The Wicked Running Register October 2013 • Priceless
EST. JAN 2010
Race Review: Delaware Distance Classic 5K – October 5, 2013 Elaine Goldman
I did not purposefully travel to Delaware just to compete in a 5K. No one I know purposefully goes to Delaware for anything. No, scratch that. Alcohol is tax free there – so I guess there is a reason to stop by. Aside from that though, I happened to be visiting my folks in Pennsylvania the same weekend as the race and my dad (who I’m also running the Philly Marathon with on November 17th) suggested we should enter. My mom has also recently started running (though she still says she hates it, even though she consistently places within her age group). So it was decided this would be a family affair - we would all run this 5K together and it’d be a great big bonding experience. Out of curiosity, I researched the results from the previous year’s race and was surprised when I realized I could potentially, for the first time ever, place in my age group. I emailed my dad hesitantly to ask if I could race race this thing. Side note: I love the running community I’m a part of. I am surrounded by several amazing and inspiring runners that motivate me to push myself and understand my crazy aspirations. To be your best, it’s important to be surrounded by people better than you. I’m a firm believer in that. If you surround yourself with mediocrity, how will you ever know there’s a level beyond that to be surpassed? If you want to be the best, you need to compete and win against the best. So, this is why I like the intensity
and the passion of this community they keep me pushing to the next level. I am surrounded by role models. And yet, deep down I will admit there is something somewhat frustrating that no matter how hard I try - I will never be called to winner’s circle after a race while I live here. I may come close and I may continue to improve and PR year over year - but a medal or a trophy? That’s not in the cards for me, not until I get older anyway... like old enough for my competition to die off. So, as shallow as wanting to win a ribbon is, Ido want one. Scratch that: I would like to earn one. I see this race as a chance to earn that prize. My parents look up the race times after I bring up the possibility of placing. It becomes clear they could all place as well. My dad sends me an email back saying my mom has declared it’s “every runner for themselves.” She realizes she could win her age group and that puts a fire in her belly as well. She hates running, but man does she love to win. The latter supersedes the former. The race is just a 45 minute drive away from my parent’s house. When we get there for bib pick-up it’s clear this is a well-organized event. Added plus: since it’s at a baseball stadium, there are public rest rooms versus port-o-potties. Soon enough it’s time to line up for the 5K.
The horn sounds and I’m off. There are maybe 10 people in front of me that I can see. There were about 4-5 “elite” style runners that are already beyond my line of vision. I pass various runners and pass the one female I see. I am running and I slowly realize: Holy crap I’m at the front of the pack of runners! I am not used to this perspective. It’s a bit lonely and a bit disorienting. I can’t get over the fact that I’m actually here. How is this possible? I’m not that... good. I shouldn’t be here, and yet I continued, next page
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The Wicked Running Register • October 2013 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
Delaware Distance Classic 5K, continued I am a bit disoriented, but catch my breath to now wait for my parents to come across the line so I could cheer for them. Once they have crossed the finish line we give hugs and high fives. “I feel like throwing up” my mom gasps out. “That was nasty. I didn’t like that.”
am. I am overwhelmed by a feeling of phoniness. I’m playing the role of a front-of-the-packer, but it’s a sham. I keep waiting for someone to come out from behind the bushes and pull me off the route with one of those big curved canes. At one point further down the route as we were rounding a turn, I glanced over my shoulder and saw the next closest runner was nearly a quarter-mile away. I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone. We’re nearing the end and one of the volunteers is on a corner cheering us on and clapping. As I approach she yells out “Alright! Second woman!” What? Did I hear that correctly? Second woman? Overall?! I know there haven’t been any women around me since I passed that one girl prior to the one mile marker, but it never occurred to me that I may be second overall. It’s still humid and sticky, but I don’t let up pace. I see the stadium looming ahead of me and I keep pushing. I’m wearing my Wicked singlet - I need to represent. I need to show people how we roll in these parts. I approach the finish line and begin my sprint as the clock ticks by towards the 23 minute mark.
We wait for the results, which thankfully will be on an electronic board. ( I love high-tech races). While we wait, I help myself to some of the choice snack options. There’s pizza, beer, cookies and soft pretzels! Our names finally scroll up and it’s confirmed. I am first in my age group, 2nd overall woman, and 10th overall finisher! I’m pretty psyched. Now internally, the fact that I placed still doesn’t hold much value. I know that it’s a fluke generated by being surrounded by a less competitive set of runners - not necessarily by my own overwhelming awesome athletic prowess. I know this. So even though technically I won fair and square, blah blah blah, it still feels like a bit of cheat - like I just cut in line at Disneyland... in front of a blind kid. However, my PR and the fact I surpassed the self-imposed goal I set for myself is satisfying. This is the litmus I really measure myself against - after all the person we’re constantly competing against is ourself. My mom is first in her age group and as suspected she won Masters. Her eyes tear up a little at this realization. “Really?” she says softly in disbelief. Suddenly, she seems to have forgotten whatever miser-
able pain she was experiencing just moments ago. Now she is happy. My dad came in fourth in his age group. We were so close to having a trinity of winners! Then again, he can share in my mom’s win since it was his persistent coaching that helped her reach her potential. The awards come up and my mom gets called as the Masters winner and gets a trophy. They only mention top female finisher, Masters and then the break things down by age group. Age group winners only get medals. I’m somewhat bummed there’s no trophy for me this time around, but the medal is actually really nice so I will take what I can get. My mom laments why she doesn’t also get a medal for finishing first in her age group. She just wants all the awards now! Sheesh! We’ve created a monster! We have to explain to her you only get one prize - since Masters trumps an age group placement, that’s the award she gets. This was a great race, not only for the little ego boost, but for the chance to share in the experience with my family and take my Wicked singlet outside of Massachusetts state lines. Overall, I give this race 5 Cats. The race had nothing but pros: • well organized • bathroom facilities with actual plumbing • scrolling electronic results board • free Yuengling beer at 9am • a PR and a top finisher prize for me (and my Mom) • family bonding
The Wicked Running Register • November 2013 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
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Presidential Perspective T.R. Ramsdell
SAVE THE DATE! 14th Annual St. Patrick’s Road Race/Walk on March 15, 2014! 4 mile run/walk will be followed by a delicious buffet and awards ceremony 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 Diabetes Education, 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.
REINDEER RUN 5K SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 10:00 a.m.
YMCA North Shore Road Race Series
Guess what guys and gals? In case you haven’t noticed, it’s no longer Summer out there. Now while we all lament the disappearing warm weather, my focus this month is on safety. Along with the colder temperatures, comes early evening darkness. Many of us don’t have the luxury of running in the middle of the day when things are brightly lit. Which means we are out running late afternoon or evening once we get out of work, which means in the dark. Now I’ve seen some of your figure fitting, skin tight, black tights, and as flattering as they are, they make you very hard to see at night. While it’s always fun think of yourself as “ninja fast”, the truth is you cant outrun a car. You need to make yourself as visible as possible with brightly colored neon shirts or jackets. Head lamps, reflective vests, wrist straps. I’ve seen all kinds of cool safety gear lately. I actually wear my headlamp wrapped around my hand so I can see the road before me, and also give an oncoming car a quick flash with the light so they realize that I’m a runner and not just a distant porch light up ahead. Whatever you can do to make yourself seen. And because we tend to want to run on roads less traveled, it usually presents the problem of no sidewalks, which means running in the street. Worse yet, as snow season approaches, we find ourselves quite often with no sidewalks even shoveled or plowed to run on anyway. Most drivers are very considerate when it comes to dealing with us. They’ll give way and pass us with plenty of room. But there are quite a few that can be real jack asses. Sometimes they are looking down at their phone or whatever and never see us until its too late. Sometimes they think its funny to swerve real quick at us to make us jump, or lay on the horn as they go by. Really?!? This is somehow funny? A 4000 pound chunk of steel against 175 pounds of flesh and bones. Some people are just idiots. Ask me how many mirrors I’ve punched off cars that have done this to me. Point is folks, protect yourself. Be smart. Wear the lights. Be very aware of oncoming cars. Assume they don’t see you. Run facing the traffic so you can see what’s coming at you. Run single file. Sure it’s easier to chat when you’re shoulder to shoulder, but only when it’s safe to do so. I, like many of you, run all year long, and I do it outside because I hate the Dread-mill. But we need to be careful out there. Winter is coming and it’s only going to get worse. This concludes this months Public Safety Announcement.
Cabot Street YMCA, Beverly, MA Register online: https://www.runreg.com/Net/3384
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The Wicked Running Register • October 2013 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
Wicked Grand Prix Series 2013
REGULAR race series: T.R. Ramsdell
This is it gang, the last update for the 2013 Grand Prix racing season. There’s only a couple chances left to boost your points total for this year. Remember, you need to complete 6 of the 8 races to be considered a finisher. Relays are big bonus points if you’re a little behind.
Shoot me a line and give me your info and I’ll get you on a team.
Next up is Doug Bollen’s World famous Wid Turkey 5 Miler on Thanksgiving morning. This is a yearly favorite with many and never fails to satisfy. Sure, its early, and it’s 5 miles, but think of all the pie you can eat later to make up for it! Well worth it.
I’m already busy planning the race schedule for 2014. If you’ve got a favorite race that you’d like to see in the series next year, drop me a line, and I’ll see if I can get it in the Wicked Grand Prix Series.
Next on the docket, is the Mill Cities relay on Sun, Dec. 8. I cant say enough about this event. It’s an invitation only, all day, chaos filled extravaganza. Five member teams, running 27 miles, through 2 states, along 1 river, and finishing at the Claddagh Pub. If you’ve done it before, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, you need to find out.
And lastly, our final race of 2012 is the Festivus 5K. A fun filled race that plays off Seinfeld’s “Festivus for the rest of us” episode. Feats of strength and airing of the grievances are perhaps a couple things to look forward to at this one. This second year race takes place on Sun, Dec. 15.
March 17 Olde Salem Greens 5k Cross Country, Salem. May 2 Pipestave Hill 5k trail race, W. Newbury July 30 Yankee Homecoming 10 miler, Newburyport Aug. 16 Derby Street Mile, Salem Sept. 15 Lone Gull 10k, Gloucester Oct. 20 Baystate 1/2 or full marathon, Lowell (your choice, both will be scored) Nov. 28 Wild Turkey 5 miler, Salem Dec. 15 Festivus 5k, Salem And the relays: Aug. 21 Lynn Woods Relay Sept. 7 Lake Winni Relay Dec. 8 Mill Cities Relay For more on the series: http://bit.ly/16PRKmF
As always, I ask you to be sure and wear your Wicked gear when you’re out there racing. First off, it shows that we are a team, and secondly, I cant yell and cheer for you if I cant quickly spot you in a crowd of runners.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
That’s it for now. See y’all at the Wild Turkey. C’mon, who’s in?
STY January 1, 2014 at 10am wickedrunningclub.com First race in the new Brooks/New England Running Company 2014 race series. Sign up for the Frosty Four: www.northshoretiming.com Download the application for the race series:
www.salemroadraces.com
The Wicked Running Register • November 2013 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
Race Review:
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Wicked Board 2013:
ING New York City Marathon • November 3, 2013 Marie Duignan
NYC Marathon - well, what can you say, it’s hard to put into words just how incredible this experience was, but here’s a feeble attempt at a review. From the super efficient transportation to the start line on Staten Island, to the very organized wave and corral start, to New York New York blaring over the sound system carrying you all the way to the first tower of the Verrazano-Narrows bridge (and as cheesy as that sounds, it’s not, it’s aweinspiring and it’s NYC baby!), you find yourself 2 miles in before you know it and then screams of support, and live music, from the crowds of Brooklyn carry you pretty much all the way to the half way point. Each bridge crossing to a new borough gives you a few minutes of quiet and a chance to refocus on the task in hand. And then, like a wall of sound, the crowds are back. So many people, so many volunteers, so many officials, all there to cheer YOU on to help you achieve your goal, whatever that may be. New York is a tough course, don’t let anyone ever tell you it’s flat, and wow we had some cold and strong headwinds on Sunday. But we are New Englanders, we can handle hills and a bit of wind (I’m thinking that Nahant to Lynn causeway and M’head Neck!). It’s just when the last three hills come at 23 for an entire mile and again at 25.5 and then 26 miles, it’s a tough task to keep going. But as is the theme of the day, those spectators carry you, lift you, cheer for you and you do keep going. Because you’re genuinely still smiling and you are still having a good time. Following the blue line, and then this year an additional yellow line for BAA and Boston, to the finish up that hill is exhilarating. You see 400m to go, then 400 yards quickly after, a 200 something sign, and then raise your arms and smile from ear to ear because you’ve finished, you have a medal around your neck, a space blanket and poncho (for those who opted for no baggage) draped around your shoulders, a recovery bag of water, Gatorade and snacks in your hand, and the celebrations can start! Well, after a little bit more walking to exit the park (and not at all bad, especially considering the horror stories I’ve heard from previous years). And then, once you do exit the park and the 10 block surrounding area that was closed to the public, you open out onto the streets of Manhattan and pretty much every New Yorker who walks past you congratulates you on your finish. They were not tourists, they were locals, who opened up their city to welcome 50,000+ runners and their friends and family and genuinely seemed so happy for your very individual achievement. Which, lets face it, is pretty cool when really we’re just a bunch of amateur runners, with this most magnificent opportunity to literally follow in the footsteps of the world’s elite field, in one of the most vibrant, exciting and wonderful cities ever. I heart running and I heart NYC. 5 out of 5.
President: T.R. Ramsdell mopartr@comcast.net Vice President: Kenny Hewson khews114@gmail.com Treasurer: Melissa Jaynes melissa.jaynes@gmail.com Secretary: Alison Phelan alphelan2@gmail.com Membership Dir.: Michele Campbell membership@wickedrunningclub.com Clothing Director: Michael Harvey wickedrunninggear@gmail.com Member-at-Large: Doug Bollen dougbollen12@yahoo.com Member-at-Large: Mike Toomey mike@mypersonalrunningcoach.com
Non-Board Positions Newsletter Editor: Michele Campbell newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com Grand Prix Series Co-Coordinator: T.R. Ramsdell mopartr@comcast.net Grand Prix Series Co-Coordinator: Don Gallucci dongallucci67@gmail.com Webmaster: Tim Short tim.short1@gmail.com
Wicked Kudos From Jay Carraro: Thank you to everyone who attended and supported my cornhole tournament for The Franklin Park Coalition, much appreciated! Wicked kudos for all the great performances out there this fall. Congratulations to all of our first time marathoners!
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The Wicked Running Register • October 2013 • newsletter@wickedrunningclub.com
Where in the World Is Wicked?
ABOVE: Cape Annie My friends and I ran the Superhero 5K in Cambridge on 10/27/13. I’m the one on the left unsuccessfully trying to make my cape fly. It was a short fun race and they give out finishers’ medals for a 5K! Very family-friendly, lots of kids and babies running with their parents in costumes. —Annie Miller TOP LEFT: The Blame Game During the Baystate Marathon in October Karen Aalto ran by Coach Mike Toomey and shouted, “A marathon is a terrible idea ... and I blame YOU!” BOTTOM LEFT: On Fire Julie Arrison, Mariko Ikeda Weston, and Michele Campbell visited the Chicago Fire Department as part of their marathon weekend adventure. BELOW: Halloween Spirit Laurie Brennan, Annette Louizos, Kelly Pheulpin, Ali (Kelly’s daughter), Beth Griffin, and Stacey Riley at the Witch City 5k.