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Oct 6: Snail Attempts 100-Miler
Aug 31: Lynn Woods Relay 2007
Apr 29: Groton 10K, April 29, 2007
Apr 23: 2007 Boston Marathon, A Strange Day
Apr 16: Boston Marathon Report
Apr 16: A Marathon Experience
Apr 3: Track Workouts Begin Again
Mar 18: New Bedford Half Marathon
Mar 15: Track Workouts Begin Again
Jan 28: 1st Marathon Win in Miami (Ambulatory Disabled Div)
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Snail Attempts 100-Miler
by Neil "the snail" Bernstein
- Oct 6, 2007 -
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As many of you know, I spent my Columbus Day weekend differently than most of you
(and most of humanity). I, together with 150 others, including my brother Mike
(from San Diego, CA), converged just west of Little Rock, in order to attempt to
run 100 miles, at the Arkansas Traveller 100-Miler.
Although I am an experienced marathoner, and Mike an experienced marathoner and ironman
triathloner, it was our first attempt at that distance. Unfortunately for me,
my brother and about 84 others, it proved a bit too tough.
Last November, I prepared by running the StoneCat 50-Mile, Ipswich, MA,
a reasonably challenging trail run. I completed it in 10:13:14, just under
12:15 pace. Mike prepared by running the Ultracentric 12-Hour, in
Grapevine, TX, a 2.4-mile flat, asphalt loop. He completed 63.12 miles, ~11:24 pace.
The unusually warm day (85/75 degrees), and the high humidity (hovered around 70%)
yielded the highest "Did Not Finish" (DNF) rate in the race's history.
Only 66 runners finished - from the starting field of 150.
BTW, I flew back via Chicago, and heard lots of horror stories about the Chicago Marathon.
We started out on Saturday morning, at 6:00 am.
The first 16 miles were among the most rugged, and, already, a few runners drop out.
Mike and I held a fairly steady pace of approximately 15 min/mile,
through the first 25 miles. Then, Mike's left IT Band began to throb,
our pace slowed down, and we mostly walked – not too fast, either.
In spite of efforts to alleviate the pain, it was obvious, by mile 28
(partially, by our slowed pace), that Mike would not be able to complete the distance.
He decided to make a stab at walking as far as he could get,
before one of the "Cut-offs." He managed to shuffle to mile 43.
I picked up the pace and returned to the 15 minute pace, which would have
allowed me to finish in ~25 hours. At mile 43, I hit a very long, non-stop climb,
rising ~700 feet over a ~1.5-mile stretch and then dropping ~450 over another 1.5-mile stretch.
That slowed me down to ~16-17 minute pace. After that,
I was able to pick up the pace again, and I was steadily recovering the lost time.
Sometime after dusk, it got very tough. I had twisted my ankle,
but I did not really feel it right way. As I left the mile 53 aid station,
I found that I could no longer continue with the "ultra shuffle,"
so I walked briskly for those next 5.8 miles. At the time,
I thought that I had shin splints, which I had not suffered for at least 5 years.
I "speed-walked" into the "Turnaround" aid station,
at 58.7 miles, at 9:25 pm. Over that segment, I had still managed to maintain
a pace substantially under 19 min/mile. My eyes were stinging from the strain
of avoiding stones, ruts and other hazards, in the dark, so I decided to try to
take a 20 minute power nap. However, due to the pain in my left ankle, I just
could not fall asleep. When I moved into the light, I found that my ankle was very swollen.
My race was over. I had been running for 15 hours and 25 minutes, averaging ~15:45 pace.
What worked?
o Sleep, the night before the race. I slept like a log, for 6 hours,
at a nearby hotel, in spite of the 4 am wake-up.
o Spray bandage (Nexcare). I have had problems with chafing,
especially my nipples and spots where the Camel-back straps would rub
the bottom-sides of my neck. Before the start, I sprayed three layers of
spray bandage. NO CHAFING, whatsoever, from that single (triple) application.
o Corn-protector. About 1.5 weeks before the race,
I had developed a callused blister between two toes. I used a regular,
off-the-shelf corn-protector. I forgot that I had a problem until I removed
the protector, after the race.
o Gels and creams in zip-lock bags. For sun screen,
I put a small amount in a snack-size zip-lock bag, for each drop
station (aid station that accepts labeled bags). Other gels and
cream work as well, but it is advisable to make sure that they
are different colors (or very clearly marked), in order to avoid (
possibly painful) mistakes (I did not make any mistakes - hah, hah, hah!).
I kept some in my pack, was well, since they weighed next to nothing and took up almost no space.
o Pace chart / elevation chart / map. I created a double-sided,
laminated 8.5x11 page, which I could roll up and put in my pack.
It was great, and I had lots of time to ponder its metaphysical meaning.
o Weight, hydration and food. Ultras are increasingly
invoking the 3/5/7% weight loss guideline: a warning at 3%,
holding you back at 5% (until you regain body weight), meat
wagon at 7%. In marathons, I figure that I normally drop 5-7%
of my body weight. After months of tweaking drinking and eating
during long runs (the eating part was a very new experience for me),
I was still very nervous about getting held back or stopped.
I wore a watch that beeped every 5 minutes, and
I devoutly took 2-3 gulps from my Heed (similar to Gatorade)
filled bladder, each time. I ate at every aid station, and I
drank chicken soup, starting around dusk (I have always claimed
that I am not a devout vegetarian, and I again found that the
medicinal value of chicken soup during Ultras far outweighs any
other scruples). Also, I sucked on rock salt after every aid station
(after the third station, I picked up a zip lock bag, from which I
tapped out a few grains, each time). the first weigh-in was at the mile
49 aid station, at which point I had actually GAINED 1 pound (YES!).
I did not make it back to that aid station, for the second weigh-in,
but I am confident that I did not lose any weight. I did not eat any
of my own emergency food. I did not use any Gu or similar stuff, and I did not take any meds.
o Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp. It gave great light,
nice big buttons for my klutzy fingers (and half-fingers).
o Avoiding hazards. (Well, until I twisted my ankle, a
nd I don't even know exactly when or how that happened.) Although the
course was mostly tame and forgiving, you only need a tiny stretch per
mile to account for a LOT of hazards. I had only a handful of stumbles.
I NEVER fell down (versus my 50-miler, last year, with 12 spills).
o Sleep afterwards. After dropping out, by a quirk, by
several hours, I was one of the very first half-dozen drop-outs to
make it back to the home camp (that was because I happened to drop
out at the "Turnaround"). I showered, shaved, and spread
myself out on the tarp that held returned drop-off bags.
Again, I slept like a log, for about 2 hours.
o Fabulously organized. Hundreds of volunteers,
with very dedicated roles. Whady'a expect from a bunch of crazies?
Kidding aside, extremely well organized and managed. Great, friendly support.
The regular 100-milers said that most of the races are similarly well-run.
I know that StoneCat was great. Many 100-milers require that a runner
volunteer at any 100-miler, as a condition of running.
o Other Stuff. My Race Ready shorts were very comfortable and useful.
My training shoes were very comfortable. I put a lot of thought and effort
into my drop bags, which worked out fairly well, but a learned a few tricks, too.
What was important to others?
o Meds: Lots of Advil and gels for sore muscles. I don't know how
much it helped, but there was plenty out there. Others donated meds to my
brother, and after he dropped out, he loaned his knee-band to a runner.
The knee band was at the finish line, with his bib number and name on it -
nice. He did not attempt to regurgitate and return the meds.
o Running in pairs or groups. Lots of ad-hoc hook-ups (well, in a manner of speaking).
Anecdotes:
o Cyclops-snail. 10 minutes before the start of the race,
in the dark, I discovered that I was missing the left lens of my glasses.
This is a national park, on a lake. The chances of finding it were
obviously not even worth considering. There was not enough time to
run to the car to get my old pair, so I just toughed it out. I only
used them a few times, mostly after dark, to read my pace chart /
elevation chart / map. Do you remember that I was one of the first
drop-outs to get a ride back to the start/finish? At the finish area,
I made a joke about being a running Cyclops-snail. They looked at me
funny, until I pulled out my disabled glasses. An elderly woman exclaimed,
"Wait, my husband [who was taking picture] mentioned finding a lens."
When he arrived, he told me that he had found a lens in the bathroom,
(at the campground, a half mile away, near the parking) and that he had
put it on the counter, next to the sink. Sure enough, there it was,
and I am now a (relatively) normal, two-eyed snail!
o Getting lei'd. At the "Club Flamingo"
aid station (40 miles), there were lots of provocative signs, a
hula dancer with a hose and young women waiting to lei runners.
Of course, I took advantage of those young women, to the extent that I was capable ...
o Reports of road kill were premature. The next
to last finisher, a Japanese woman, who spoke no English,
looked like road kill, at the Turnaround, where I dropped out
(58.7 miles). The common wisdom was that she didn't have a chance
in hell to make the next Cut-off (forget finishing).
She did finish, and under the 30 hours, to win a Bronze Belt Buckle. Go figure!
What would I do differently (and may do differently), if or when I try it again?
o Slower start: I would plan to start at ~17 min/mile.
o Walk more in the early stages: Especially on hilly/rocky terrain,
not just up, but also down. Later in the run, my quads would have
appreciated slower down-hills at the beginning.
o Better hydration pack: Nathan HPL#20 2.0L Mens Race Vest /
Nathan Womens Series Race Vest – Intensity. Mine worked,
but those looked so much better and convenient.
Can I actually finish a 100-miler? At this time, I really don't know.
I have that type of stamina, so that's OK. My weaknesses seem to be:
o Eyes. My eyes get fatigued very quickly, especially at night,
and even more so around bright lights in the dark. I have never been
able to keep them open for 24 hours, so I can't imagine doing so for 28-30 hours.
I would have to take cat-naps to rest my eyes. Would I be able to get going again?
o Sleepy. Oh, yeah, I am also a very serious sleeper.
So, even if my eyes did not give out, I would probably have to
sleep along the way, just for the sleep (yawn!).
o Left ankle. This is the joint that has given me the most trouble,
since my teen years. I don't have a good answer for this one, yet, in
non-forgiving terrain. Some have suggested trail shoes. I might try a pair.
o Quads. I gotta take care of them in the early stages and on
the down-hills. They were really uncomfortable, over long segments of the run.
o Overall exhaustion. Can I really last 28-30 hours? Who knows?
o Starting too fast. (Relatively speaking.) Can I start out at
that slower pace and stick with it? I think, on this account, I can
set the snail-metronome on a slower beat and stick with it. Negative
splits? I won't even begin to conjecture on that one, in spite of my
religious conviction to negative splits.
If you have not raced in a trail run, I highly recommend the StoneCat
Marathon, Ipswich, MA (early Nov, for experienced marathoners). The hardy
can plan to graduate to the StoneCat 50-miler. I will have to find out
about other trail runs.
Now, why did I not write this earlier? Yes, I sensed you clamoring,
even before some of you sent the e-mails. Was I half-dead, in pain, or
similar? You gotta be kidding! When I die, my fingers will probably
keep banging away at the keyboard. Therein is the answer to the mystery.
My keyboard, the whole computer, actually – died, on the plane trip back.
Monday morning, I found out, via tech support, that the motherboard was dead.
I spent Monday tracking down a hard drive enclosure for my unusual, 2.5"
SATA hard drive, found one (on Columbus Day, when most of the small shops are closed),
copied my data over, (nothing got lost – just imagine my luck, yet again!),
installed minimal, essential software, and hammered away at a project that was due
on Tuesday. I delivered that, just in time, executed my civic duty
(attended a School Committee meeting) and only got free to write this up
Tuesday evening, on my old computer. (I can't really webmaster, yet, for example,
because I don't have the editing or FTP software).
Afterthoughts:
o Second lifetime DNF. ... after my August DNF, at the Around the Lake marathon.
o Injuries. My ankle is no longer swollen, walking down stairs is
not a challenge, and, in case anyone had plans otherwise, I expect to kick
a lot of Strider-butt in Nahant, on Oct 21. Mike is seeing is physical therapist.
o Honolulu Marathon. Our brother, David, who lives in Hawaii, after a 29
year break from running, plans to run the Honolulu Marathon, on December 9th.
We had encouraged him into to this endeavor and had already promised to pace him.
So, why not? After all, it's only a marathon. Fortunately, we expect him to
average only 9:30-10:00 pace (whew!).
o First weekend of October, 2008. Now that runner's amnesia has
fully set in, are we available for a rematch?
See you on the roads,
Neil "the snail" Bernstein
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Lynn Woods Relay 2007
by Michael Pelletier
- Aug 31, 2007 -
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This year's Lynn Woods Relay took place on Wednesday, August 22, starting at 6pm. It was a great night for running with temperatures in the low 60's. Sixty-nine teams competed in 8 different categories. The Lynn Woods Relay consists of four 2.5-mile legs on a tough cross-country course within Lynn Woods. Each leg starts and finishes at the Gannon golf course entrance of Lynn Woods.
The North Shore Striders Veteran Men, Senior Women, and Senior Men each defended their titles as age group champions, while the Master Women finished second in a strong showing.
A great story line is how The Wildwoman came out of retirement to anchor the Senior women to victory when Annajean was injured. A suspect story line is how The Wildwoman ran one of the fastest times by a Strider woman that night. (It is rumored that Mario is considering filing a protest based on the fact that he and Anne started the last leg together and the feeling that he remembers finishing in front of her. Mario is currently seeking evidence buttressing his case.)
After the relay, some 30 Striders repaired to the Prince House of Pizza to consume 15 pizzas and untold quantities of soda and beer.
NSS Teams in Lynn Woods Relay 2007
| Male Open: |
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| "NSS Open Men"
20/24 |
78:04 |
| Dave Atchason |
24:28 |
| Frank Lanzillo |
21:16 |
| Jay Kumar |
18:16 |
| Jordan Ross (C) |
17:06 |
| Male Masters: |
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| "NSS Masters Plus"
7th |
76:20 |
| Ken Watson (C) |
18:28 |
| Kevin Counihan |
21:16 |
| Bob Holland |
20:40 |
| Sal Genovese |
15:56 |
| Male Seniors: |
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| "NSS Senior Men"
1st |
75:49 |
| Steve Keenholtz |
19:16 |
| Dave Jefska (C) |
19:29 |
| Tom Lima |
20:17 |
| Neil Bernstein |
16:47 |
| Male Veterans: |
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| "NSS Veteran
Warriors"
1st |
84:13 |
| Joe Giannone |
19:40 |
| Roger Perham |
23:35 |
| Mike Pelletier |
21:55 |
| George Geis (C) |
19:03 |
| Female Open: |
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| "NSS Open Women"
9th |
86:24 |
| Krissy Kozlosky |
24:24 |
| Sue Quimby |
17:50 |
| Jess Serino |
23:38 |
| Kate Gage (C) |
20:32 |
| Female Masters: |
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| "NSS Masters Women"
2nd |
81:02 |
| Jennifer O'Neil |
18:38 |
| Lee Benton |
21:51 |
| Lauren Hamilton |
18:45 |
| Karen Vitone (C) |
21:48 |
| Female Seniors: |
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| "NSS Senior Women"
1st |
98:15 |
| Lisa Riordan
| 21:35 |
| Carol Geis |
33:08 |
| Bonnie Hallinan |
23:35 |
| Anne Pelletier |
19:57 |
| Coed: |
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| "NSS Coed A-Team"
9th |
80:08 |
| Linda Ring (C) |
22:07 |
| Paul Siebensohn |
19:41 |
| Becki Lawnsby |
19:00 |
| Ken Spinale |
19:20 |
| Coed: |
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| "More Experienced
Striders"
16th |
94:21 |
| Vicky Yee |
21:30 |
| Dick Buchanan |
23:26 |
| Mary Stevens (C) |
26:47 |
| Mario Fagone |
22:38 |
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Groton 10K, April 29, 2007
by Mike Pelletier
- Apr 29, 2007 -
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The Groton 10K was the 2nd Race in the USATF/NE Grand Prix and the New England 10K Championship. Unwilling to duke it out with the fast guys for 20th place in the M6069 category, I decided to run the 5M Ring Around the Neck Race in Marblehead.
Annajean was more courageous and returned home with an outstanding 8th place finish in her age group (out of 39 women) in the New England 10K Championship. 8th place will earn Annajean 3 points in the USATF/NE Grand Prix standings.
Proving that because she is woman, she can do it all, Annajean also drove the car, secured parking for the team in the official USATF/NE parking lot, shepherded the guys through the registration process, and secured race tee-shirts for all the Striders.
| Jordan Ross |
44/60 |
M2029 |
43:25 |
7:00 |
| Dennis Ryan |
66/129 |
M3039 |
47:41 |
7:41 |
| Annajean McMahon |
8/39 |
F5059 |
48:30 |
7:49 |
| Joe Gianonne |
21/37 |
M6069 |
50:28 |
8:08 |
| Kevin Counihan |
177/198 |
M4049 |
56:48 |
9:09 |
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2007 Boston Marathon, A Strange Day
by Kevin D. Counihan
- Apr 23, 2007 -
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Strange day. Boston Marathon. When I left the bus Monday, the rain got heavy, I crossed 2 ball fields, slipped in mud twice, and then had to hop a chain link fence or walk half mile around it. Then I found VIP bag bus left at 9:30. It was now 9:45 and start was at 10am. Put bag in 19,000 bag bus (which at finish was last one almost at Boston Common).
Enter wave 1 start with blue bibs. Hey get the red guy outta here. I found an official who walked the people in my division to start line fending off the do gooder volunteer bib police. Then for 1st hour I'm running down the road all by myself in the 111th Boston Marathon, way cool. Is that guy in 1st, he's slower then last year's leader. The race went down hill from there, I may have had too many clothes cause it felt I had lead shoes on, so slow.
I start getting faster at 20 miles hoping for an ugly 5:30. Mile 22, Brookline, an ice cold, 50 mile an hour headwind Knocks me over. Temperature drops 20 degrees, a chill runs down my spine, and both calves cramp-up, and I hop to an ugly 5:50. I dropped to 7th place in Mobility impaired Division. Previous worse was 4th place in 2003, quite embarrassing. I'm the only person in MI Div to finish 5 straight Boston's, next is 2.
Hopefully the 2010 Boston Marathon will be my 100th Marathon.
NYC Marathon has extended a special invitation to me for their race.
I just fax the application. No mention of fee.
Kevin
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Boston Marathon Report
by Mike Pelletier
- Apr 16,2007-
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Securing a Club Bus Pass for the NSS to go to the Boston Marathon turned out to be a very good idea. It took extra time to drive to Hopkinton because of the storm, but, at last, by 9:15am, we were parked in the special
reserved parking area for running club buses, right next to the Hopkinton High School. Although, we didn't have a working bathroom inside the van, at least we could stay dry except for necessary forays to the port-a-johns. The last three people to leave the van were me, Annajean McMahon, and Jordan Ross. Jordan and I had already placed our bags on the correct buses for transport back to Boston. Now Jordan and I ran through light rain, carrying Annajean's bag to put it on the correct baggage bus.
Then the three of us, dressed in designer trash bags, headed down Grove Street toward the start. Unfortunately, Annajean and I couldn't squeeze past the last six corrals to our proper place and were stuck in the midst of the last corral with lots of much slower runners when the cannon went off to start the second wave. As we inched forward, we stripped off our trash bags and I took off a throw away pair of warm-up pants and threw them away.
We continued walking slowly down to Main Street, turned right onto Main Street and continued to walk toward the starting line. We jogged across the starting line mat, briefly resumed walking and finally broke into a jog down the street toward Boston. Because of the crowd of slower runners, our first mile was 9:49 this year compared to last year's 9:12. Miles 2-5 averaged 9:28 this year compared to 8:37 last year. The pace for miles 6 through 9 was closer to last
year's, but an unscheduled pit-stop cost us 2 minutes.
Sometimes the wind was not bad, other times it was strong, especially when it swept across a pond when entering Wellesley and on the hill over Route 128 or when you turned the corner at the Fire House at the start of the Newton hills.
At 4 miles, I spotted my son and daughter-in-law in the crowd. Annajean suggested I leave any extra clothing with them, but I wasn't taking that suggestion seriously, especially when a gust of wind blew the suddenly re-emerging rain into my face.
After Jordan and Annajean used the facilities at Dunkin Donuts at mile 8, Jordan felt quicker and picked up the pace. Annajean, Jordan Ross and I ran together for about 10 miles, before Jordan dropped us.
After besting a blast of wind gusting across a pond as we entered Wellesley, it
felt so good to reach the 12-mile water stop and see our teammates handing out
that special Strider Gatorade. Roger Perham was in the back, with head down,
concentrating on filling cups. In front of the table stood Lee Benton, George Geis, Jess Haber, Krissy Kozlowski, Tom McMahon and Jane, Marci Omlor, Ken and Mimi Watson.
I grabbed a cup from Carol Geis and stopped to walk and savor the flavor. It was just as good as last year. I was marveling at how Mary Stevens ensures that there is consistent quality control from year to year when Annajean said, "Let's go." I headed up the road to enjoy the screams and to see who would get a coed's kiss.
Despite pushing the pace over miles 10 through 13, I knew by the ½ marathon point that Annajean and I were going to struggle to reach even the qualifying standard for our respective age groups, 4:15:59, let alone break 4 hours again. For the last half of the marathon, Annajean and I never ran below last year's pace but we were much closer to it than over the first 6 miles.
I didn't really mind the Newton Hills. Despite the wind (another blast hit us as we turned the corner at the Fire Station) and colder temperatures, they seemed a welcome change from the mostly downhill first 16 miles, but Jordan said they were difficult and eventually forced him to walk. AJ and I finally passed Jordan who ended up finishing in 4:24:02.
At 23 miles, I told Aj that the only reason I was still running was that I wanted to get this race over with as soon as possible. She agreed. At 24 miles I finally asked Aj if she wanted to walk, but she said no that would just prolong the pain, so I had to keep running. Then she suggested we finish together which I agreed to do.
At the turn onto Hereford Street, I told her, "When we turn onto Boylston Street, smile and pretend that you're having fun for the camera man who'll be waiting."
Ever the star, Annajean turned onto Boylston Street, smiled and picked up the pace. I had to sprint down Boylston Street to catch her at the finish line.
Aj and I finished together, crossing the finish line side by side in a personal worst performance for each of us. (Actually, my personal worst marathon was a 4:17:02 in Boston in 1999.) In the final results, Aj beat me by 2 seconds because she had crossed the starting line 2 seconds ahead of me when I had to slow up because of a wide body stepping in front of me. (Aj, 4:16:56; me, 4:16:58).
After we finished, we walked to the end of Boylston St to the buses that carried our bags from Hopkinton to Boston, put on long pants over our shorts, and then shuffled down the street to meet Anne. Anne said Annajean looked okay, but that I looked like shit, shuffling along like a man with palsy. Anne had me stand there on the sidewalk while she stripped off my wet shirt and wind breaker and dressed me in a dry shirt, vest, and jacket and dry socks and shoes. At the same time, Annajean was laying on the sidewalk on her back, stretching her periformus muscle as John Gillis had instructed her to do after every run.
The three of us then went another block and met Jordan Ross who looked worse than me. He and I shuffled along behind Annajean and Anne 4 or 5 blocks more until we got to the car in Aj's secret parking spot where Anne had hot soup waiting for us. We eagerly drank the soup while she drove Annajean home and then dropped Jordan at his car back in Vinnin Square.
I've got three enormous blood blisters on the ends of 3 toes on my left foot plus sore quadriceps and a bruised ego, but other than that I'm fine.
Joe Giannone was one of two Striders who didn't take the van to Hopkinton, opting instead for a ride from his daughter. Joe ended up seeking shelter under a tent within the Athlete's village, but finding precious little protection from the elements. Joe, like me, found the early going, dodging around slower runners, a daunting task and finally had to settle for a 4:22:53 finish.
North Shore Strider Finishers
| Erica Wetterlow |
22908 |
3:26:11 |
| Pam Morin |
12914 |
3:35:30 |
| Sue Besse |
11278 |
3:37:30 |
| Glenn Diamond |
10972 |
3:42:41 |
| Steve Keenholtz |
12599 |
3:42:56 |
| Neil Bernstein |
12289 |
4:10:45 |
| Lillian Worona |
24714 |
4:13:30 |
| Vicky Yee |
23219 |
4:14:18 |
| Annajean McMahon |
17810 |
4:16:56 |
| Mike Pelletier |
18517 |
4:16:58 |
| Joe Giannone |
19032 |
4:22:53 |
| Jordan Ross |
22484 |
4:24:02 |
| Lee Libelo |
21910 |
4:24:35 |
| Sean Kay |
22466 |
4:28:54 |
| David Meyer |
20544 |
4:34:26 |
| Katie St.Pierre |
20726 |
5:43:43 |
| Gary Freedman |
8940 |
5:20:54 |
| Kevin Counihan |
19616 |
5:50:29 |
| Bob Holland |
22207 |
5:58:19 |
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A Marathon Experience
by Roger Perham
- Apr 16, 2007 -
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The next woman after the lead group.
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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Another group of elite women.
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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At twelve miles these were the lead runners.
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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Wheel chair while the rain stopped.
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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Third and fourth fellows.
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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Robert Cheruiyot.
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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The masses.
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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One was happy to have their picture taken!
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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Another one was happy to have their picture taken!
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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And one woman was ready for another flood!
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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The 12 mile water stop, Strider crew hard at work.
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| Photo courtesy of Roger Perham
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Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon
The winds roared and the rains came down but the Boston Marathon would not be deterred. I met a group of club members at 6:30 and drove to the 12 mile mark at Wellesley College to work at a water table. We were in hearing range of the noted Wellesly girls!! From 8 to 10am the rains were still moderate and the winds gusty. The skies brightened but an east wind was picking up.
But just before the lead woman arrived the rain stopped and the camera came out. Not in time for the lead group of women.
The first picture is the next woman after the lead group.
Another group of elite women.
At twelve miles these two runners were in the lead about 200 yards ahead of a large pack.
While most of the wheel chairs came through it was raining. This fellow passed after the rain stopped.
These fellows were third and fourth ahead of the charging trail pack.
The eventual winner, Robert Cheruiyot, number 1 is leading the large pack behind the four leaders. I suspect many were staying with the group as a shelter against the gusty headwinds. When the rain stopped the winds slowed also.
Then the masses came in two large waves! Many were covered head to toe.
One was happy to have their picture taken!
Another one was happy to have their picture taken!
And one woman was ready for another flood!
The second of two Gatorade/water tables. - 3 tables with Gatorade and 6 with Belmont Springs water. The 5 gallon jugs are delivered to the tables. The Gatorade is mixed and put in barrels for scooping and pouring into the cups. Three tiers for each table. When the last of walking 'runners' go by we shift into cleanup mode and the rakes and shovels come out. About 45 minutes later the area is clean. Time 2pm.
Ready for the crowds!! The water stops are set up in pairs on both sides of the street, offset by 100 yards.
A lot of energy was out there today!!
-Roger Perham
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New Bedford Half Marathon
by Mike Pelletier
- Mar 18, 2007 -
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It was cold and very windy, but 10 Striders toed the line at New Bedford in the first race of the 2007 USATF/NE Grand Prix. The best individual result was by Joe Giannone who finished 3rd in the M65-69 age group.
| Overall |
Name |
Place |
Age Group |
Time |
| 671 |
Sean Kay |
64/121 |
M3034 |
1:43:20 |
| 815 |
Dennis Ryan |
76/144 |
M3539 |
1:47:34 |
| 1000 |
Dave Jefska |
97/152 |
M5054 |
1:52:54 |
| 10245 |
Guiseppe Giannone |
3/13 |
M6569 |
1:53:24 |
| 1048 |
Annajean McMahon |
5/19 |
F5559 |
1:54:13 |
| 1052 |
Michael Pelletier |
20/48 |
M6064 |
1:54:18 |
| 1061 |
David Ring |
97/144 |
M3539 |
1:54:32 |
| 1431 |
Linda Ring |
79/112 |
F3539 |
2:06:52 |
| 1484 |
Robert Holland |
80/98 |
M5559 |
2:08:42 |
| 1648 |
Kevin Counihan |
168/176 |
M4549 |
2:18:27 |
In the team competition, the Men's Open Team of Dennis Ryan, Dave Jefska, Joe Giannone, Mike Pelletier, and David Ring finished 29th in the Open Division.
The Men's Masters Team of Dave Jefska, Joe Giannone, Mike Pelletier, Bob Holland, and Kevin Counihan was 23rd in the Masters Division.
The Men's Seniors Team of Dave Jefska, Joe Giannone, and Mike Pelletier finished 17th of 20 in the Seniors Division.
For those of you concerned about us having to run on three different teams, Joe and I were happy to help out the youngsters, even if we did get a little tired. As George Geis always says, "Be sure to help the kids!"
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Track Workouts Begin Again
by Michael Pelletier
- Mar 15, 2007-
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Track Practice starts on Tuesday, April 3 at 6pm at Beverly High School.
A slow, easy 2-mile warm up on the roads begins at 6pm in the parking lot. (Some runners prefer to warm up on the track, especially if they cannot be there by 6.)
Coach Dave Jellerson will begin the formal sessions at 6:30 on the track.
You are eligible to attend if
you have paid your dues for 2007,
can run 1 mile in a time between 4:00 minutes and 14:00 minutes and
want to improve your running.
If you are in doubt about attending track practice, please come over to Beverly H.S. on any Tuesday night at 6 or 6:30pm to observe and see for yourself what it is all about.
There is no charge for you to attend. So don't miss this opportunity to have a professional track coach of your very own.
Coach Jellerson can work wonders. He has done it with his high school aged runners and with adult runners.
Imagine what he can do for you!
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1st Marathon Win in Miami (Ambulatory Disabled Div)
by Kevin D. Counihan
- Feb. 18, 2007 -span>
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On January 28th, 2007 I crossed the finish line at the
2007 Miami Marathon, lower legs and shoes covered in blood, in around 5:50:00. My worst marathon time ever. The blood came from standing in 6 inches of water for 15 min pre-race, as heavy rain began to flood the street. By mile 3 the water logged shoes, aided by the decision to go sockless, led to the skin being torn from back of both achilles tendons and ankles. The blood splashed freely from shoes right thru the finish line.
Twenty-three miles of dude there's like blood coming out of your shoes. I'm aware of it move on and mind your own business.
For the last 3 weeks no time was listed for me. Today I was notified I won my division. One of the Kenyans was seen at the half, pulling off his water logged shoes and doing the last 13.1 miles in bare feet.
It's a marathon, it's supposed to be hard, otherwise everyone would be doing it. Hopefully with this added pressure I can win the Mobility Impaired Division at the 2007 Boston Marathon.
I'll be running the Hyannis Marathon next weekend. 4 medals and a trophy in January 2007.
I'll give you the web link for 2007 Miami Marathon Disabilities awards.
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