WRR March/April 2015 by Wicked Running Club

THE

WICKED

Running Register

March/April 2015 • Priceless

Est. Jan 2010

Presidential Perspective Michael Harvey

It’s May on the North Shore which can only mean one thing running season! Ok, running season never ends, but how about more enjoyable running season? And with running comes races and with races come volunteers. For the third year in a row I had the privilege of volunteering the gel stop at mile 17 of the Boston Marathon. The first year I worked the stop was a sunny, warm day. What an amazing time I had. It was all I talked about for days. The following year, it was a bit colder and overcast, but still a great day to be outside, cheering for all the runners and enjoying the company of good friends at an amazing event. This year, however,

things were a bit different. This year there was no sun to be had, and no warm weather to be found. I suppose it was fitting given the winter we just survived. It was cold, really cold, and wet. As I’m sure all of you know it rained on and off all day. You might think with the cold and the rain it would have been a miserable day. For hours on end a group of wet and cold volunteers stood along the side of the road at mile 17 holding out there arm with gel for passing runners. Did I see miserable faces? Did I hear complaints of being cold and wet? If you know Wicked, then you know the answer is a resounding, “NO!”. I saw quite the opposite. I saw smiling faces and heard cheers of encouragement all day long. I don’t think I heard one complaint. All of this made me realize what amazing

group of people runners are, especially the members of Wicked. We really are a special group and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who volunteered at the gel stop on that cold rainy day, and everyone else who has every volunteered for a race. I know we have all heard it before, but these races truly could not happen without the volunteers, and you come out, rain or shine, with smiles and cheers each and every time. So on behalf of the Wicked Running Club, I thank and salute you, the volunteers. I’m sure you all do this already, but during your next race, as you pass a volunteer out on the course, make eye contact and say, “thank you”. Go Wicked!

Michael

The Member of the Month is... Valerie Mathews!

At the May board meeting, the Wicked board of directors voted to approve a new initiative called “Member of the Month”. At each meeting, the board will vote for one member to receive this accolade for their contributions to the club. Each Member of the Month will receive a $25 gift certificate to New England Running Company. If you would like to nominate a fellow club member, email your Wicked VP Michele at michelejcampbell@yahoo.com. Our first Member of the Month is Valerie Mathews. You may have seen Val running around Lynn Woods, in the pack (and enjoying post-run social activities) at Thursday night’s No Rest for the Wicked group run, or cycling with fellow club members and friends. For many, many years Val has actively contributed to the Wicked Newsletter and this year presented the idea for a newsletter committee at our January General Membership Meeting. Val’s biggest volunteer contribution this year was serving as one of the captains for the Clif Shot volunteer stop at the 2015 Boston Marathon. She helped run a tight ship that day with her fellow Captains Brant and John. Thank you, Val, for your contributions to the club. Enjoy your $25 gift certificate to NERC!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Experience the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem like never before! After you enjoy a 5K run with the NRFTW crew (leaving Salem Common at 6:45 sharp!), head over to the PEM in your running gear and enjoy a night of “Run and Play” with local organizations including Project Adventure, the Salem Y, REI, and of course Coach Toomey and New England Running Company. The event goes from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The fun run is free (as always!) and admission to the museum is free for Salem residents and $10 for non residents. There will be a cash bar and small plates available.

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

? is The Question

...

... Which event are you

looking forward to running the most this year?

From Ryan Gallucci - I am looking forward to the Derby Street Mile because its the shortest race in the Wicked Grand Prix Series.

Julie Arrison - Another go at the Chicago Marathon with great friends!

Wicked Kudos From Don Gallucci - Great job by Matt Adams at the Fools Dual Half Marathon in Gloucester. All his winter training paid off with a 3 minute PR! Nice going Matt! From Christin Shafer - Just wanted to say congrats to Bethany Adams for finishing her first Boston Marathon!

Deb Riggins - Devil’s Chase!!! Valerie Mathews - I’m most looking forward to the Bear Brook Half Marathon, because it’s the first year I’ll be running instead of “just” crewing the race. Elaine Goldman - Really excited to run twin lights half again this year - running it with my friend and it’s her FIRST half! Also this year there are medals and post race BBQ pork sammiches (in addition to cool shirt and free photos). It’s one of my faves and now I get to share it with a wonderful friend :) Karen Aalto - My first half-ironman distance triathlon - the Pumpkinman 70.3 in September! William Mcclory - Wednesday night’s at Lynn woods!!!

WICKED OPEN HOUSE

Lauren Gabel - Miles Over the Moon! Lisa Driscoll - I second Lynn Woods runs. Krissy Kozlosky - Running with my sister Maryann Kozlosky & friend Katie Canizaro for their first half marathon! Twin Lobster! Susan Hennessey - Newport 10 miler Katie Canizaro - Twin Lobster in Gloucester on June 7th for my 1st half marathon with good friends/training partners Krissy and Maryann....as well as Miles over the Moon, that was one of my favorite races of the season last year!! Michele Campbell - Newport 10 Miler with some awesome Wicked peeps!

Come join current members and friends for coffee and bagels under the tent and learn more about our fabulous club! The event starts at 8 am and feel free to stick around for a run at 9 am with club members.

We hope to see you there! JUNE 6TH at the SALEM COMMON | 8 AM

From James Deluca - I’d like to shout out to Tim Short. I missed some training due to a head injury in a fall two weeks before the Boston marathon and wasn’t sure if I could start. I decided that any other race I might take the DNS, but this was Boston. It was a miserable day and I was in a lot of pain and not running well. By mile 16 I thought I might call it a day but coming past the Wicked station I heard someone shout my name. I looked over and saw it was Tim. I pumped my fist in response and thanks to his shout and the support of all the Wicked volunteers I put my head down, dug in, and managed to finish and just barely qualify for next year’s race with a 3:04:09. From Thomas Lubas - KUDOS!!! & CONGRATS!!! Go out to all the “Wicked Club Marathon Members” that qualified, ran for a worthy cause, a personal goal, trained hard, and persevered this years record breaking snow fall to complete the 119th BAA Marathon. Also a “Big Thank You!” to all of this year’s Marathon Volunteers... From Julie Arrison - Wicked Kudos: There are too many of you to call out individually, but watching the many Wickeds complete this year’s Boston Marathon was amazing. Congratulations to you all on not only the race, but getting through this winter of training! From Valerie Mathews - Kudos to all the Boston Marathon finishers, and a big huge “thank you” to all of the Wicked great volunteers!!!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

T.R. Ramsdell

Two down..... We’ve now completed the first 2 races in the 2015 WGP race series. The first race was the Inaugural Tapleyville 7 Mile Classic on Sunday, April 19. We had a great turnout for this first year effort, with 312 registrants, of those, 59 were Wicked members. The course circled the Town of Danvers with about half the miles on the roads and the other half on the Danvers Rail Trail. The weather couldn’t have been better to usher in the new race season. Kudos to all of those who dusted off your favorite kicks and took on 7 miles after such a brutal Winter. Arguably, the best part, besides raising money for Alzheimer’s Association and Boys & Girls Club, was the free beer at the post race party at Rio Bravo! Look for this race to become an annual tradition! Race number 2 was the Running & Walking Well 5k on Saturday, May 2. This second year effort uses the familiar Homecoming route, and had 235 finishers with 35 of those being Wicked. Just in case you haven’t noticed how dominate Wicked is at races, 7 out of the top 10 spots were won by Wicked fast kids! All proceeds from the race went to digging a well for clean drinking water in Africa. Congrats to all that took part or volunteered!

Next up is Trav’s Trail 5k on Sunday, May 17 in Newburyport. Anyone that knows me, knows that I don’t like trail races. I’m a klutz on trails and get hurt most times I’m out there. BUT, this race is AWESOME! This doesn’t even count as a trail race to me because it is nice and wide, no rabbit paths, and I swear they groom the course. It is a real pleasure running this course. That’s not to say that it’s not challenging, because it does have some hills and windy corners, not to mention the steep uphill finish. It’s definitely worth doing this one!

WGP Series 2015

Following a few weeks after Travs, is the Twin Lobster Half Marathon on Sunday, June 7 in Gloucester. This is a fun course which most runners will recognize, because it uses pieces of all the smaller local races with parts of Lone Gull, Backshore, and Fiesta. There are a few hills. It’s Gloucester. But the views are worth it, give it a try!

Gloucester High School | Gloucester, MA | $69

That’s it for now gang. When you’re out the racing, wear your Wicked gear. If you don’t have any, get some! Get in touch with our clothing gal, Susan Hennessy. See y’all out there!

There’s a Wicked Fun Group Run For Everyone!

Wicked Grand Prix Series 2015

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Tuesdays/Thursdays at 5:30 am

Relays | all dates TBD August | Lynn Woods Relay December | Mill Cities Relay All dates are tentative and could change before race day. Please check individual race websites for exact time and date.

Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Cummings Center Parking Lot This is a very low-key, fun run that can be anywhere from 2 miles on up. 1-loop around Cummings Center is about a mile. NO RUNNERS LEFT BEHIND! This run is for ALL paces, and the slowest runner will set the pace. If you’re new to running, recovering from injuries (or couch potato disease), or just would like to run at an easy pace with some nice people, this is the run for you! Rain or Shine! Please wear reflective clothing and headlamps. The location does change occasionally and all updates are posted on the “Slowest Runner Sets the Pace - Wicked Running Club” Facebook group page (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/474135525951644/). Please join the group on Facebook!

Rain or shine, Wicked members meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 5:30 am (departing no later than 5:35 am) next to the Front Street parking lot (free parking till 8:00 am) for a five mile run that rounds Salem Common, the Willows, Juniper Point, and Winter Island. The average pace is about 10 minutes/mile with the option to go off the front or hang back as training plans dictate. Folks gather near 6 Front Street (either side) prior to departure, the main group usually finish around 6:20 am. Route details: Front Street to Hawthorne Boulevard. Around the Common to Andrew Street and out Collins Cove. Along Collins Cove onto Memorial Drive. Up Memorial Drive, past Camp Naumkeag and around the Willows. Around Juniper Point and out to Winter Island back to Fort Avenue Down Derby to Central Street and back to Front Street

No Rest for the Wicked Weekly 5Kish will be testing out some new venues in Salem over the coming months. The Engine House Restaurant has provided an excellent home for both club members and friends of the club for years, but many longtime members of the run have decided to check out some other options around town. For the time being, the group will be meeting post-run at Brodie’s Seaport. The owners were incredibly excited to welcome the group and will be working with the group’s leadership on discounts, menus, and more over the coming weeks as both adjust to the new business. To stay in the loop or to learn more about the run, please join the facebook group at: (https://www.facebook.com/groups/norestforthewickedsalem/)

Thursdays at 6:45 pm Salem Common “No Rest for the Wicked” (a.k.a. NRFTW). The route is about 3.1 miles and Wicked runners meet at the Salem Common entrance by the Hawthorne Hotel. They meet rain or shine, provided there are no municipal/governmental storm warnings in effect requesting people to stay at home. Route details: Salem Common to Little Hawthorne Blvd. A left on Derby Street and partway into Juniper Point. A left on Lowell Street continuing through the Willows parking lot area. Left on Memorial Drive which eventually becomes Essex Street. Left onto Little Hawthorne Blvd. Finishes at the corner of Little Hawthorne Blvd. and Derby Street by the Immaculate Conception parking lot.

Like The Facebook Pages to Stay Up To Date and Get Involved!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

NEW Group Run on Sundays! (Starts May 31st, 2015) FAQS

Sundays at 9:15 am Salem Commons 4 miles

Do you like running? Do you like donuts? Do you like tasty beverages? Do you like bad puns? If you answered “YES” to any of the above, then do I have the NEW WEEKLY GROUP RUN for you! DONUT WORRY BE HAPPY SUNDAYS!!! The run is open to all ages, abilities and paces. (That means feel free to bring the kiddos). We will meet in the Commons and - after a quick round of introductions - we’ll head out on a fun 4mi run through the Willows and back. This run is NOT timed. Elaine Goldman will play hostess, but if you need to go slower or faster (or longer or shorter) then by all means do so. There will be a good mix of paces to find someone to run with. Once we finish, we’ll head over to 62, located at 62 Wharf Street (Pickering Wharf), Salem, MA, to “refuel.”

62 has an AH-MAY-ZING Doughnut Bar on Sundays! Each week they make a unique selection of flavors from classic cinnamon sugar to maple bacon to lemon panna cotta-filled . The flavors rotate – so there’s always something new to look forward to! They even have a gluten-free option available! At 10am the bar opens and you can pair your donut with one of their craft bloodys, mimosas or adult milkshakes. (They also offer amazing coffee drinks, tea, hot cocoa, juice and soda).

Chef (and owner) Tony Bettencourt is excited to host our sweaty group and will even set aside an area just for us. If you have any other questions, feel free to send them to Elaine Goldman: elaine_santoyo@yahoo.com Join the Facebook group “Donut Worry Be Happy Sundays” (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/449834985181849/) for all the latest updates.

What paces will be ran? This run is open to all paces/ abilities/ages. We’ll have people going faster and slower so you’re sure to find a pace group that suits your needs! I’m injured/recovering/tapering/taking a break – but this sounds like fun! Can I still come? YES! If you can’t join the run, then at least join us around 10am at 62 Restaurant. What if I want to walk instead of run? Walkers are welcome too! However, we recommend starting earlier (or doing a shorter course) so you can finish by 10am. Can I bring a non-Wicked friend? We’re certainly not going to turn anyone away! However, they may have to put up with Elaine’s recruitment efforts ;) Are kids REALLY welcome? Yes! Bring them! (62 is very much welcoming of families and kids as well). I can’t stick around for donuts – is it okay to just join the run? Yes! We realize people have busy schedules on Sundays too and can’t spend half the morning with us. (FYI: 62 also offers their donuts togo if you still want the sugar fix) What should I bring with me? A positive attitude, ID, money (credit cards are accepted) and an appetite. As we get into warmer temps (finally!), you may also want to bring a hand-held water bottle and slather on that sunscreen before you head out the door!

Get Out and Race Free 5k Run!

North Shore Road Race Guide 5K Monthly Run In Partnership with Tavern in the Square Salem North Shore Road Race Guide is excited to announce that we are bringing back our free monthly Monday night 5K runs starting and finishing from Tavern in the Square in Salem. These runs will be timed and results will be posted on the North Shore Road Race Guide website. To kick off our first run there will be NSRRG shirts rafﬂed off as well as several free entries to some of the best races on the North Shore! We are also working on some additional surprises as well. We look forward to seeing many runners on each month at 6:45pm at Tavern in the Square for this exciting new run. For more info about the run contact: info@northshoreroadraceguide.com or visit our event page on Facebook to let us know your coming!

NEW ENGLAND RUNNING COMPANY 10 MILE ROAD RACE JUNE 21, AT 7:30AM BEVERLY, MA Last year reviews! “Great race today! Really well organized, and wonderful volunteers along the course with water, Gatorade, and enthusiasm. Thanks!” Kate Fox “Everything about today’s race was just perfect. The volunteers were so incredible, enthusiastic and genuinely motivating. The race was organized and was just incredible from start to finish. Well done!!” Lisa Charest The second annual New England Running Company 10 Mile Run will take place on Sunday, June 21, at 7:30am in Beverly at the Cove Community Center. It’s a scenic course along Route 127 on the ocean. This race benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem and the Alzheimer’s Association. Link to register online for 10 mile run https://racewire.com/register. php?id=4999 The race was voted Best 10 Mile road race and Best First Year road race by 380 voters who took past in the Best of the North Shore survey hosted by North Shore Road Race Guide!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Get Out and Race THE 7TH ANNUAL WICKED KIDS 1/2 & 1 MILE RACE 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 25th The Wicked Running Club is once again partnering with the Marblehead Recreation & Parks Department to host the race. The race is for ages 6-14 and kids can enter in either the 1/2 mile, 1-mile or both. Each race costs only $2.00. Kids will run on a paved loop around the Marblehead High School and finish on Piper Field behind the High School. WICKED KIDZ What makes this race so special is the fact that it features all the bells and whistles of an adult road race! Shirts to the first 75 registered participants, trophy to top male & female finishers; Medals to top 3 in each age group; ribbons to all finishers and lots of post-race refreshments. For more information please contact Kerry Phelan at kphelan18@gmail. comor Travis Farley at farleyt@marblehead.org. To register your child for this fun event please visit www.wickedrunningclub.com or www.marblehead. org to download the registration form and mail to: Marblehead Recreation & Parks Department Wicked Kidz Race Attention: Travis Farley 10 Humphrey Street Marblehead, MA 01945

Any questions contact: Shannon Downey shannon_downey@yahoo.com The Narragansett Summer Running Festival Half Marathon is on Sunday, July 12 in Easton, MA. Billy and I are already registered and the race organizers sent out information about a new program they are doing, a Running Club VIP Tent program. They will set up the tent for us in the Beer Garden and it will give our club runners a place to stash our stuff during the race and meet up. After the race, we will have our very own server to get us beer so we don’t have to stand in line, free Gatorade and ice cold towels brought to our tent. Did I mention the beer was FREE??? If you’ve ever had an opportunity to have a tent like this at a race (maybe if you’ve done Doyle’s in the past) this is a *great* way to experience a wonderful day. Personally, I’ve found it a great way to get to know some club members who finish WAY before me and typically head home. Now you can all wait for me while enjoying a cold one in our own tent! We need to get at least 15 people from the club registered for the tent, but it would be awesome to get more than that. This is great distance if you want to challenge yourself in your first half or if you are kicking off fall marathon training season. As of right now the race directors are holding our spot for a tent. We already have 6 Wickeds signed up so we are on the way! I am not sure how long they will hold the spot for us, so don’t delay! Just imagine a scenic route, wonderful miles and cold beer waiting at the finish line. This is my kind of race :-) If you register, please send me private message to shannon_downey@yahoo.com. I will coordinate directly with the race director to ensure we get the tent. Information on the race is at this website: http://www.gansettsummer.com/ This is going to be great day. I will wear my red lipstick. Billy will be wearing his kilt. We will not have to stand in beer lines. Talk about VIP treatment!! Tom Brady and Gronk - eat your heart out :-)

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

CHECK OUT THESE GREENBELT Both races are also part of the 2015

by Elaine Goldman

North Shore Trail Series sponsored by

The 2015 Mountain Running Circuit

New England Running Company.

10K (10K is part of NSTS) Pingree Reservation behind the Pingree School, 537 Highland Street, Hamilton Saturday July 11th, 9am start online registration:http://www. northshoretimingonline.com/reglivecb. aspx?eventyear_id=216 event info: http://www.ecga.org/ what_we_do/view_event/54-8th_annual_run_for_the_hills_5k_and_10k_ trail_run Beverly Commons 3.5 and 7 mile Trail Run (7 mile distance is part of NSTS)

Race Review

TRAIL RUNS!

Pingree “Run for the Hills” 5K and

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

SASQUATCH RACE SUNDAY, JULY 12TH 2015 A super short (2.35 miles!) trail race through the DCR Middlesex Fells followed by an epic party at Stone Zoo (Melrose, MA). Free beers (Notch, Night Shift Brewing, Slumbrew, Downeast Cider House) and post race dance party - hey, if you can’t win the race, there’s still hope that you can win the dance competition!

May 17 - Sleepy Hollow May 23 - Wachusett June 7 - Pack Monadnock June TBA - Ascutney July 5 - Loon Mountain Race / USATF-NE Championships July 12 - Cranmore Hill Climb Sept 6 - Mt. Greylock Road Race Oct 3 - Bretton Woods Fell Race

Tobacco Road Marathon Cary, NC I’ve already gone in-depth with regards to my personal race experience at Tobacco Road in my blog. For the uninitiated, I was on pace to BQ and at mile 26 - yes, 26 - my body just quit on me. I went down. Fellow runners tried to help me up and get me to the finish line and I kept blacking out. Then I puked twice as I was being loaded onto the medic golf cart. (And

the ER doesn’t mean it wasn’t a great race! This review is about the race logistics themselves (or at the very least 26 of the 26.2 miles). Tobacco Road takes place outside Raleigh, NC and JetBlue flies direct from Boston within a couple of hours and (sometimes for under a couple hundred bucks). http://www.tobaccoroadmarathon. com/

http://www.usatfne.org/trail/

This is a great “practice” race for Lynn Woods relay later in the summer! http://www.vertraceseries.com/sasquatch

Beverly Commons Conservation Area, at the trailhead at the end of Greenwood Avenue, Beverly Farms Saturday August 29th, 9am start

5 minutes. This often means you’re left straddling this weird pace-group limbo. Tobacco Road goes a step further and offers pace groups for every 5 minute increment of time between 3:25-3:55! This is only a five year old race, but it clearly wants to be known as a player among the Boston Qualifiers. -Dedicated Race Director: The race director, Kazem, is one of the warmest and welcoming people you’ll meet. And you WILL meet him! He makes a point of circling around the expo and introducing himself to runners. You can tell this race is a labor of love. He has also run Boston 10 times and says it’s his favorite marathon (aside from his own). He understands the thirst for the BQ and has tried to create a race to cater to that.

online registration: http://www. northshoretimingonline.com/reglivecb. aspx?eventyear_id=217 event info: http://www.ecga.org/ what_we_do/view_event/55-6th_annual_beverly_commons_3_5_mi_ and_7_0_mi_trail_run Any questions, email Cathy Lanois at cclanois@gmail.com.

The 2015 Lynn Woods Summer Cross-country/Trail season kicks off on Wednesday May 27th at 6:30 PM. The series continues each Wednesday until the last week in September. Each week there are three race distances - Junior ( 1.59 miles), Short ( somewhere between 2 to 3 miles), and Long ( 4 to 8 miles). Courses vary each week on fire roads and single track trails with rock, ruts, roots, hills, and cow bell. The annual 4 person 10 Mile Relay is scheduled for August 26th at 6 PM. These are runner supported races. Except for the Relay there is no entry fee, but the “can” is out each week to pay for the refreshments and supplies.

I’m pretty sure I pissed myself in the process too). I spent the rest of the afternoon in the medic tent and then the ER getting a total of 3 liters of IV fluid fed into me thanks to dehydration/heat exhaustion. It was my first DNF. ^In the medic tent after the intense leg cramps stopped However! Just because I passed out, puked, pissed myself and got a trip to

Pros: -Intimate Course Field: Tobacco Road has a field size of roughly 3000 runners – 1000 for the full and 2000 for the half. -Lots of Pace Groups: Most marathons these days have pacers. However, in the marathons I’ve participated in, they space them out every 10-15 minutes, even though Boston qualifying times are usually spaced every

-Schwag: You get a sweet (gendersized!!!) tech shirt. They even come in xtra small for the petite ladies out there! You also get a beer koozie and a nice knit cap. At the end of the race (from what I hear – because I didn’t actually finish) you have free Natty Greene beer (a NC microbrew) and pizza. Extra Perk: if you get a BQ you get a special “Boston Qualifer” long sleeve shirt. When my Dad (who also ran the marathon) BQ’d, they unfortunately did not have his size left of the special shirt. They told him they would send him one later… and they DID! These people are all about their runners and celebrating their acheivements.

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

-The BQ/PR Bell: When you finish the marathon, if you PR or BQ, there is also a special bell available that you get to ring as a nice little extra celebratory touch.

pretty well protected from sun and wind – unlike coastal based races. A time-lapsed video of the entire course is also available on their website! This is pretty much the view for 26.2 miles...

-Scenic Historic Route… that’s sorta flat: The majority of the 26.2 miles -Predictable-ish Weather – If you are on the historic Tobacco Road Rail sign up for a spring marathon in New Trail. The trail is hard, packed crushed England, you could be running in stone – there might be a few puddles freezing rain or record heat waves. and divits in certain spots, but it’s North Carolina has pretty consistent 99.9% smooth running - no trail shoes climate in March though. It’s probably needed. There are also paved bike going to be somewhere around 40/50 bath sections going through 60% of at the start and climb to 60/70 by the the trails if that’s more your jam. Now, afternoon. since this used to be part of a rail system, there aren’t really any big hills -Timing Mats – Again, they want to - as trains don’t like going up or down help you get your BQ. They have steep hills. However, to say it’s flat is timing mats set up in 4 different spots not exactly true. Look at the elevation to help you keep your pace and allow map and you’ll see there are some your loved ones to track you. rolling hills. You do not really feel these while you’re running though. -Medals – they are big and beautiful Personally, I thought the whole thing and always feature some sort of train was pretty flat, with the exception of theme. a few spots around mile 19 and 22-24. The scenery is really pretty – although -Top Notch Medic Tent – If you do it can get monotonous. It’s just trees end up there, the medical personnel and trees and trees. The saving grace are AMAZING. is that the course is T-shaped so it al lows you to see other runners going in Cons: the opposite direction starting around -There aren’t many spectators on the mile 8. Since you’re running through course – nor is it easy for your cheera corridor of tall trees, you are also leaders to get on the course. If you

need crowd support, this may not be the race for you. (However, volunteers at every 2mi are great and cheerful). -The timing mats along the course don’t necessarily work for tracking. Since it’s in the middle of a forest, the satellite reception is wonky. -No hotels closer than 15miles. This means giving yourself at least an extra 30minutes to get to the parking area (and they usually recommend arriving around 5:30am). Once you’re at the start line, you’re also pretty much stuck there. There’s no in and out since parking spots are limited (you pay for a parking pass when you register). So whoever is coming along to cheer for you, tell them to bring a book. They are stuck there until you finish. None of these cons are enough for me to remove a Cat though. Seriously, this was one of the most wellorganized, intimate and hospitable races I’ve run. I imagine it’s going to get popular over the next few years – they’ve been featured in Runners World and seem to be fine-tuning things even more with each passing year. If you’re looking for a fun destination race, Tobacco Road needs to be on your list! I’ve already registered for 2016 to redeem my DNF status – maybe I’ll see some other Wickeds out there next spring too!

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Race Review by Abby Myette Unplugged Half Marathon Burlington, VT 1:56:39 Since joining a Wicked a little over a year ago, people have been encouraging me to run a half marathon. I finally succumbed to the peer pressure and when several friends planned a weekend running getaway to Burlington, VT I jumped on board. The Unplugged Half Marathon, sponsored by Switchback Brewery and RunVermont was held on April 11, 2015. There were two heats you can sign up for, natually we went for the 11am start. A bus transported runners from the finish line out to the start. For those with friends and family, you could also drive yourself to the start. It was a chilly morning and a bit windy so staying warm while we waited about 20 minutes for the run to start was not fun. We huddled close to the park’s restroom facilities to try and avoid the wind. The tag line for this race is ‘no hills, no frills.’ And it’s true (mostly)! The start line was simply two flags planted on either side of the street moments before start time. The first 4 miles of the race clover leaf through several neighborhoods. If you’re a fan of late ‘80s and early ‘90s architecture than it’s great scenery. Otherwise, it’s

a nice flat course aside from one little hill right at the beginning. At about mile 4 you head out to the bike trail, eventually making your way to the edge of Lake Champlain. The wind was cold but the view was amazing! You run over a a gorgeous old wooden rail road bridge which is a nice tease for your legs, mine felt like jell-o whole way across. The next 5.5 miles you are on the bike path mostly through the woods. You can catch glimpses of the lake and Green Mountains in the distance through the trees. Throughout the course there are various parking lots to access the bike path. Friends and family had gathered at many of these to cheer on their runners. As a spectator, this would be a great race to cheer because you can catch the runners at so many locations. At about mile 9.5 you run through downtown Burlington, still on the bike path, back out to the lake.

This stretch might have been the hardest. Maybe it was the struggle of mile 10 or maybe it was running right along the water, the wind, the cold air, it was like a triple threat. As you near the final stretch, you come into a park. We were treated to some entertainment as a group of people, in costume, were sword fighting and role playing. Think the LARPers in the movie Role Models. A great distraction around mile 11! The last loop takes you down a hill (yes! the only hill of significance in the whole race and it was at the end) and looping through a residential community. As you come back up the hill, you turn back into the park, take a right and the final stretch to the finish line is ahead of you! I sprinted that last stretch, I wasn’t going to leave anything out on the course. Finishing at a solid 1:56:39, I was pretty pleased! The race finished right by the Switchback Brewery where we were treated to a little ale and food. Overall, this was a great course to run for my first half. One observation we made, there were mostly women running! It was an encouraging crowd, a peaceful course, and flat 95% of the way. Plus, Burlington is a great town. Only about 3.5 hours from the North Shore, it’s the perfect distance for a weekend race getaway.

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Race Review by Thomas Mistretta Savin Rock Shoreline Sharks Half Marathon West Haven, CT Finally! The nice weather is here, leaving the struggles of this winter’s running as a fading memory. But before your consciousness is dominated by running in sunny warm days, allow me to spread the word on an event held by our southern New England neighbors. On Saturday, March 21, I ran the Savin Rock Half Marathon in West Haven, CT. It was a serendipitous find; I originally intended to run the Ashland MA “Boston Prep” half marathon on that day, and had to hastily obtain a replacement. Ashland was one of many races that had to be canceled due to the great winter of 2015. Like several others, I was training for a spring marathon, and that week represented the halfway point in my schedule. Obsessing over the training program, I refused to give up on the milestone. Finalizing the harmony in this event for me was that I was visiting my daughters at their University in CT that weekend. So my presence at this race must have been meant to be. West Haven is about 2.5 hours from our area. I slept the night before in Hamden, but it can be done in a day trip. The race is organized by the “Shoreline Sharks”, a racing club in West Haven. For 2004-2010, the race carried their moniker. In 2010, they changed the name, and this year, they added two loops to the course to create a combined Marathon / Half Marathon. True to this winter, the weather wasn’t ideal for the race organizers. Predictions of snow before and during the

race were accurate, and I anxiously watched for announcements. Luckily, the Shoreline Sharks were as steadfast as myself, and they worked with the city on street and pathway cleaning, and the race was held. They later caught some grief for not canceling – so kudos to them for pressing on. That says something to me about the club. On the morning of the race, it was still snowing. But with a temperature hovering around freezing, I welcomed it – it was quite comfortable compared to the negative temperatures I ran in this winter. No facemask, just lip balm, woot! The race headquarters was at Savin Rock Center, a community function hall. Due to the snow, traﬃc and parking was a mess and I had to drive to an overflow lot about a half-mile away. I usually arrive early so I was surprised, but CT is less used to dealing with the snow than we are (not that we’re experts). The race started just a few minutes late, understandable with the delays in parking. The initial dense set of runners is made a little worse than usual due to a narrow bike path at the beginning of the event. But after about a half-mile, the bike paths ended, things opened up and there was no remaining interference. The course loop begins and ends along Long Island Sound, then travels through the older, historic part of West Haven. I didn’t expect a lot of supporters, even without the bad weather, but there were plenty of people along the route. The course then turns into a more modern suburban area – this is where there was some decent increase in elevation with

several hills. I didn’t find them remarkable but I did hear several groans from my fellow runners. This always surprises me (it’s not a track after all). There were ample water/Gatorade stops along the way, and some kids handing out Gu tubes at mile 9 or so, the latter I passed on. After the race, there was a nice reception in the hall which included massages and a hot pasta lunch. I skipped the massage, but overall it was so comfortable that I stayed for the half marathon award ceremony. At my time of 1:48 I came in 5th in my age group, so no prize for me but I was happy with the results. This was actually my first race where I ran a reverse split – that is, the second half being faster than the first. I knew that I needed to work this kind of discipline into my race strategy and it was nice to not only see myself do it, but see it work positively. My last four miles were in the mid 7s, well under the overall average of 8:19, and I set a new 5K record on my Garmin. Typically, I am fastest at the start, and by the end of a race, I’m spent. My first mile was over 10 minutes and I was far back in the pack, but overall I was 80 out of 421 half-mile runners. Lessons learned: it matters little how slow or where you start, and it feels great to power up through the last several miles. Overall, this event was a great experience for me and I think it’s a good target for anyone looking for a half (or a full) in March. Co-incidentally, I was purchasing some Gu at NERC and discussing the event, and one of the employees also ran the race (the full marathon). So perhaps I am not the only one who was looking for a different venue. If you find yourself in the CT area, or just want to combine a early race with a road trip (NYC 2hrs further, and there’s Frank Pep Pizzeria in New Haven), it’s a decent take.

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Race Review by Mike Cronin Marine Corps 17.75km Dumfries, VA My motivation was simple. At the finish line, runners are handed a code that guarantees access to the Marine Corps Marathon. Entering this race was difficult as it sold out in less than 8 minutes for just over two thousand runners. My brother-in-law, Owen, and I decided to do it, as it seemed like a perfect way to avoid the lottery. Race conditions were not ideal. March 28 at 7 AM meant we had to board the shuttle bus around 5:30 AM. It was cold, 38 degrees, and windy, though the start time did coincide with sunrise. The race takes place in a park with a

mix of trails and paved roads and has many hills. It takes at least a mile and a half for runners to spread out unless you are elite and start near the front. My training and preparation was non-existent. Winter was difficult, especially February, and I had only run on the treadmill three times. I didn’t know what to expect attempting 11.03 miles, but Owen stuck with me and we managed to finish without injury around 12 minutes a mile. Race was organized by the US Marine Corps and as such everything went smoothly: packet pickup, shuttle

buses, bag drop, bathrooms, water stops, course markings, volunteers, food, and drink. There were many inspirational and funny signs along the course, my favorite was 1775 feet to the finish line. I am really looking forward to the 40th annual Marine Corps Marathon, my first and probably only marathon, to be held Sunday October 25th. I have started a Novice Marathon Training Plan and look forward to group runs at Forest River Park. Since it got me guaranteed access to the Marine Corps Marathon, I have to rate this 5 cats. Go Wicked!

Member Spotlight TOM MISTRETTA Who am I? Lifelong North Shore resident, grew up in Beverly (graduated HS same year as T.R.), now lives in Danvers with wife Debbie and three adult-ish children (ages 23, 21, 18). Works as a software engineering manager at Akamai Technologies in Cambridge.

Joined Wicked Because: I mostly run alone when home and wanted to find a local group to do long weekend runs and also to share the passion for our sport.

Secret Talent:

Favorite Distance:

When not Running:

Distances between 10K and half marathon.

Spending time with family and friends, trying as much as possible to do other outside activities such as skiing, hiking, or camping.

Goal for this year:

Recently started sailing on Salem Sound. Haven’t hit anything yet but watch out!

Training for my first Marathon at the end of May.

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

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

2015 Outdoor USATF Schedule Anyone interested in taking part in any of the USATF events and has or is willing to get a USATF individual membership, please contact The Wicked Board of Directors. We would like to see the club scoring points, the last race of the road grand prix is right in our back yard ! Individual membership: http://www.usatfne.org/ member/ Wicked club # 266

Road race series

May 24 Vermont city Marathon June 11 Hollis fast 5 k ( NH) August 9 Bobby Doyle 5 miler Narragansett RI

ROAD RACE GRAND PRIX RACES REMAINING: TEAM STANDING LINK: http://www.usatfne.org/road/results/2015gpt.html

MAY OUTDOOR TRACK SCHEDULE : LINK: http://www.usatfne.org/track/2015-outdoors.html May 14-15 ECAC Division III at Springfield College, MA May 15-17 IC4A and ECAC at Princeton NJ May 15-17 American Conference Championship, U.Connecticut, Storrs CT May 16 New Balance Boston Twilight, UMass Lowell, Lowell MA Includes 10,000m, SP/DT newbalanceboston@gmail.com www.nbbtwilight.com May 16 Connecticut Masters Games, Plainville CT Enter by May 1, all online. Starts at age 30, all standard events 860-528-4588 CT Masters Games ryan@ctmastersgames.org May 16 Bloomfield Youth T&F Invitatioanl. Bloomfield CT Age 5-16 10:00 a.m. bloomfieldyouthtrackandfield.org May 17 Alex Farese Youth Meet, North Andover MA HS. Youth age 9-14 (as of meet day) 100,200,400,800,Mile,80m hurdles,4x100, LJ,HJ,SP,TurboJav. scarletknightstrack@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/NAYTFC

May 21 NH Thunder / Strafford Youth Track Meet, Coe-Brown Academy, Northwood, NH 530 pm. Age 7-18 straffordrec.org/track.php Karyn Fisher 5fishers@metrocast.net 603-664-6993 May 21-23 NCAA Divison II Nationals, Allendale MI May 21-23 NCAA Division III Nationals, St.Lawrence U, Canton NY May 23 5th Massachusetts Middle School Invitational Fitchburg State U. Meet information mcastriotta@charter.net May 28-30 NCAA Divison I East Regional Qualifier, Jacksonville FL May NOT BEING HELD IN 2015USATF-NE Mini Meet, M.I.T.,

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

May 27 Twilight Throwers Meets, Chelmsford (MA) HS 6:00 pm. Hammer, Shot Primarily college age / older. Schedule at website www.twilightthrowers.com twilightthrowers@gmail.com

Wicked Board 2015: We welcome your questions and suggestions. Get in touch!

May 28 NH Thunder/Strafford Youth Track Meet, Coe-Brown Academy, Northwood, NH 530 pm. Age 7-18 straffordrec.org Karyn Fisher 5fishers@metrocast.net 603-664-6993 May 29 Central VT Runners Kids Meet, Montpelier HS. 4:30 pm pre-K to 6th Grade. No fee 100,440y,LJ,softball (all), 880y (grades 1-2), Mile (grades 3-6) Tim Noonan, 802-223-6216 May 29 NH HS Division I meet at Winnecunnet HS, Hampton 4pm May 30 NH HS Divsion II at Portsmouth, Division III at Jaffrey 10:00 a.m May 29-30 Prefontaine Classic (IAAF Diamond League) Eugene OR diamondleague-eugene.com May 30 New Balance Boston Twilight Meet, Bentley University, Waltham MA. 5 pm newbalanceboston@gmail.com www.nbbtwilight.com May 30 Essex VT Invitational TF Meet and New England HS Championship qualifier. Vermont’s largest meet Vermont Track & Field May 30 Mass. HS Class meets, 9:30 p.m. www.mstca.org East D I - Lowell, East D II - Notre Dame Hingham, Central-Fitchburg St WestWestfield St May 31 Mass. HS Class meets, 9:30 a.m. www.mstca.org East D III - Durfee (Fall River), East D IV - Norwell May 31 Gate City Youth Meet, Milford HS, Milford NH. 12 pm Ages 7-18. All events Entry form (bring to meet) Coach Mike Wright mmscoachwright@comcast.net May 31 USA 5K RaceWalk Championship, Albany NY walk2agoal@gmail.com May 31 Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K, Albany NY May 31 CT Hawks Youth Meet New Haven CT Age 5-13. 10:00 a.m. ctladyhawks.com gmtrack16@gmail.com

PRESIDENT: Michael Harvey mharvey67@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT: Michele Campbell michelejcampbell@yahoo.com PAST PRESIDENT: T.R. Ramsdell mopartr@comcast.net TREASURER: Karen Aalto kpaalto00@gmail.com SECRETARY: Sandi Dalton sldalton@verizon.net MEMBERSHIP DIR.: Lisa DiBella membership@wickedrunningclub.com CLOTHING DIRECTOR: Susan Hennessey wickedrunninggear@gmail.com MEMBER-AT-LARGE: Julie Arrison juliearrison@gmail.com MEMBER-AT-LARGE: Mike Paulin mpaulin444@gmail.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

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Where in the World is Wicked?

The Wicked Running Register • March/April 2015 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com

Enjoying a” Cold One” after completing “Maria’s Frozen Shamrock 3 Miler” Haverhill, MA 12 March 2015 rescheduled from 22 February 2015 (snow) as part of the “Wild Rover Race Series” with fellow Wicked Running Club members; Debbie S., Tom Lubas, Sandi Dal-

Tom Lubas working the only Hydration Station at Hopkinton with 80 College Students from MIT, Colby-Sawyer and Nichols Colleges. “Just a little wet, not like Wicked’s Mile 17 Gel Station out on the course.”

The Tapleyville 7 Mile Race Danvers, MA Rick Marciano and Tom Lubas at Wicked’s 1st Grand Prix Series Road Race of 2015.

Michele Campbell and Kelly Pheulpin work the gel stop.

Tara and Mike Paulin flashing their bibs at the Expo.

Eastern States 20Miler Kittery, ME - Salisbury, MA Boston, MA

The first Wicked bus to Hopkinton.

On April 15, Melissa Jaynes, Sandi Dalton and Dawn Cobak ran a special Boston run in honor of One Boston Day. We ran a route that spelled out Boston. Wicked Running Club is BostonStrong!!!!!!!

The Claddagh Pub 4Miler Lawrence, MA Tom Lubas outside after completing the race. “Just a little snow in the background.”

Run For the Troops 5k! Andover, MA

Lisa DiBella at Mile 19!

Lisa DiBella, Abby & Mariko Weston before heading off to their corral on Marathon Monday.

On April 12th, The Wicked Running Club form a group large enough to earn a tent at this amazing event, which honors Military and raises funds to address the needs of injured soldiers.