ($55 for Wicked Running Club Members) • Ideal for ALL levels and will focus on training for 5 mile Wild Turkey Race • Entry into Thanksgiving Day Wild Turkey Race is included!
REGISTER: http://mypersonalrunningcoach.com
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north shore ROAD RACE
guide
Join in the conversation about road races and running with North Shore Road Race Guide on Facebook! Check us out at www.facebook.com/ northshoreroadraceguide
QUOTES ON THE RUN: “ I often hear someone say ‘I’m not a real runner.’ We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.” — Bart Yasso “ Methinks that the moment my legs began to move, my thoughts began to flow.” — Henry David Thoreau RunSalem Signature Group Tours take place on the last Saturday of every month. If you haven’t taken a history tour of Salem lately, this is a great way to get in a 5K and learn some fun facts. Visit www.runsalem.org for all the details or contact julie@runsalem.org.
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?
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The Wicked Running Register • June 2012 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
? of the Month: Question
What’s your favorite summer race?
Lisa Driscoll Member Louise Rossetti 5k. I love Lynch Park as a venue, the course is usually well shaded and the atmosphere is terrific. Great cause too. Don Gallucci Member I’d have to say that the Lynn Woods Relay is my favorite! You meet a lot of Wicked members, work as a team, and have fun doing it. Plus, there’s beer and pizza afterwards. Valerie Mathews Member Miles Over the Moon!
End of Summer Classic An invitation from John Childs Hingham, MA • 8/24/12
I’m writing to invite Wicked Club
Julie Arrison Member Yankee Homecoming is so hot and humid, but it’s such a great race. I love seeing all of the locals out and turning a random Tuesday night into a party in the streets of Newburyport.
members to the fifth annual End of
Tim Short President and Member The Newburyport Yankee Homecoming 10 Miler is my top choice for summer races. The race holds a lot of special memories for me and is always a good challenge.
piper and a post race bash featuring
Miles Fartlek Mascot I enjoy chasing my tail — any time of the year.
Summer Classic to be held on Friday evening, August 24th in Hingham, MA. It’s become a favorite on the South Shore because it’s a unique event. It’s a fast course completely contained within the confines of a conservation area as it winds along the banks of The Back River. Cash prizes, tech shirts, a bag live music, food and beer all contribute to make it a great time. This year it’s an RRCA Eastern Region Championship race. We’re asking clubs to enter a team so it would be great to see Wicked represented. It would be a fun destination event for Miles and friends. For information or to preview the race course, go to www.oldcolonyrunnnigevents.com Thanks, John Childs
Running Personals From Lisa Driscoll: I did the North Shore Arthritis Walk in May and will be fundraising through December 2012. Thankfully I don’t have RA but I’ve been battling Osteo arthritis since I was 30. I hope to have a fundraiser at Danversport Yacht Club over the summer and would love to have everyone’s support, stay tuned for details.
The Wicked Running Register • June 2012 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
Seen and Heard on the Run TR Ramsdell is the king of Jenga. And he will never play you in order to retain his title! Kyle Hewson to Michele Campbell: “talk to my agent,” after she complimented his saxophone playing. Rich Tabbut was running up Mt. Washington and was overheating. He decided near the half-way waterstop to throw his running gloves into a trash barrel used for the water cups. I took off my gloves and threw them into the first available barrel. Immediately afterwards he heard a volunteer scream “That is the water barrel!” Overheard at the 26 x 1 Marathon Relay: TR Ramsdell, after his run, claiming his sweat tasted just like gin, but he couldn’t get any takers to lick his arm and confirm it. When Tennille Doyle was called up to receive an award for being Captain of the Wicked marathon relay team, Michael Harvey commented “Captain Tennille”... that’s funny. Not in reference to her awesome captaining skills, but in reference to the singing sensations in the 80s, Captain & Tennille. After asking Jason Carraro how fast he thought he was going to run the mile at the 26x1 mile marathon relay, he responded with the following; “I don’t make predications, I make history.”
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Presidential Perspective Tim Short
One of the greatest things about being President of the Wicked Running Club is watching our members excel at the sport of running, giving every last ounce of energy that they have in a race all while having smiles on their faces. Whether a member runs a 5-minute mile or a 10-minute mile, I believe each of our members have hearts of gold and have tons of determination. WRC recently participated in the Club Challenge 26x1 Mile Relay at Tufts University. For many of us, the 1 mile race is one that seems scary. Let’s face it, how often do you actually get to run a 1 mile race? Never mind being on a track with tons of people watching you. 26 of our members lined up on to do battle with some of the best clubs in our area. While we did beat last year’s time by little over a minute (which is awesome!) it was the fact that every time I saw a member they had a smile on their face. Even when the sun came out and baked the track, everyone looked like they were enjoying the day as a club, as a member of the Wicked Running Club. I make mention of this because some members think that only the “fast” people in our club should do the relays. There is nothing further from the truth! We still have three excellent relays coming up this year that I would like to see even more members (especially newer members) participate in. In August there is the Lynn Woods Relay, a 2.5-mile run on trails. Members that have never run Lynn Woods before can head over there every Wednesday night through the summer to get a taste of the trails. After the relay that club heads out for a little post-relay party at Prince Pizza on Rt. 1, which is always a fun time. Later on in the fall we head up to NH to take part in the Lake Winnipesaukee Relay. This relay offers some amazing views while challenging your endurance on some pretty sweet rolling hills. Each team consists of 8 runners who will run a variety of miles. Winter brings chilly temps and the Mill Cities Relay. This invitation-only relay is run along the banks of the mighty Merrimack River. Wicked was first invite to run in this relay in 2008 and we’ve been going strong since. With this relay we do our best to compete with the other clubs of the Mill Cities Alliance. This means organizing all members that sign up into teams that give us the best chance to score points. As a bonus, the club pays the entry fees for all members to participate in each relay! So if you don’t think running a relay is for you because you are not fast enough, I encourage you to ask any member who ran the 26x1 mile marathon relay to discover what you’ve been missing. If you have questions please send me an email at tim.short1@gmail.com. Keeping on running Wicked Nation!
The Wicked Running Register • June 2012 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
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Join the fun in 2012!
Wicked Grand Prix Series Update
Wicked Grand Prix Series Schedule March Olde Salem Greens 5K, Salem • 3/25/12 May 2nd Annual Patrick Downey 5K, Peabody • 5/13/12
Get
July your trail on! Greenbelt Run for the Hills 10K Trail Race, S. Hamilton, MA • 7/14/12 Yankee Homecoming 10 Mile Road Race, Newburyport • 7/31/12 August Derby Street Mile, Salem • 8/17/12 Lynn Woods Relay, Lynn • 8/22/12* September Lake Winnipesaukee Relay Weirs Beach, NH • 9/8/12* Lone Gull 10k, Gloucester, MA 9/16/12* October Green Stride 1/2 Marathon Newburyport • 10/21/12*
T.R. Ramsdell
Well, June passed us by without a Grand Prix race, but July is another story. We’ve got 2 entirely different races on tap for you. The first one of the month will be The Greenbelt Run For The Hills on Saturday, July 14. This is a 10K trail race kids, and takes place at the Pingree School in Hamilton. Don’t fear the trails, embrace them. It’s good to get out of your comfort zone once in a while. We really wanted to mix in all kinds of races this year, so we added a trail race. Now, I understand that July can be quite hectic with vacations and family plans, so we’ve dropped the requirement of races from 6 to 5. That’s right, you needn’t worry about canceling plans to get in all the races. You only need to finish 5 out of the 8 regular series races to be considered a series finisher. Remember, relays are bonus points, but are not part of the regular series. So, choose your poison as to which ones you want to run. With that being said, the second race of the month is the Yankee Homecoming 10 mile Road Race in Newburyport on Tuesday night, July 31. There are 2 races that night, a 5K and the 10 miler. You need to run the 10 to be in the series. This race is ALWAYS hot. Please take my advice and carry your own water and plenty of it. The water at the stops is undrinkable! I’m not sure which pond they get it from, but it is horrible. And this is not a race that you’ll want to run without plenty of H2O. So that’s the preview for this month. Hope to see many of you out there racing with me. And don’t forget to wear your Wicked gear so you can be easily spotted. And if you don’t have any, get in touch with our clothing guy, Jason Carraro, and get some! Until next month, I’m out. Hope to see y’all in Hamilton. C’mon, who’s in?
November Wild Turkey 5 Miler, Salem 11/22/12 December Mill Cities Relay, Nashua, NH 12/2/12* *tentative dates Complete 5 of the regular 8 races to qualify as a series finisher. Relays are extra and reward you with big bonus points. Questions? Email Rich at welshhammer@gmail. com, or T.R. at mopartr@comcast.net. 2012 26X1 Wicked Running Club Marathon Relay Team Photo courtesy of tedtyler@coolrunning.com.
The Wicked Running Register • June 2012 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
Where in the World is Wicked?
Wicked Irish: Michael Harvey represents across the pond in lovely (and wet) Ireland.
Climbing the Mountain: L to R ABOVE: Karra Cheever, Shelia Howes Chandler, Billy Shea, Deb Touchette, Steve Touchette, Beth Griffin, Mike Doyle and Julie Arrison at the start of the Mt. Washington Road Race. TOP RIGHT: Melissa Jaynes conquers her fear of heights, making it to the top. BOTTOM RIGHT: Karra, Steve and Deb at 5,000 feet.
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The Wicked Running Register • June 2012 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
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Wicked Kudos Congrats to Erich O’Neil for his first career W at the challenging Father’s Day 10K race in Rockport. His first place time for the 6.2 mile course was 37:22. From Julie Arrison: Congratulations to Marie Duignan for placing in the top 25 females overall in the BAA Distance Medley after the 5K! Best of luck to all of the Wicked runners participating in the series! Kudos to the Wicked awesome group of ladies that travelled to the Finger Lakes ultra series and completed the 50k. Thanks to Mia Poppe Mountain and Brant Henne for keeping the NRFTW crew going for three years strong and for a great party to celebrate! From Michele Campbell: Thanks to all volunteers, runners and fundraisers who made this year’s North Shore Cancer Run a success. And a shout out to Brant Henne for a beautiful (and colorful) job marking the course!
From Matthew Nugent: I’d like to recognize Dawn Cobak for organizing a Wicked Running team for the 52nd Mount Washington Road Race held on June 16th in New Hampshire. She set things up with the race organization so Wicked members could register as a team. Plus she was very helpful answering my questions about the race. Big kudos! From Val Mathews: Congrats to all the Wicked Runners who made it to the top of Mt. Washingtonwhat an amazing feat! A big thanks to Julie Arrison, Marie Duignan, and Scott Lavigne for stopping by to cheer me on at the Xtreme Urban Run- your presence was much appreciated! From Beth O’Grady: As a wicked long time Wicked member, I’d like to give a general shout out about the support and friendship at the relay races - which also happen to be paid in full by the Club. They truly embrace all experience levels, and the cheering is the same decibel for Red Shirted Runners of all ages and speeds. If you have shyed away from participating because
you find them intimidating, please reconsider as you’ll more likely end up making new running partners and be glad you joined in! From Tim Short: Great job to Michele Campbell (hey, that’s me!) who directed the 3rd Annual North Shore Cancer RUN. Along with our stellar club volunteers and support from Rose Fisher and Meg Wright of the North Shore Medical Center, this race was a huge success. As a partnership race, NSMC and WRC are two great organizations taking on the battle of cancer. Congrats to Team Wicked Nation -for- North Shore Cancer RUN as they have raised $3,517.50 (as of 6/24/12). This amount is sure to go higher with offline donations still needed to be counted. For the second year in a row TWN will have a brick that can be seen at the Healing Garden at the Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center in Danvers, MA. Any individual, team or organization that raised or donated $3,000 or more to the 2011 North Shore Cancer WALK/RUN was eligible for a brick.
The summer outing is a great time to re-connect with club members, meet new ones and hear about what is happening in people’s lives - running and otherwise. Picnic with fellow members, walk along the beach or play catch with your kids. It’s not about racing or running, just RELAXING! Always a good time!
July 28 from 3-7pm Camp Naumkeag, 173 Fort Ave, Salem - right by the Salem Willows
Please bring something to the outing based on your last names: A-F Condiments G-P Side Dishes Q-Z Desserts Questions? Contact Alison Phelan: alphelan2@gmail.com
The Wicked Running Register • June 2012 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
New Member Spotlights: LINDSAY DORMAN Salem, MA Joined Wicked because: I love Salem, running and clubs. It seemed like the perfect combination. Favorite Race: The Disneyland Half Marathon. The best part is running up onto the field at the Angels’ stadium like you’re in the World Series. Favorite Distance: 10k. Goal for this year: Complete runDisney’s Coast to Coast Challenge and run a half under 2:15 Secret talent: Red Sox good luck charm. In 12 years, my husband and I have never been to a Red Sox loss, either at Fenway or other parks. We should probably go to games more often. When I’m not running I like to: Travel, visit zoos and aquariums, read and cook. JULIA MARSH Salem, MA Joined Wicked because: To get back into running; training for a sprint Triathlon; just moved to Salem, so meeting some new people would be a plus! Favorite race: The only running race I’ve
ever done, is the Turkey Trot 4-miler that I do with my family when I’m home for the holidays in Memphis, Tennessee. Favorite Distance: 5k Goal for this year: To do a sprint triathlon. Secret talent: I used to play guitar in an all girl band back in Memphis. When I’m not running I like to: Race Sailboats, Photography, Paint, Travel, etc., etc...I’m easily entertained! RON DEVOE Danvers, MA Joined Wicked because: Joined the guys at the D5k (Danvers) — because of them and I was born in Salem as well. Favorite race: Boston Marathon: have done 16. Favorite Distance: So far this year Boston and Vermont (26.2). Goal for this year: Run fast at Baystate, goal time 3:40. Secret talent: I used to be a drummer in a rock band. When I’m not running I like to: Spend time with my wife.
THANKS to Ann Sousa for helping with new member profiles. Contact Ann at aesousa@verizon.net to be featured.
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The Running Dead
New zombie-themed 5k on Saturday, September 29th at 6:30 pm Trail run through the fields, hills and forests of Gallows Hill with a twist... Scattered throughout the course will be flesh eating zombies, some slow, some fast, all hungry for runners. Runners will be wearing flag-football style belts. Zombies will try to ‘kill’ runners by grabbing the flags off their belts. Once a runner loses all of their flags, they’re ‘dead’ and have the chance to become a zombie themselves. So as the race goes on, there will be more and more zombies, many of which will look like other runners, so keep an eye on EVERYONE. Limited to 300 runners. First 100 get a cotton race shirt. All runners will receive a finishing medal, either ‘alive’ or ‘dead’ depending on their status at the end. This race will not be timed, so focus is on survival. $25 for runners, and $10 for zombies. All proceeds will be donated to NSMC in Salem. Currently looking for course volunteers and sponsors, please contact Adam Fitch at therunningdead@mail.com. Register as a runner: www.active.com/5k-race/salem-ma/ the-running-dead---runners-2012 Register as a zombie: www.active.com/5k-race/salem-ma/ the-running-dead---zombies-2012
The Wicked Running Register • June 2012 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
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Get to Know Your Board
Wicked Board 2012
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, or just want to say “hello” feel free to email us: President: Tim Short tim.short1@gmail.com Past President: Shari Hewson shewson@cellsignal.com Vice President: T.R. Ramsdell mopartr@comcast.net Treasurer: Rich Tabbut welshhammer@gmail.com Secretary: Dawn Cobak dmcobak@gmail.com
Name: John Mahoney • Board Position: Member at Large Years in WRC: Founding member; 7 years Fun in the Club: Running the Lake Winnipesaukee Relay (multiple times) I always meet new members and we always have many good laughs. Then there is running the Monday Night Slow Runs. I always enjoyed meeting so many great people. (Too bad I have conflicts every Monday now).
Membership Director: Tennille Doyle tennilledoyle@gmail.com Clothing Director: Jay Carraro scoobysnaxe@aol.com Member-at-Large: Alison Phelan alphelan2@gmail.com
Runner’s High: Running the Boston Marathon - my only marathon, probably for life. I thought I would never, ever run this race. My time was terrible but it was the most fun I ever had in any race.
Member-at-Large: John Mahoney reconfig@gmail.com
Favorite book and/or TV show: I almost never watch TV and there are so many great books that it is hard to pick only one: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres; Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand; The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa; The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (series) by Stieg Larsson
Newsletter Editor: Michele Campbell newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
Running shoe brand: Brooks. I don’t really like this “brand” so much. They just seem to consistently fit me the best. Guilty pleasure: I don’t feel that guilty about this but I love eating an Italian sub after running my leg in the Lake Winnipesaukee Relay. Then there is eating a pastry nearly every work day as my second “breakfast.”
Non-Board Positions
Grand Prix Series Co-Coordinator: T.R. Ramsdell mopartr@comcast.net Grand Prix Series Co-Coordinator: Rich Tabbut welshhammer@gmail.com Webmasters: Tim Short, Tennille Doyle tim.short1@gmail.com tennilledoyle@gmail.com Social Activities Coordinator: Tennille Doyle tennilledoyle@gmail.com