Volume 33 Issue 1 – April, 2012 - The Winner`s Circle Running Club
Transcription
Volume 33 Issue 1 – April, 2012 - The Winner`s Circle Running Club
Volume 33, No. 1 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE WINNER’S CIRCLE RUNNING CLUB April, 2012 Winter-into-Spring Edition—No Whining Just Winning Bet on the Circle! You couldn’t bet that the winter of 2012 would be one of the mildest on record. You couldn’t bet the spring would be so warm and dry either. So what can you bet on? How about great races like the Hangover, April Fools and 4-3-2-1 Series? How about Circle Nation towering atop the podium at races across the northeast? You can also safely bet that The Runners Rag and its Stalker Software will continue to report the stories of our Circle members in 2012. So get them legs up and leaf through this Runners Rag. Whether you’re surging past a rival with scant meters to the finish, or the post-run beverage in your hand: stay frosty my friends… -RR In this Issue: Hangin’ at the Hangover WCRC Honey Badgers Tour de Valli 2012 Roving Wild Rovers Fools, all of you! K.West For Fire Truckloads more, git goin’! Awards/Election Night 2012 It’s Randall! Our ‘Paula 2012’ Award Winner The great Bob Randall gets a standing-O from Circle Nation, and is guided by Professor Byron Petrakis to the 2012 Paula Holm Award. Paula Holm was a 20-year member of WCRC, who gave to the club generously through competitive efforts and volunteerism, passion for the sport, and lifelong friendships. We lost Paula to cancer, but we remember her gifts every year through our annual Paula Holm Lifetime Achievement Award - given to the WCRC member who best exemplifies the ideals put forth by Paula. The nominations were proposed by you – the people of Circle Nation. The selection was made by the Paula Holm award committee. The 2012 ‘Paula’ was announced eloquently by Professor Byron Petrakis, and awarded at the WCRC annual Awards and Election Night in February—to the people’s choice: Robert ‘Bob’ Randall. Bob met the qualifications for the PHA in spades. Lets break it down by each: 1. Ongoing, active membership in the WCRC Bob has been a member and faithful servant of the WCRC since club inception. He has served on the board, been appointed to numerous positions, directed successful club races, generated more unique ideas on how to grow the club and the running community it serves. After over 30 years of service, Bob ‘retired’ from the WCRC board, but to this day is the man ’behind the curtain’, continuing to prod, suggest, dream up killer ideas, find sponsorship for races, and generate solutions for the WCRC. 2. Significant contributions to the club’s role in advocating, sponsoring, and supporting the sports of running, cross-country, and track and field. (continued…) Page 2 RUNNERS RAG (continued, Paula Holm Award) Most Improved Female 2011 Being a race director takes time, effort, patience, and smarts. Bob has been a race director for many of the WCRC races. Local school track and cross country programs—like Newburyport, Triton, and Amesbury, have all benefited from Bob’s efforts as a race director and passionate runningsalesman. Even in Bob’s ’retirement’, he directs new races up in Maine for the benefit of local schools and charities he feels strongly about. Of recent note: Bob is the race director of the Run for Our School 5K in Sanford ME, which benefits the St. Thomas school. Bob recruited help from WCRC member Lance Hoenig to coach several young elementary students in a weekly training group, to prepare to race their first 5K at the St. Thomas race. Bob is the Race Director for 3 races a year in the Sanford/ Springdale area currently, and works as an advisor and committee member for 6 other races! 3. Contributions to the club as a competitive athlete. Bob was a runner during the 80’s running boom, and from that time all the way to this day—he raced and raced hard for the Circle, for all distances from the 1 mile to the marathon. Bob’s award total is countless; just in 2011 alone he either won or was near the top of the M70-79 age group, in all the races he competed. Bob’s PR for the marathon was a sub-3 in the Marine Corps Marathon (2:58:01) - a dream time-goal barrier most marathoners today. Bob continues to compete for the club today—wearing the blue and gold. Congratulations and thank you Bob!! Holly Sullivan You, the people of Circle Nation, were definitely impressed by Holly Sullivan’s faster racing from 2010 to 2011. In the 5K, you noticed her speed-up from 29:12 to 26:47. In the 10K, you were impressed by her time improvement from 1:01:41 to 57:14. You were psyched for Holly’s half marathon improvement, from 2:12:25 to 1:59:06. And you were absolutely stoked for her first crack at the marathon distance, racing Hartford in 4:41:53. Congrats Holly—the people of Circle Nation salute you! Most Improved Male 2011 Matt Valli Your pick for the 2011 WCRC Men’s Most Improved Award is Matt Valli, who crashed onto the WCRC scene late spring 2011. Matt is new to the sport of running, so he had NO comparative data from 2010. Still, you notice that Matt has ’the gift’: he ran to the front with the big-boys at every race, several top-5 finishes including an outright victory at the TIP 5K on November 6, 2011. Matt found his new sport, his club and his people- and embraced it. Congrats Matt—here’s to another healthy & successful year! WCRC Volunteer of the Year 2011 Lisa Rohr The incredible Lisa Rohr is your Volunteer of the Year 2011. Lisa gave mightily not only to her club, but to the sport of running in 2011. Lisa took over the responsibility of timing our races seamlessly. Lisa’s engineering mind solved the problems that occur during timing, and fixed all issues –sending runners home happy. Lisa also trained other WCRC members on timing, building an army of knowledgeable volunteers. Lisa purchased her own timing equipment; not only to be as familiar with it as possible, but to time her own races—she is a race director of at least 2 races, and is dreaming up another! Lisa became our WCRC Facebook site admin and blasted posts to that instance. Lisa is also a competitive runner for WCRC: racing, organizing weekend group runs, sponsoring an annual run around Bow Lake, even a pacer for Loco Sports races. Together with husband Gary, they form a running ‘Dream Team’: both competitive athletes and brick-layers for the running community. Congratulations—and thank you Lisa!! Above: Circle Nation rains high-praise as Lisa is given the VOTY award. Right: Lisa doing what she loves at the Mt. Washington road race (at ~5000 feet). RUNNERS RAG Page 3 WCRC Schedule of Events CLUB RUNS Thursdays 5:30 PM, from the Winners Circle Sports Bar, Salisbury MA. Road or trail runs. All are welcome! MONTHLY MEETINGS: 2nd Thursday each month. 6:30, upstairs at The Circle. EXETER Weekend RUNS: 8:00 AM (Saturday or Sunday—Contact Vicki Miller to get on the email distribution list) at Synergy Fitness Center (at Exeter Hospital). Well attended, variety of distances and paces. PORTSMOUTH 6:00 PM Mondays Red Hook Brewery, Portsmouth, NH. Variety of loops and speeds, from quick to recovery jog. Social afterward. This run is ‘club neutral’ - all are welcome! Upcoming Races—Local & Regional, 2012. Apr 21 May 12 May 19 Whale of a Tail Trail Run, Rye NH Hampton Falls Blossom 5K, Hampton Falls NH WCRC Evelyn’s Run for the Roses 5K, Salisbury MA Winner’s Circle Supported Events Winner’s Circle Grand Prix event WCRC Clothing Sale - contact Dave LaBrode Supplex running shorts all sizes - $15 Running singlets Royal Blue Cool Max, all sizes -$15 Warm-up pants, limited sizes -$30 9 oz Crewneck Sweat Shirts WCRC Royal Blue -$15 Short sleeve Royal Blue WCRC T-shirts -$6 Long sleeve White WCRC T-shirts -$9 Coolmax HATS - $12 WCRC Warm-up/running jacket - $45 Royal Blue WCRC “Sport Bra” - $19 White WCRC Cool Max running singlets - $20 Duffel Bags with Club Logo NEW! —FLEECE JACKETS AND SOCKS W/ CLUB LOGO WELCOME! NEW MEMBERS LISA MARIE SONIA - SEATTLE, WA LYNN MCNAMARA - TOPSFIELD, MA STEPHEN SMITH - STRAFFORD, NH GINGER IOLA - WEST NEWBURY, MA MARY WILCOX SMITH - STRAFFORD, NH STEVE IOLA - WEST NEWBURY, MA MICHAEL SMITH - BEVERLY, MA JACK SAVAGE - MIDDLETON, NH RISA SCHULMAN - NEWBURYPORT, MA JULIE BENSON - EXETER, NH PRESTON CAREY - NEWBURYPORT, MA DAWN MATTSON - HAMPTON, NH AMANDA DEBLAUW - NEWMARKET NH DON CLARKE - EAST KINGSTON, NH BRETT JOHNSON - NEWMARKET, NH CAROL LEGERE - SPRINGVALE, ME JUDY KEATOR - NEWTON, NH JON WILKINSON - PORTSMOUTH, NH JOHN ELKALIOUBY - HAMPSTEAD, NH ELLIE TUCKER - N. YARMOUTH, ME MARISSA LAFLAMME - NEWBURYPORT, MA THOMAS PORE - OLD ORCHARD BCH, ME DEBORAH HARVEY - BERWICK, ME Find us on Facebook… “Winners Circle Running Club” Like us & get updates! Dislike us and… we’ll send you flattering text messages 2011 Board of Directors with Email Addresses President - Dale [email protected] Vice President - Vicki [email protected] (603) 868-7203 Treasurer - Tom Chase [email protected] Secretary - Tanya Anderson — [email protected] Female Team Coordinator– Laurie Gaudreau [email protected] Male Team Coordinator– John Webber [email protected] Overall-Race Coordinator/Mailing Czar– Dave Carroll - [email protected] New Members - Scott Walsh [email protected] Uniform and Equipment Coordinator Dave LaBrode- [email protected] (978)-373-3408 Grand Prix Race Director – Brett Nelson [email protected] Special Events Director - Jimmy Banyas [email protected] Positions Appointed by the Board: Web Master/E-Publicity - Tom Miller [email protected] (603) 868-7203 Youth and Track Coordinator - Mike [email protected] (978) 462-0117 The Runner’s Rag Editor/Publisher: Nick Paquette E-mail: [email protected] Please note: Mailed contributions / announcements / etc. for publication in The Rag should be sent to: Publisher, Runners Rag, , 291 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth NH 03801 Or use E-Mail address above. Visit the WCRC Website: www.runthecircle.com High Street Mile site: www.highstreetmile.com Member: Road Runners Club of America Page 4 RUNNERS RAG 31st Annual Hangover Classic Hangover `12: Sun, Surf and Suds! Carousel Lounge, Salisbury MA January 1st 2012 By Dennis Donoghue The 2012 edition of the WCRC Hangover Classic was fast, flat and free of sand dunes. Competitors (5 and 10K-ers alike) started as one and entered the finish chute from the same direction, in the process banishing any lingering memories of last year’s follies. For new race director Timmy Poole, who strode around like a carnival barker and did everything from firing the starter’s pistol to stacking cases of water, the potential problems he’d lost sleep over never materialized, due in large part to the usual brigade of hustling WCRC veteran volunteers. Entries topped out at close to the 1,000 limit, proof that hoofing it along historic Salisbury Beach, followed by a plunge into the surf, cold beers and live music still remains a steadfast New Year’s tradition. “This race would never have happened without the effort of Shiver Me Timbers: WCRC volunteers Kate Wheeler volunteers,” noted Poole, “especially Tom and Vicki Miller, and Paula Nelson hand out awards to chilly plungers Jimmy Banyas, and Nick Paquette. They even handled after their dip in the mighty Atlantic. registration and secured the glasses and water two weeks before the race. There is no task on earth or beyond our people can’t handle. If we took over the space program we’d have someone on Mars in a week.” The weather at gun time was balmy and calm. Many competed in shirtsleeves and shorts. All three water stops (one for the 5K, 2 for the 10K) were busy places. Fortunately Poole had configured them to minimize congestion. The course, essentially an out-andback, offered competitors ample chance to hydrate as well as to shout encouragement to fellow sufferers. This was the day to run fast, to begin the New Year buoyed by possibility while afterwards hoisting a cup or two of cheer along with others who love the sport. Both races were awash in blue and gold. Twenty-two Circlers fought their way into the top six in their respective age groups, and those finishing in the top forty in either race were awarded Popsicle sticks redeemable for nifty 16 ounce beer glasses etched with an illustration of Hangover Man. Some Circlers like Emily Block (second overall female in 38:35), Laurie Gaudreau (first master in 40:30), and Kelly Bradbury (first female in 5K) came away with fistfuls of cash . Others who nabbed firsts in their age groups were Beth Dollas (30-39, 41:11), Steve Reed (60-69, 19:56) and Bob Randall (70-79, 26:21). If Triton Regional High School junior Maureen Moore’s intrepid performance (three glasses for age group, 5K top forty and ocean plunge) is any indication of the fitness and ferocity of Circle youth, the club had better buy stock in a glassware factory. “I just love to run and with the ocean right there I thought, ‘Why not?’,” Moore said as she downplayed her effort. “Afterwards they kept handing me glasses. Had I known better I would have brought some newspaper to wrap them up.” Immediately post race, a mob charged toward the surf, lead by 74 year old Bob Randall dressed in a sealskin suit left over from his days with Admiral Peary’s Arctic Expedition. For his first ever Hangover dip, Randall was taking no chances. But why had he waited so long? “I have a very good reason,” Randall said. “I just can’t remember what it is.” Glassware Trifecta: WCRCer Maureen ’Mo’ Moore scored a top-40 female finish, age group award, and plunge mug. Here you see her sealing the deal on #3. Rick Bayko, recovering from December knee surgery, needed to loosen the joint which had stiffened during his stint as one of the course marshals. (continued) RUNNERS RAG “My doctor instructed me to swim in the North Atlantic daily to reduce any swelling,” Bayko said as he stripped down to his Speedo. “I’m into my third week now.” The celebration continued at the Carousel Lounge long into the afternoon. For Poole, the event had turned out better than he’d hoped, though he would later discover, among the many laudatory emails, a few complaining about the visibility of mile markers along the course. One correspondent even insisted that the water tower near the finish appeared to be moving away from him. He’d been using it to gauge the distance remaining in the 10K as he struggled toward the finish. The course, as a result, seemed to be getting longer. Poole, perplexed, reacted diplomatically: “We all know runners aren’t playing with a full deck,” he acknowledged. “But some decks have less cards in them than others.” -DD Page 5 WCRC Hangover 2012 5K Runners WCRC Hangover 2012 10K Runners 22 23 29 37 43 45 68 71 74 101 104 113 140 164 181 190 201 207 256 278 285 286 294 299 347 350 374 385 464 474 476 477 21 28 33 34 36 39 49 51 53 61 66 72 81 85 86 89 94 96 101 105 111 112 120 121 122 123 124 139 150 154 155 156 160 178 180 184 191 192 203 204 205 211 226 234 235 251 259 266 275 279 281 287 297 299 311 313 317 324 340 366 384 393 398 400 403 RICK COLLOPY BOB STROUT KELLY BRADBURY STEVE REED BRUCE PHILLIPS JOHN FISH ABBY JACKSON DAMIAN ROWE MAUREEN MOORE JOE RAMA VALIANTI LEAH HILL KYLE ASMUSSEN JOHN ELKALIOUBY DEBRA JOHNSON LISA JEWETT SHARON YU NICHOLAS THURLOW DAVE JOHNS KATHY CASPERSON JENNIFER FITT DEB LITTLEFIELD ELIZABETH HICKMAN GINGER IOLA JEFF BURGESS LAURIE CYR DAWN MATTSON ALLYN GENEST CAT CARGILL SANDRA DUVALL AYANNA SHORT WENDY PHILLIPS STEPHEN LYNCH 18:57.97 19:04.78 19:26.09 19:55.21 20:25.20 20:36.83 21:56.06 22:11.88 22:16.65 23:05.40 23:12.57 23:22.23 24:17.13 24:55.81 25:16.35 25:38.03 26:04.63 26:10.44 27:16.93 27:50.05 28:00.65 28:02.18 28:19.22 28:31.73 29:47.99 29:50.72 30:35.71 31:05.01 35:15.69 36:15.88 36:27.49 36:44.31 6:08 6:10 6:17 6:26 6:37 6:40 7:20 7:13 7:19 7:33 7:45 7:35 7:55 8:05 8:11 8:18 8:42 8:29 8:52 9:19 9:19 9:07 9:18 9:26 9:51 9:54 10:19 10:16 11:46 12:00 11:53 12:00 Hangover Hero: Pro-triathlete and Exeter NH native Heather Jackson won the women’s division of the Hangover 10K. She appeared on the cover of Lava Magazine in April 2012 (Lava covers Ironman events) Above: the well-travelled New Year’s day trail to the beach, direct from The Carousel Lounge in Salisbury. To the left: The Hangover Classic was a headliner in the Newburyport News with their article ‘A Perfect Day to Run’. JOHN GOODWIN EMILY BLOCK DON HENNIGAR PETER HESLAM BRUCE LANDER JOHN WEBBER BRIAN DENGER LAURIE GAUDREAU STUART OLSEN STEVEN POWERS MIKE LEONARD RICK WALSH RICHARD COLLINS JON WILKINSON TONY MYATT JEAN-CHRIS BERTRAND GREG HOCHMUTH LYNN MCNAMARA TIM HAMLEN THOMAS CHASE PAUL BOUCHARD STEPHEN SMITH PRESTON CAREY ERIN HAMLEN DALE BOB ECKERT RICK REYNOLDS KYLE WOOD MICHAEL LEONARD ANNMARIE MCCORMICK BRIAN RODERICK AMANDA MCCAUGHEY JIM BAILEY CHRIS FITT JEFFREY CROTHERS PATRICIA CROTHERS TODD DELUCA MARK WEIDMAN PAUL DESROCHE GREGG PEARSALL BOB KENNEDY LAURIE GAGNON SINTHY KOUNLASA DAVE LABRODE MARY JANE RYAN JOE KENNEDY RENEE BLAISDELL ANN KUCHARSKI JAY SHORT KEITH KALLBERG ALBERT MANZI DOUG ZECHEL STEPHANIE SUPRIN DEB MERRILL JIM BERGER JACCI HUSSEY SANDY GORDON BRIAN STEWART HOLLY SULLIVAN MICHAEL MENESALE GAIL CLARK PAMELA HOUCK GREGORY GAUDREAU DALE GRANGER-ECKERT CINDIE COLLINS SHARON GORDON 37:22.61 38:32.30 39:14.39 39:18.92 39:27.74 39:33.83 40:26.28 40:29.89 40:44.47 41:23.47 41:38.39 42:00.65 42:38.49 42:46.45 42:54.43 42:57.62 43:08.60 43:22.70 43:40.91 43:46.66 43:57.92 43:58.60 44:25.44 44:25.80 44:29.36 44:31.78 44:40.37 45:43.01 46:11.18 46:15.43 46:15.53 46:24.53 46:36.41 47:16.49 47:16.84 47:26.68 47:37.68 47:39.05 48:09.52 48:11.89 48:13.23 48:26.36 49:03.23 49:27.91 49:35.68 50:44.38 51:03.03 51:23.18 52:01.92 52:10.31 52:11.36 52:16.47 52:41.10 52:54.61 53:50.51 53:59.66 54:13.80 54:46.85 56:09.51 59:38.45 1:02:31.43 1:03:55.79 1:04:12.94 1:04:26.49 1:04:43.37 6:02 6:14 6:21 6:21 6:23 6:24 6:32 6:33 6:35 6:41 6:44 6:48 6:54 6:55 6:56 7:00 7:03 7:01 7:04 7:05 7:06 7:08 7:11 7:11 7:12 7:12 7:14 7:25 7:29 7:30 7:30 7:32 7:39 7:40 7:40 7:41 7:45 7:44 7:54 7:47 7:48 7:52 7:56 8:00 8:05 8:16 8:15 8:22 8:27 8:31 8:33 8:29 8:31 8:39 8:49 8:45 8:53 8:58 9:12 9:42 10:13 10:27 10:25 10:30 10:33 Page 6 RUNNERS RAG WCRC versus the Florida Keys How the Key West Was Won Circle Nation Domination at Key West Half Marathon! 41 Paul Bouchard 45 Tom Chase 139 Vicki Miller 153 Kristen Bouchard 564 Sharon Chase 1:39:40 1:40:54 1:53:26 1:54:58 2:31:55 (7:36) (7:42) (8:39) (8:46) (11:35) On January 20, 2012, five members of the WCRC stealthily packed up singlets, shorts and flip flops, and boarded a jet bound for Key West FL. Unbeknownst to TSA, their carry-on bags contained their ‘weapons of choice’: racing flats. Just what was this mission? To toe the line at the Key West Half Marathon, take home hardware, and spend some quality time on some famous street named ‘Duval’. The results of this mission: accomplished. Your Circle men attacked the M50-54 age Post-race hyjinx: posing in order Our gang in happier times (AKA pre-2012 group like CIA-trained ninjas, with Paul of finish and age group placement Super Bowl playoff games) Bouchard taking 1st in 1:39:40 (7:36), followed closely by 2nd place Tom Chase, in 1:40:54 (7:42). Just the race officials thought things had calmed down, suddenly high-powered Circle women came into view: ex-WCRC president Vicki Miller took 1st in the F55-59 age group, in 1:53:26 (8:39). Then another ex-WCRC president—Kristen Bouchard—crossed in 1:54:58 (8:46), a solid 8th in her F40-44 age group. Batting cleanup was the spirited Sharon Chase, finishing in 2:31:55 (11:35) - the icing on our WCRC Victory cake. As our squad ran down the streets of Old Town Key West, they got to enjoy all sights of the island, including classic bungalows and guest mansions, Mallory Square, the Truman Annex, Fort Zachary Taylor, and of course: Duval Street. Our team got cozy at several ‘watering holes’ while on Duval—basking in warm sun and the feeling of victory. -RR WCRC Gets Press Dept. Bayko to Go on 26.2 Mile Row The April 12, 2012 edition of Newburyport News reported that WCRC’s Rick Bayko – legendary runner of NBPT, is rowing 26.2 miles at his Yankee Runner shop in Newburyport on Boston Marathon Monday, starting at 9AM. Recent knee surgery has kept Rick off the roads, so he’s made lemonade on his indoor rower. Rick is rowing for WCRC Prez Dale and Dale Ann Eckert’s charity, the Alzheimer's Association. Go Polish Rifle! Did you know? Rick Bayko finished 3rd at the 2008 Sprint World Indoor Rowing Championships. Behold The Behan: Coach of the Year WCRC member and fast-guy Mark Behan is the coach of Girls Indoor Track for Timberlane high school in Plaistow NH. Mark was recently honored by Merrimack Valley newspaper Eagle-Tribune as ‘Coach of the Year’. Mark’s Girls Indoor Track team tied for 3 rd in the Massachusetts Division 1 States championship, their highest finish in 15 years. When interviewed, Mark was naturally very modest, deflecting praise of him toward the talent of his charges. Congrats Mark! RUNNERS RAG Page 7 WCRC Gets Press Dept. (continued) Circle North Report Meet ‘Mr. 30 Bostons’ The Newburyport News gave more great press to the WCRC, as our own Coach Mike McCormick gets ready to race his 30th Boston marathon. Discussing the winter weekend training runs, his best time at Boston (2:46) and what he’ll do facing the high heat predicted in 2012. Coach Mike in 2007 file photo flanked by his 2 daughters Hannah and Megan. Our spies north of the boarder report that the WCRC faction ‘Circle North’ recently held their ‘Tuesday Night Runner’ faction (faction within a faction) elections/awards. Up for grabs: the Most Improved 2011 awards. Our special spy correspondent found out that this year, it went to deserving runners Doug Beaulieu and Michelle Sherman! Congrats Doug and Michelle—and see y’all at the races! Hammerin’ at the Hamptons! Hampton Beach, NH, February 19, 2012 WCRC took to the mean (not really) streets of Hampton to race the annual Loco Sports ’Half at the Hamptons’! Once again, a great race to break the winter up, get people out, finish a 13.1 mile race, and enjoy ice cold refreshing Smuttynose ale. Meanwhile, WCRC did more than that—they stood tall on the podium and took home enough hardware to make Home Depot nervous. Polly Kenniston, (2:14:31) took 1st the Stalker Detects 57 WCRCers at H@TH 2012 F70-79 age group! Circle Men in the 7079 age bracket also stepped up: Byron 18 TIMOTHY ROACHE 1:24:03.3 6:24 Petrakis (1:54:07) took 1st, and Philip 50 LANCE HOENIG 1:30:13.2 6:52 1:32:56.0 7:04 Pierce (1:57:43) took 2nd! Newly minted 68 STEVEN POWERS 90 LAURIE GAUDREAU 1:34:23.2 7:11 60-something Janet Parkinson (1:56:21) 93 KAREN FOGG 1:34:25.0 7:11 topped all comers in the F60-69 age group, 94 JAMES MACPHEE 1:34:25.4 7:11 109 DONALD DWIGHT 1:35:54.7 7:18 and Ironman Kona-guy Steve Smith took 115 MATTHEW CIRINNA 1:36:24.5 7:20 2nd on the M60-69 side, in 1:37:20. Kitty 123 STEPHEN SMITH 1:37:19.6 7:24 Fair (1:42:39) and Michelle Grenier 134 RICK WALSH 1:37:53.4 7:27 1:39:22.3 7:34 (1:43:16) were tough as nails, and took the 157 THOMAS CHASE 1:39:39.1 7:35 2nd and 3rd place spots in the F50-59 time 163 PRESTON CAREY 184 BRAD MEZQUITA 1:40:46.2 7:40 zone. In the F40-49 dept., Circle North 194 TOM MILLER 1:41:24.2 7:43 212 KITTY FAIR 1:42:38.9 7:48 chicks Laurie Gaudreau (1:34:24) and 1:43:15.6 7:51 Karen Fogg (1:34:25) fought to the line to 230 MICHELLE GRENIER 236 DALE BOB ECKERT 1:43:33.2 7:53 take 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Circle 244 NICHOLAS THURLOW 1:43:56.5 7:54 North men can be proud of Greg 248 LISA ROHR LOCO PACER 1:43:59.7 7:55 252 PAUL COMEAU 1:44:23.2 7:56 Cremer’s 1:30:14 to take 3rd in the 280 PHYLLIS FOGARTY 1:45:42.7 8:02 M40-49 zip code. 337 PATRICIA CROTHERS 1:47:50.2 8:12 Of note: Our fastest WCRCer was Tim 350 PATRICIA LAVOIE 1:48:25.9 8:15 1:50:12.2 8:23 Roache (1:24:03), and one known personal 389 MICHAEL SMITH 393 ALICE MCGONIGLE 1:50:16.5 8:23 best was ex-Run for the Roses RD Carol Comeau, with an 1:59:55! Congrats to all! -RR 417 JULIE BENSON 418 CLIFF CHASE LOCO PAC 437 KYLE ASMUSSEN 456 CAROLYN LAYZER 484 BYRON PETRAKIS 493 BRIAN AMERO 549 JANET PARKINSON 579 NANCY WHITE 586 KIMBERLY DWIGHT 595 PHILIP PIERCE 612 TIMMY POOLE LOCO PAC 619 JAMES BAILEY 641 KATHLEEN MCWILLIAMS 664 CAROL COMEAU 710 JAY SHORT 755 STEPHANIE SUPRIN 767 JIM BERGER 768 KATE WHEELER LOCO PA 793 DOUG ZECHEL 813 KEITH KALLBERG 843 COURTNEY MARSHALL 902 KATE FARREN 962 POLLY KENNISTON 973 DIANE CASSELBERRY 990 GAIL CLARK 1034 PHILLIP HUNT 1084 DALE GRANGER-ECKERT 1165 SHARON CHASE 1175 VICKI MILLER 1317 BETTY FISK 1:51:13.3 8:28 1:51:20.0 8:28 1:52:18.2 8:33 1:53:05.2 8:36 1:54:07.0 8:41 1:54:25.5 8:42 1:56:20.3 8:51 1:57:16.6 8:55 1:57:27.3 8:56 1:57:42.5 8:57 1:58:05.2 8:59 1:58:15.2 9:00 1:58:59.5 9:03 1:59:55.1 9:07 2:01:37.6 9:15 2:03:16.2 9:23 2:03:59.5 9:26 2:04:02.3 9:26 2:05:09.9 9:31 2:06:17.3 9:36 2:07:46.4 9:43 2:11:12.0 9:59 2:14:30.3 10:14 2:15:18.7 10:17 2:16:24.3 10:22 2:19:22.5 10:36 2:22:21.0 10:50 2:29:19.2 11:21 2:30:16.8 11:26 3:17:59.2 15:03 Page 8 RUNNERS RAG Santa’s Toy Trot Sunday December 11, 2011 by Dennis Donoghue The weather for the 2011 Toy Trot, held at the Sweetsir School in Merrimac, was cold, clear, and ideal for running. The kids’ race started prematurely when the youngsters caught sight of a frightening-looking Santa milling about the start. They bolted in terror but were later rounded up and herded into the chute, where a grateful Santa knelt on one knee and handed out candy canes, promising he’d make it up to them on Christmas Eve. As the kids were led away, the adults gathered in anticipation of the gun, a sympathetic nod or two directed Santa’s way. The point of the event—besides racing—was to collect toys and money for kids who go without. On the stage of the school, beneath the Circle banner, toys for all ages were stacked in tottering towers. Entrants either paid a fee or provided a new toy, ensuring many smiling faces on that special morning three weeks away. Santa knows to get out of the way: Santa Petrakis gets the Kids Race started– just one of four events at the WCRC Santa’s Toy Trot. Of all Circle-sponsored races, the Toy Trot is the only one that caters to specialists of all distances. Run two, four, or six miles. Decide which when you’re steps from the finish. Veer into the chute if you’ve had enough or keep going and discover how you’re moved up place-wise without even trying. Afterwards help yourself to a cup of cocoa from bubbling cauldron perched atop a propane burner while Circle volunteers in elf hats dash to and fro under the watchful eye of race director Jimmy Banyas. In each of the three races, club members filled the ranks of top finishers. In the two mile Matt Valli took the pack out at an alarming pace, gunning for a PB. By the mile marker, he’d stretched his lead considerably and entered the chute in 11:14. “I’m a student at NECCO and I made the basketball team as a walk-on,” announced the talented athlete. “Someday I’d like to set a world record by running a marathon while spinning a basketball on my finger.” Other Circle age group winners over the two mile segment were Matthew Cirinna (43, 12:39), Sandra Gordon (45, 17:38), and Robert Randall (74, 16:55). Gordon, who resides in neighboring Amesbury, had planned to cover all six miles but the aroma of hot cocoa pulled her off the course. “Once I caught a whiff,” she confessed, “there was no way I could pass that steaming pot two more times. I have a problem with chocolate.” The four mile featured overall winner Rick Walsh (53, 26:26) and age group ace Dale Bob Eckert (55, 30:11). Eckert, famous for doing the push-ups at the finish line of Boston Marathon, began cranking them out as soon as he’d exited the chute. Since he’d only gone four miles instead of 26, he compensated by doing push-ups non-stop until after the event had ended and everyone else had gone home. When police could not get him to cease and desist and leave the premises, he was arrested for trespassing. “What the hell kind of a country is it when a guy can’t do a few push-ups on public property?” decried Eckert as he was led away. Amanda McCaughey, (27, 46:02), Dennis Donoghue, (56, 38:41) and John Parker, (80, 1:14:49) all nabbed WCRCer Stephanie Sheridan’s daughter Samantha volunteered as the firsts in their respective age groups over the six mile distance. Parker, of Hampton Falls, lamented the lack of Pied Piper, leading the way at Kids Race at Santa’s Toy Trot! elevation over the layout. “I came here expecting a challenge,” groused the octogenarian. “Nowadays everything’s too easy. Young folks are as soft as putty. When I was in my prime every one of my workouts and races was uphill-- both ways.” McCaughey, conversely, found the flat terrain more than adequate. “I haven’t done a lick of Christmas shopping,” she admitted as she picked up her medal and made for the door. “I only wish I had an extra second to spare running up and down hills. How do I get to the North Shore Mall from here?” For all competitors, it was a busy time of year. By squeezing in a couple of hours to run Santa’s Toy Trot, they notched a final race on their 2011 calendar, a last chance to sharpen legs and lungs before the racing downtime of the holidays. The fun, low key affair was family-friendly and provided all who took part a greater sense of the meaning of the season. - DD RUNNERS RAG Page 9 The Great Stew Chase February 5, 2012 by Dennis Donoghue The Great Stew Chase is a race your grandfather might have run (Granny too, though in the 70’s few women were doing this sort of thing). As the third oldest 15K in the country, it still retains some old time frills, like cheap entry fees ($14) and indoor bathrooms. Post race, runners hunker down at long tables in the steamy Lynn K of C Hall, refueling on hot coffee and beef stew (now there’s a veggie option) while trading stories about a course as tough as any. Age group awards go two deep in five year categories with merchandise prizes. This year’s winners walked away with sharp alarm clocks encased in clear plastic stands. The course took the 272 finishers through the cities of Lynn and Peabody and featured a life-sapping, nose bleeding climb of The Hill, famous in local lore. At the summit you retrace your steps back to the finish. There were other hills, too, and you get the idea that whoever designed the route detested pancake layouts. Nonetheless it’s a course easy to love, which is why a good number of hardy souls return each year. A quartet of intrepid tribe members journeyed south to No Stewin’ Around : Dennis ‘Double D’ Donoghue and provide splashes of blue among the reds of the Greater Boston ‘Pistol’ Pete Heslam earn steaming bowls of goodness. and Wicked Running Clubs. As a training tool for Amherst, Hyannis, New Bedford or Boston, this race was tough to top. With conditions sunny, cold, breezy and ice-free, weather wasn’t much of a factor. Peter Heslam (37th over, 7th in age group, 1:04:55), eyeing the Hyannis Marathon later in the month, noticed that his Garmin indicated the course was 9.47 miles instead of the official 9.3. “Not only did I run faster than I thought,” he said. “But I got to add .17 to my log. I calculate my weekly mileage out to the hundredths place. This really helps. I’m thrilled.” Newly matriculated member Kristen Pepp (191st overall, 48/71, 1:27:30) sought out the Stew Chase after having grown tired of namby-pamby 5K and 10Ks that seem to abound these days. At the summit of The Hill, she had her first out-of-body experience. “I died and came back to life,” she explained later as she broke for the stew line. “Honestly, I thought I was done for. But apparently it just wasn’t my time. I saw the bright light they talk about and learned the true meaning of life—to go out there and put up more miles.” Brett Rickenbach finished 80th over, 7th in his age group in 1:04:55. As someone who also specializes in triathlons, he was grateful he didn’t have to pedal up The Hill. “I would have snapped a chain,” he observed. “I’d much rather take it out on myself than a $15,000 bike. I own a half dozen of them. They’re my babies. Each one has his or her name stenciled on the crossbar.” Overall, it was a productive day for those who partook in the timehonored tradition of the Great Stew Chase. Circle members contributed to the race’s storied history and in return came away a might bit stronger and faster for their efforts. -DD Stalker found WCRC at the Great Stew Chase: 22 37 80 191 Dennis Donoghue Peter Heslam Brett Rickenbach Kristin Pepp 1:01:33 1:04:55 1:13:06 1:27:20 6:37* 6:59 7:53 9:25 *Double D took top honors in the 55-59 age group Page 10 RUNNERS RAG Road to the Ironrunner Jacket th 38 Jones Group Realtors 10 Miler Sunday February 26, 2012 By Dennis Donoghue USATF New England Grand Prix Race #1 Early on a Sunday morning in late February, two unmarked vans headed west, one packed with women, the other men. Were they off to some tent revival, a survivalist training seminar, a venomous reptile auction? None of the above--but something requiring even more stamina and guile. Their mission, as it turned out, had been imprinted on their brains by WCRC team coordinators Laurie Gaudreau and John Webber: to fight like honey badgers in the USATF Grand Prix’s first road race of the 2012 season and live to tell about it. The lollipop ten miler through the cow town of Amherst was listed as ‘challenging’. It rambled over hill and dale, pavement and dirt, a beauty of a course you were lucky to survive. Despite the cold and wind, the Circle brothers and sisters thrived like, well, honey badgers, leaving no doubt in the minds of New England clubs that they are as vicious and cutthroat as any predators in the region. How about our first ever age group champion in Ellie Tucker? With pluck and attitude, she fought her way through the 50-59 age group, placing herself at the top of the leader board heading into March 18’s New Bedford Half Marathon, the series’ next road show. While Tucker’s feat was remarkable, given the talent pool, she was only happy to share her secret. “I’m a country gal at heart,” downplayed Tucker. “Once I smell cow manure, forget it. It’s like jet fuel in my system. I’m unstoppable.” The rest of the gals, fortified by country air and pastoral surroundings, muscled their way to strong finishes also. Anne Kucharski, 60, sixth in her age group, credited her success to the relaxation techniques the women practiced on the trip out. “We took turns guessing what the guys were talking about in their van,” she admitted. “We were howling. But then when we passed them along Route 2 it turned out only one guy was talking. The rest appeared to be asleep, including the driver.” For Sue Talon, who’d never travelled as far as the banks of the Connecticut River, running through the hamlet of Amherst offered a few surprises. “They have water stops here just like at home,” she observed. “They even have Gatorade, which I thought until today was an East Coast thing.” Ellie Tucker, USATF-NE Senior Women’s Champ at Amherst, hoists her award. Photo credits: Brett Nelson Louise Valois was one competitor who used the gusty conditions to her advantage. “Some people are hill runners,” she said. “I’m a wind runner. I studied aerodynamics at MIT. My favorite song is Run Like the Wind. I met Christopher Cross in an airport once. He was standing at the baggage claim waiting for his piano.” Then there was Emily Block, who covered the terrain in a quick 1:08:39. “It was so bright and clear,” she said. “You could see for miles, which isn’t necessarily a good thing for a runner. Anyway, my nickname is Sun. Whenever that big ball is shining I know it’s my day.” Team Coordinator Laurie Gaudreau looked at her squad’s overall results and came away impressed—and, well, a bit frightened. “To anyone, they’re as quirky and loveable as honey badgers,” she said. “But don’t for a second turn your back on any of them. You’ll regret it.” As for the men, who eventually found their way to Amherst, how about a third place finish by the seniors as well as a strong showing by the younger men whose primary job was to assist those seniors to the starting line? The first Circle male to find the chute was Mike Lacombe. Before the start, Lacombe, a stickler for detail, dug a postage scale out of his gym bag and (continued next page) The Honey Badgers: the nickname bestowed on the WCRC USATF Women’s Team. Why? Because our gals are notoriously fearless, tireless in combat, and they just don’t care. Oh, and they also beat the men to the venue, garnered more points, and arrived first to the post-race beer. RUNNERS RAG Page 11 Your WCRC USATF-NE Grand Prix teams at the first race of the series (left to right): Mike LaCombe, Rick Walsh, Sue Talon, Ellie Tucker, Dave ‘Kelso’ Kelly, Annie Kucharski, John Webber, Louise Valois, Emily Block, Laurie Gaudreau, Brett Nelson, Matt Thomas, Nick Paquette, and Dennis Donoghue. proceeded to weigh two pair of racing flats. He decided to go with the slip-ons. “I know a quarter of an ounce might not seem like much to most people,” he admitted, “but if you do the math—the weight difference times two feet times the number of steps over ten miles, you can plainly see that wearing the heavier shoes is akin to carrying a bowling ball.” Lacombe’s senior teammate David Kelly had an issue simply staying on his feet. Kelly, who trains exclusively on treadmills, stumbled after the start due to the absence of a conveyor belt beneath him. “I’m not used to the ground staying still,” he acknowledged. “It’s an odd sensation. In fact, I reached out for a handrail and grabbed somebody’s forearm.” Nick Paquette, experiencing his first New England Grand Prix event, planned to frame both his bib number and race tee shirt. “Now I know what all the fuss is about,” he exclaimed. “I took a big chance climbing into that van this morning. This race makes it all worthwhile.” Portsmouth firefighter Brett Nelson put in a shift on the eve of the race and was managing on just three hours sleep. At the eight mile mark, halfway up another hill, his mind began playing tricks on him. “I saw my air tank standing on the side of the road,” he recalled. “It had arms, legs, a face. It called to me in a female voice. I staggered over only to find a vendor blowing up balloons for kids.” Rick Walsh, competing on a gimpy knee, still managed to gallop over the course quick enough to help clinch the seniors’ high finish. His effort brought tears to the eyes of Captain John Webber. “You’d think a guy with a shredded meniscus would find something else to do with his Sunday mornings,” said an emotional Webber. “But that’s Walshie. That’s how we ended up third in our division. His mindset is indicative of every member of this squad. There’s not an ounce of common sense among them but somehow they get the job done.” - DD WCRC Members At Jones 10 Miler * indicates competing for another club 60 62 167 183 184 203 210 229 240 250 268 294 296 357 469 472 476 479 512 524 GREGORY PUTNAM DAVE DUNHAM MICHAEL E. LACOMBE DENNIS DONOGHUE MATT THOMAS JOHN WEBBER EMILY BLOCK DAVID KELLY LAURIE GAUDREAU ELLIE TUCKER NICK PAQUETTE STEPHEN PECKICONIS SARAH PRESCOTT RICK WALSH SUSAN TALON BRETT NELSON LOUISE VALOIS ANN KUCHARSKI COURTNEY MARSHALL JOHN BUTLER 57:11 57:15 1:06:22 1:07:35 1:07:38 1:08:29 1:08:39 1:10:00 1:10:44 1:11:18 1:12:43 1:13:56 1:14:06 1:18:11 1:28:19 1:28:50 1:29:08 1:29:41 1:33:53 1:35:16 5:44 5:44 6:39 6:46 6:46 6:51 6:52 7:00 7:05 7:08 7:17 7:24 7:25 7:50 8:50 8:53 8:55 8:58 9:24 9:32 * * * * * * Page 12 RUNNERS RAG Hy-Times in Hyannis! Hyannis Marathon/Half Marathon Sunday February 26, 2012 The Hyannis Marathon and Half Marathon is an annual barometer of pre-Boston fitness, winter training test, or escape-and - run weekend. It was all 3 for our twenty WCRCers who opted to stay at the host hotel the night before and enjoy an evening of revelry (and maybe even meet a legend or two). In 2012, Olympic marathon gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson was the main attraction. The WCRC gang always carbo-loads over at ‘The Roadhouse’ restaurant, hoisting a few before retiring to the host hotel for a WCRC meets Joanie at the Hyannis Expo. From back left: Curt Lintvedt, Lisa Peters, Tom Miller. Seated: Joan Samuelson, Vicki solid 40 winks. With a convenient 10AM start for both races, even a crappy night’s Miller (photo credit: Vicki Miller) sleep is pretty good! High winds from the day prior subsided (40mph gusts, the relay-exchange area porta-potties were all tipped over), allowing runners to get their game on. After the crack of the starters pistol and two 13.1-mile loops were complete WCRC’s own Abby Jackson was the 9th woman overall, 4th in the W30-39 age group, and captured a personal best with a 3:31:04 marathon time. The indomitable Sin Kounlasa took 2nd in the W50-59 age group with a superb 4:05:34! WCRC at Hyannis Marathon 26.2 Pistol-Pete Heslam was the 22nd marathoner over the line, in a 22 Peter Heslam 3:18:09 7:34 fine 3:18:09. With his 4:06:24, 58 Abby Jackson 3:31:04 8:03 mega-marathoner Curt Lintvedt 201 Sinthy Kounlasa 4:05:34 9:22 204 Curtis Lintvedt 4:06:24 9:24 took home hardware as 3rd 231 Kristin Pepp 4:15:06 9:44 overall in the M60-69 gang, 239 Lisa Peters 4:17:21 9:49 stacking the award on his marathon finish pile like seasoned WCRC at Hyannis Half Marathon 13.1 cordwood. WCRC half 34 David Lamoureux 1:20:26 6:09 marathoners were led by Dave 403 Tony Myatt 1:39:26 7:36 Lamoureaux, who really rocked 524 Mike St. Laurent 1:41:58 7:47 the course in 1:20:26, 6:09 pace! 840 Michael Gallagher 1:48:11 8:16 1016 Rob Thompson 1:50:34 8:27 Dave was followed by Tony Myatt 1107 Tom Miller 1:51:45 8:32 (1:39) and Loco Sports founder 1153 Kara Brown 1:52:19 8:35 Mike St. Laurent (1:41). 26.2 Miles and All Grins: 1466 Terri Moyer 1:56:40 8:54 And what of Olympic great Joan Abby Jackson can’t be any 1991 Kevin Callahan 2:04:28 9:30 2127 Jim Ellis 2:06:33 9:40 Samuelson? Joanie duked it out happier after her personal 2361 Tom Miller 2:11:22 10:02 best at the Hyannis full with Lisa Motta, and both 2403 Betty Fisk 2:12:06 10:05 marathon. Well... unless finished with an identical time 2404 Vicki Miller 2:12:08 10:05 her WCRC pals carry her 2626 Kate Benson 2:16:44 10:26 (1:31:36). Joanie got the nod and back to her room. the W50-59 age victory. -RR RUNNERS RAG Page 13 Valli Rocks Frozen Shamrock! Stalker finds WCRCers at Frozen Shamrock! Frozen Shamrock 3 Miler February 26, 2012 1 9 18 29 81 87 101 121 139 152 203 213 240 263 275 327 358 368 432 580 651 680 699 731 758 767 895 Boom! with a fist pump, Matt Valli crosses first and scores a personal best. Photo credit: Jason Phillips MATT VALLI JACOB JOHNS BOB STROUT PAUL BOUCHARD JAMES BANYAS PAUL DESROCHE STEPHANIE SHERIDAN DAVID LABRODE KRISTEN BOUCHARD AMANDA BURNHAM STEPHEN IOLA ALBERT MANZI JOHN UNDERWOOD PEGGY GORDON JAY SHORT LISA JEWETT DAVE JOHNS GINGER IOLA CATHY DUNHAM SKIP CLEAVER CAT CARGILL DENISE UNDERWOOD ROSE WASHAK GREG WASHAK SUSAN LOVERING ROBERT BROWN HOLLY MANDIGO-ALY 16:46.8 18:03.5 18:40.0 19:30.3 21:36.9 21:45.7 22:13.5 22:43.6 22:57.5 23:11.4 24:04.8 24:14.1 24:32.9 24:49.9 25:07.7 26:01.0 26:25.0 26:33.5 27:22.3 29:30.4 30:47.2 31:20.9 31:40.5 32:16.8 33:17.8 33:31.9 5:36 6:02 6:14 6:31 7:13 7:16 7:25 7:35 7:40 7:44 8:02 8:05 8:11 8:17 8:23 8:41 8:49 8:52 9:08 9:51 10:16 10:27 10:34 10:46 11:06 11:11 [TIME NOT AVAILABLE] The first race on the Wild Rover Series brought out the ‘Irish’ in runners, and it wasn’t even March yet. At the Frozen Shamrock 3 miler, 905 runners took to the streets of Haverhill, donning green shirts, green tights and green afro-wigs and bounced their way to their destination: The Little River Ale House. While the ‘Thirsty Green Irish Machine’ was revved up, the Blue and Gold Express was also on the roads, and gave the good people of Circle Nation something to cheer about in late winter: Matt Valli, the rising young star on the Merrimack Valley running scene, found his 4-leaf clover at the Frozen Shamrock, and won the race outright. Matt not only bested the field, he scored a personal best of 16:46, for a quick 5:36 average pace per mile. 17-year old wunderkind Jacob Johns wouldn’t be left out of the action, and scored a 3rd place in the rough men’s 19-and-under age group. The senior men refused to be outdone by the THE VALLI FILES youngsters, and rallied. Bob Strout took 2nd and Paul At the Ras na hEireann USA Bouchard took 3rd in the men’s 50-59 age category. 5K, Matt Valli ran a 17:52 (5:45 27 WCRC members were average) to finish discovered as finishers, on 23rd out of 4,367 their way to earning a runners! Here, unique finishers award: a jimrhoades.com snagged a partial shamrock award built from The Frozen Three: Jacob ‘JJ’ Johns took a podium spot, as ‘leaf’ medals from all 3 shot of Matt in did Bob Strout. For Dave Labrode, it’s a destination [The Ale the heat of battle. races. -RR House pub] not a journey. Photo credits: jimrhoades.com Page 14 Clamor for the Claddagh! Claddagh Pub 4-Miler Lawrence, MA, 3/4/2012 WCRCers are attracted to pub runs like night-insects to bug-zappers, but the Claddagh Pub has a special place in WCRC hearts. It is the final destination of the Mill Cities Relay. It is also the home to the annual Claddagh Pub 4-miler! St. Patrick’s day was a few weeks away, nevertheless, the wearin’ o the green—and the blue and gold— could be seen on the hard streets of Lawrence MA . Before the mirth and amusement of the post-race party could The Flash versus Kid-Flash: begin, some running-business Young Jacob ‘JJ’ Johns needed tending-to. 17 year old catches Matt Valli in the final Jacob ‘JJ’ Johns and Matt Valli strides. did battle to the line, finishing with identical times! ‘JJ’ got the nod in placement. On the podium, Jacob took top honors in the 19-and-under age group, and Matt Valli took 3rd in the killer men’s 20-29 age group. Annmarie McCormick took an impressive 2nd place in the women’s masters (40-49) - and was the 6th WCRCer to the line. Bob ‘Strouty’ Strout hates being left off the podium, so much he built his own at home just in case. No worries at the Claddagh, Bob stood in 1st for the senior men (50-59) age group. Marshall McCloskey took top honors in the men’s 70-79 age group, besting his nearest rival by just over 3 minutes. Naturally WCRCers found their way into the pub, and… well, you know. -RR RUNNERS RAG Stalker Detects WCRC at the Claddagh! 9 10 20 52 56 72 73 91 129 149 156 172 192 209 218 219 243 251 257 335 362 380 391 418 505 524 653 722 723 725 726 782 786 920 JACOB JOHNS MATT VALLI BOB STROUT ROB LORING DAVID CARROLL ANNMARIE MCCORMICK JAMES BANYAS PAUL DESROCHE DAVID LABRODE STEPHANIE SHERIDAN AMANDA BURNHAM KRISTEN BOUCHARD STEPHEN IOLA JOHN UNDERWOOD KURT BUNTING ALBERT MANZI PEGGY GORDON DAVE JOHNS COURTNEY MARSHALL JAY SHORT LISA JEWETT STAN KLEM CATHY DUNHAM GINGER IOLA KEN SKIER SKIP CLEAVER MARSHALL MCCLOSKEY DAVE MCGUIGAN CAT CARGILL DENISE UNDERWOOD ROSE WASHAK JOHN PARKER GREG WASHAK HOLLY MANDIGO-ALY 24:04.3 24:04.3 25:45.4 28:48.5 29:00.2 29:47.8 29:49.0 30:21.8 31:42.0 32:25.2 32:33.1 32:49.8 33:24.7 33:40.6 33:51.4 33:51.9 34:10.2 34:20.3 34:24.8 35:54.6 36:25.8 36:42.9 36:53.5 37:27.1 38:47.6 39:11.1 41:56.3 43:50.6 43:51.6 43:52.5 43:53.8 45:54.1 45:59.5 1:01:07.3 6:02 6:02 6:27 7:13 7:16 7:27 7:28 7:36 7:56 8:07 8:09 8:13 8:22 8:26 8:28 8:28 8:33 8:36 8:37 8:59 9:07 9:11 9:14 9:22 9:42 9:48 10:30 10:58 10:58 10:59 10:59 11:29 11:30 15:17 Feeling The Burn (from left): Stephanie Sheridan used her Irish-sounding name to obtain a better seat in the pub. Bob ’Strouty’ Strout flexes his arms when he knows the camera is on him. Dave Carroll didn’t want anyone to think he jogged this thing. Jimmy Banyas can’t unzip his vest any further. Paul Desroche makes it ‘hurt so good’. Ex-Prez of WCRC Kristen Bouchard is not looking at the clock, she’s checking the line into the pub. Photo Credits: jimrhoades.com RUNNERS RAG Page 15 USATF New England Grand Prix Race #2 Blue-and-Gold Sun… Rising th 35 New Bedford Half Marathon Sunday March 18, 2012 by Dennis Donoghue Minutes before the start of the 35th New Bedford Half Marathon, Circle kinfolk contorted themselves through the bars of iron police gates, gathered in clumps of blue and gold, snapped salutes during the singing of the national anthem, then as one: let out the honey badger war-cry at the crack of the starter’s pistol. The USATF-NE Honey Badgers and Wolf-pack hang out on the sunny Winners Circle decks after the New Bedford half. Back row: Steve Smith, Annie Kucharski, Brett Nelson, Abby Jackson, Laurie Gaudreau, Sue Talon, Louise Valois, Bruce Lander, John Webber, Ellie Tucker (obscured by PistolPete’s shoulder). Front row: Matt Thomas, Rick Walsh, Dave ‘Kelso’ Kelly, Pete Heslam, and Nick Paquette Though four or five car-fulls do not a busload make, numbers are increasing, as are the strange looks from opponents. It’s that crowd from the north again, come to do damage with smiles on their faces, like their beloved honey badgers. Of all the races of the 2012 New England Grand Prix series, this one is the best attended and most competitive. Everyone wants to run New Bedford though not necessarily for the fried fish sandwiches and chowder post race. The course ambles along boulevards, neighborhoods streets, the waterfront. Residents of this historic city treat the event as if it’s the Boston Marathon. There are bells and whistles, cheers and orange slices. Traffic management is phenomenal. It’s a must event for the serious runner. “Swimming during a road race is perfectly legal…” - Bruce Lander The blue and gold did what they’d come to do—collecting PB’s as well as climbing both team and individual standings. Some members, however, had to change strategy unexpectedly mid-race. Matt Thomas, for example, experienced lower-deck distress at ten miles but still managed to shuffle home in a respectable time: “Last week I read an article about the carbohydrate-to-protein ratio of pork rinds,” he acknowledged. “So I substituted them in place of my gel packets. Big mistake.” Bruce Lander joined the senior roster and ended up finishing third for the men. A triathlete by trade, he’s won enough art work in competition to open a museum. During the three mile stretch along open water, he plunged into the surf to duck out of the strong headwind. “Swimming during a road race is perfectly legal,” he noted. “There just aren’t a whole lot of guys like me who can swim faster than they can run.” (continued next page) Page 16 For other members, it was business as usual, at least during the race. For the second time in a row, Ellie Tucker captured her age group. Then she was subsequently arrested by New Bedford police. “I found out later that there’s some statue in this town about fast women,” she explained. “I may be fast but I’m not loose, at least I don’t think so. ‘Course the jury’s still out.” RUNNERS RAG - Stalker Discovered 32 WCRCers at NB 13.1 - 81 222 239 264 285 294 320 340 351 For Abby Jackson, a descendent of former President 413 and Indian fighter Andrew Jackson, summoning the 422 458 warrior spirit of her ancestor garnered her enough 459 precious seconds to result in a PB. “In his day, no one 503 ran unless they had to,” she said. “That is, unless 505 someone was trying to kill you. If you managed to get 514 away you had a personal best every time. That type of 517 motivation you just can’t teach.” 529 538 542 Young Emily Block also raced to a PB. “It was that 568 ungodly screeching at the start that fired me up,” she 891 said. “At first I thought it was a pack of coyotes getting 1037 disemboweled until I turned around and saw all my 1176 1198 teammates. My throat is still killing me.” 1435 1471 Like their stealthy honey badgers idols, all Circle 1680 squads snuck up in the overall USATF-NE rankings after 1826 this event, with the senior men finishing as high as 2215 2452 second. 2652 Team coordinator Laurie Gaudreau had her squad on site four hours before the 11 a.m. start, necessitating a three a.m. wake-up call. “I insist my girls look put together no matter where we happen to be racing,” she said. “I demand perfection in both looks and performance. My role model is Abby on Dance Moms.” Taking a different approach was men’s coordinator John Webber: “Hell, they haven’t invented a cosmetic that will improve the looks of my squad,” he said. “Half of them have one foot in Assisted Living anyway. But somehow they manage to perform every time, at least on the roads.” - DD DAVE DUNHAM MICHAEL LACOMBE DENNIS DONOGHUE EMILY BLOCK MATT THOMAS BRUCE LANDER STEPHEN SMITH DAVID KELLY JOHN WEBBER ELLIE TUCKER * KEVIN CALLAHAN LAURIE GAUDREAU NICK PAQUETTE PETER HESLAM ADAM NISSON ABBY JACKSON STEPHEN PECKICONIS STEPHEN SMITH LAWSON NOYES * SARAH PRESCOTT RICK WALSH LAURIE GAGNON SINTHY KOUNLASA SUSAN TALON LOUISE VALOIS BRETT NELSON ANN KUCHARSKI MIKE STANWYCK JAY SHORT BETTY FISK SKIP CLEAVER JUDY GRAHAM-GARCIA 1:16:48 1:25:30 1:26:28 1:27:27 1:28:05 1:28:21 1:28:54 1:29:54 1:30:13 1:32:26 1:32:50 1:34:07 1:34:02 1:36:11 1:35:59 1:36:12 1:36:19 1:36:28 1:36:54 1:37:02 1:37:08 1:45:21 1:48:10 1:51:54 1:52:29 1:56:57 1:57:38 2:01:40 2:02:51 2:14:28 2:22:11 2:43:42 5:52 6:33 6:37 6:41 6:45 6:46 6:49 6:52 6:54 7:04 7:06 7:12 7:12 7:21 7:21 7:22 7:23 7:24 7:25 7:25 7:29 8:06 8:19 8:34 8:37 8:58 9:01 9:20 9:35 10:25 11:03 12:39 * Both Ellie Tucker (F50-59) and Lawson Noyes (M70-79) were individual champions in their age divisions at NB 13.1! WCRC USATF-NE Point Getters After 2 Events: 10M 13.1M Total WOMEN'S 55-59 #1 ELLIE TUCKER 10 10 20 MEN'S 55-59 #2 DENNIS DONOGHUE #5 DAVID KELLY 8 4 8 5 16 9 WOMEN'S 60-64 #5 ANN KUCHARSKI 4 4 8 WOMEN'S 40-44 #7 LAURIE GAUDREAU 5 2 7 WOMEN'S 45-49 #11 LOUISE VALOIS 3 1 4 5 5 MEN'S 60-64 #11 STEPHEN SMITH RUNNERS RAG Page 17 31st Annual WCRC April Fools 4 Miler Fools Rush In…(to the Finish!) March 31, 2012 Our popular spring classic, the WCRC April Fools 4-Miler, hit a milestone in 2012—with over 1000 registrations and 933 finishers! Thanks in combination with our partner Loco Sports ‘Will Run for Beer’ series and their jacket chasing enthusiasts, and the incredible efforts of race directors Dale Eckert and Laurie Gaudreau and their legion of WCRC volunteers—the race was a qualified success. Runners raced against a seriously competitive crowd. Runners got accurate chip-times from Yankee Timing. Runners went home with tech shirts or Loco hats (runners choice), great goody bags, and bellies full of post-race snacks, cookies and refreshing Smuttynose beer (the Will Run for Beer sponsor). The April Fools race was also the first stop on the new WCRC 4-3-2-1 Speed Series, a series that combines 4 of our existing races in countdown format, and encourages runners to step it up a notch—for a reasonable price. The rain threatened but never showed up, but overcast skies stayed and that was just fine to runners attempting to uncork a good one. Uncork they did: and WCRCers were awash in awards, cleaning up like a mop & bucket to a spill on isle 4. Awards went 3-deep at 5 year intervals. Let’s start with some ‘number ones’: how about 80 year old John Parker, who took 1st the 80-89 age group? Our next #1 is our 2012 Paula Holm Award winner Bob Randall, who took 1st in the M75-79 age category. M70-74’er Philip Pierce battled his way to a strong 2nd in the that same category. The WCRC 60-somethings also expressed their dominance in their class. In the women’s 60-64 department, Jacci Hussey grabbed the #2 spot. (continued) Cookie-baker and hat-maker: Vicki Miller and RD’s Dale Eckert and Laurie Gaudreau sport the latest in Jester-wear, created by Vicki herself! Stalker Discovered 77 WCRCers @ The Fools! 12 13 17 31 33 34 35 37 40 41 42 43 45 50 54 55 57 67 68 72 82 98 115 119 130 140 147 149 153 159 168 172 186 193 197 201 207 208 215 217 252 254 255 259 269 281 284 285 288 311 321 329 342 361 362 379 402 404 419 455 459 461 463 483 546 550 551 631 652 706 765 774 806 826 842 906 913 MATTHEW VALLI MATT THOMAS DENNIS DONOGHUE STUART OLSEN KELLY BRADBURY PETER HESLAM MATTHEW TILBURY DREW KIEFABER RICK WALSH KYLE GAUDREAU MATTHEW CIRINNA KEITH LEBLANC MICHAEL ST. LAURENT ADAM NISSON MARISSA LAFLAMME DAVID GRAZIO DON DWIGHT TOM CHASE DARYL KINCAID LYNN MCNAMARA PAUL DESROCHE LAURIE GAUDREAU LAURA SEDDON PATRICIA CROTHERS JOE KENNEDY JEFF CROTHERS KYLE ASMUSSEN BILL CLARKE JODI BERTRAND SHEILA FITZGERALD GARY ROHR JULIE BENSON JOE RAMA VALIANTI MARY JANE RYAN JAMIE BEAULIEU DAVE LABRODE MAUREEN MOORE KRISTEN BOUCHARD SUE TALON STEPHEN IOLA COURTNEY MARSHALL SUE MACKIE JAMES BAILEY ALBERT MANZI JIM BERGER VICKI MILLER PHILIP PIERCE STEPHANIE SUPRIN LESLIE BEHAN JAY SHORT REBECCA BARTCZAK MICHAEL MENESALE GINGER IOLA MEGAN FERGUSON SCOTT WALSH JACCI HUSSEY PHILLIP HUNT ROBERT RANDALL HOLLY SULLIVAN DEB LITTLEFIELD SANDRA GORDON ELIZABETH HICKMAN KATHY CASPERSON PATTIE CLOCHER LAURIE CYR BETSY BERKENBUSH ALLYN GENEST DALE GRANGER-ECKERT GAIL CLARK SHARON CHASE JAMES FARREN LEANNE CORNING ROBERT BROWN JOHN PARKER MIKE SHIELDS HOLLY MANDIGO-ALY BOB AUCOIN 23:54.5 23:59.2 24:31.2 25:40.9 25:47.5 25:56.6 26:04.1 26:07.2 26:28.1 26:33.4 26:38.2 26:41.2 26:47.9 27:02.6 27:12.2 27:13.0 27:15.2 27:34.1 27:36.3 27:48.0 28:22.7 28:55.4 29:21.8 29:23.8 29:37.8 30:01.7 30:10.6 30:10.7 30:13.0 30:19.7 30:34.6 30:39.4 31:03.9 31:08.0 31:11.6 31:13.7 31:18.2 31:18.2 31:25.9 31:27.4 32:11.9 32:13.6 32:14.0 32:19.4 32:28.5 32:39.4 32:45.0 32:46.0 32:50.4 33:22.6 33:33.0 33:40.4 33:55.1 34:11.3 34:11.4 34:30.7 34:51.1 34:53.3 35:11.4 35:43.6 35:50.1 35:51.0 35:52.6 36:32.4 37:50.0 37:52.9 37:53.0 39:39.9 40:09.8 41:24.0 43:14.2 43:30.8 44:42.8 46:19.0 47:53.4 55:23.7 57:26.9 5:59 6:00 6:08 6:26 6:27 6:30 6:32 6:32 6:38 6:39 6:40 6:41 6:42 6:46 6:49 6:49 6:49 6:54 6:55 6:57 7:06 7:14 7:21 7:21 7:25 7:31 7:33 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:39 7:40 7:46 7:47 7:48 7:49 7:50 7:50 7:52 7:52 8:03 8:04 8:04 8:05 8:08 8:10 8:12 8:12 8:13 8:21 8:24 8:26 8:29 8:33 8:33 8:38 8:43 8:44 8:48 8:56 8:58 8:58 8:59 9:09 9:28 9:29 9:29 9:55 10:03 10:21 10:49 10:53 11:11 11:35 11:59 13:51 14:22 Page 18 RUNNERS RAG Sufferin’ Fools: The 1000-strong field of runners prepares to toe the line for the 31st annual WCRC April Fools 4 Miler (Continued from previous page): In the men’s 60-64 group, Bill Clarke took the #3 position. Lets jump to the fantastic 50-somethings, where WCRC also held sway. If you’ve been tracking the USATF-New England series, you find out fairly quick that the New England senior running divisions are tough as nails. Dennis ‘Double-D’ Donoghue lives in that age bracket, but still kept his fantastic Spring-2012 racing season alive, by taking 1st in the M55-59 age group. Patricia Crothers also does battle in that zone, and fought her way to 2nd place in the F50-54 group. The women’s 55-59 grouping was just filled with WCRC gangsters: Vicki Miller (1st) and Leslie Behan (2nd) took the top 2 spots. Loco-Man and WCRC member Mike St. Laurent let us know he wasn’t there just for his good looks: Mike took 2nd in the M55-59 age category. Right behind Mike was always-racing Adam Nissan, taking 3rd and in M55-59. Our women’s masters have something to be proud of (per usual): Kelly Bradbury took 2nd in the always-tough women’s 45-49 age group. Our 30-somethings also have a powerful gun in their own holster: Lynn McNamara took 2nd in the F35-39 gang. Our final award winners are ’The Fast Matts’: they were the WCRC’s top 2 finishers, and each took home a ‘three’ in their division: Matt Thomas took 3rd in the 30-34 age bracket, and Matt Valli took 3rd in the M20-24 collective. The post race bash at the Circle raged on into the afternoon, long after the Smutty kicked. The hard work applied to this race showed up in the way of success: happy runners. Thank you Dale, Laurie and all the volunteers!! -RR WCRC/Andover Striders Running Royalty: This April Fools race water stop has been manned by the same faithful volunteers for years. But these are not just any volunteers: these were some of the toughest, fastest runners in the Merrimack Valley during the 1980’s running boom. All were part of the legendary weekly group of runners that met at Jack Rembis Cleaners in Lawrence MA, and hammered 12 hilly/fast miles. Sitting: Jack Murphy, Jack Rembis, Andy Sullivan. Back: Marty Cardoza, Dave McGuigan, Brian ‘Gabby’ Hayes. The guys demonstrate how to replace fluids properly, via Red Solo cup. Fool for Fashion: 2012 Paula Holm Award winner Bob Randall sports one of Vicki Miller’s creations RUNNERS RAG Keeping Up With Curt Page 19 WCRC’s Road Warrior in New Zealand The Motatapu Trail Marathon By Curt Lintvedt Talk about your long flights... After spending the good part of a day flying to LAX, my flight to New Zealand took off at 9:00 PM on Tuesday, and arrived in Auckland at 7:00 AM on Thursday! A short connecting flight got me to Christchurch, on the South Island later that morning. I was traveling to visit my daughter Carrie and her Kiwi family: husband Scott, and sons Dylan (2) and Max (4 mos.). However, the trip was planned when I learned that Scott and some friends were running the Motatapu Trail Marathon. Also, Scott’s brother, father, and uncle were riding in a 50K mountain bike race on the same course three hours after the runners’ start. The entire extended family group stayed in a rental house near the start in Wanaka, a six hour drive south from Christchurch. The Motatapu course follows unpaved roads and double-track trails through environmentally protected land that is open to the public only one day a year for the marathon and 50K bike race. Set in the spectacular Southern high country, there are many rivers to cross, hills to climb and a few steep descents thrown into the mix during the final 10K. The race starts at 1,000 ft., climbs to 3,000 ft. at 30K, and then descends to 1,300 ft. at the finish in Arrowtown. The course runs through narrow river valleys surrounded by 5,000 ft. mountains. There are no trees, but sheep can survive on the grass and limited vegetation that grow on the steep rocky hill sides. Scott and I left in the dark on Saturday morning to catch the shuttle bus that drove us a few miles on the unpaved road to the marathon start. The sun just crested the mountains to the east Ex-stream-ly tough: Here’s Curt at 7:00 AM and the marathon gun sounded at 8:00 AM. It was cool at the start and fortunately, crashing through one of many stream/river crossings! cloud cover kept the temperature in the mid-60’s as the race progressed. I started with Scott and two of his friends. We crossed our first stream within the first mile! After a few miles, I let the young guys go. I caught up with Scott and one friend around the 30K aid station, but they took off while I was filling my water bottle and taking a gel and electrolyte break. I caught them again at the final aid station around 36K. We took off for the finish together, but after a couple hundred yards I could see they would be waiting for me at the finish! The course became a very steep downhill at this point. In the last mile or so, we had to cross the fast-moving, knee-high river 5 or 6 times! The cold water made it hard for me to even run between crossings! The clock read 5:01:30 when I crossed the finish line. Scott and his friend finished together with a time of 4:54:07. It was a great race on a spectacular course. The mountain bikers also had good days, and we celebrated back at the rental house in Wanaka with some of Scott’s excellent home-brewed beer! The whole group was forced to take a rest/recovery day on Sunday when it poured rain all day in Wanaka. On Monday, we headed back to Christchurch. As a bonus, we stopped to visit another of Scott’s friends who is the winemaker at the Kurow Winery. We enjoyed a private tour and wine tasting -- a nice way to wrap up a road trip! I have added the Motatapu Marathon to my list of favorite marathons. Also, early fall in New Zealand is a great time to visit this beautiful country. I know I will be back! Happy Trails! - CL Post Race Stoke: Curt and his son-in-law Scott, post Motatapu Page 20 RUNNERS RAG WCRC Wicked Awesome Stuff Dept. Chris Fitt is The Ultimate Warrior WCRC athlete and Army Reservist Chris Fitt went up against soldiers from 5 other Reserve Battalions—and won the regional ‘Expeditionary Sustainment Command 2012 Best Warrior competition’ on March 29 through April 1, 2012. The grueling competition ranged from physical challenges (a 10-mile hike conducted at 3 a.m., while carrying 75 pounds of gear) to programming ground-to-air radios (see photo) to grilling interviews by military panels. As regional champ, Chris qualified for the ’Soldier of the Year’ competition in mid April. Congrats Mr. Fitt! Photo and story credit: fosters.com DD, Ultra-Bob Snow the Competition The man who needs no introduction—Dave Dunham- took 2nd overall at Acidotic's Granite State Snowshoe Championship 10K in 40:38, good for 6:34 average (smokin’!). The trails of the Great Glen Outdoor Center (near the Mt. Washington Auto Road), were the media to which the snowshoe championship played out; Dave only bested by a 34 year old ‘kid’. Meanwhile, Dave’s WCRC compatriot Ultra-Bob Dunfey (known for his Boston Marathon streaks and his belt-buckle winning 100 mile ultra-races) dominated his M60-69 age group finishing the 10K in 57:59, good for 9:22 average! Photo of Bob blasting off at the 10K championship, stolen off of the internets somewhere The Grand [Stair]Master 26 Myles to Myrtle ‘Firefightin’ Brett Nelson gets a kick out of donning his work gear/tanks and racing in grueling climbs to the top of buildings. This time, Brett raced in the Run Up Boston Place on February 4th, 2012. Brett, representing the Portsmouth Fire Department, covered 82 flights of stairs/ 41 floors/789 stairs in 11 minutes, 17 seconds. WCRC member and New England ex-pat Myles Wilson ran super-fast on February 18, 2012, at the Myrtle Beach Marathon at Myrtle Beach SC. Myles covered the course in 3:24:21. Was it a PR? We are uncertain at this juncture. However, Myles, a scientist and one of WCRC’s finest newsletter editors, is a stickler for details and will let us know. All we know is, Myles nailed a good one in the midst of winter, having trained in his new home-state of IL. -Aucoin Watch70 year old Bob Aucoin is known for his running streaks and his 100K lifetime mile accomplishment. Where is he now? Find Strouty… Bob Strout representin’ WCRC lands on the As of February 1st 2012, Bob hit 42 cover ad for the Stonyfield Earth Day years of running/speed walking, with lifetime miles of 102,211. At 5K, wearing his finest 15,363 days of running, his average dress blues. While you run per day is 6.65 miles. notice the guy in the cow suit, you can just feel Bob also tabulated 1,011 straight days at 7.163 miles, where he aver- Bob’s presence... ebbing aged a run of 7.08 miles/day. His though the ad. total lifetime races? 1,043! RUNNERS RAG Page 21 Coming in the Next Rag (2nd issue of 4, in 2012): Boston Marathon stories, pictures, and deferrals WCRC versus Mt. Washington. Who wins? WCRC shenanigans in Mt. Washington valley on the eve of the race Who caught Spring Marathon fever? The Rag will find out Great Bay Half Recap WCRC at the races: late spring to summer Articles I couldn’t stuff in here Epic user contributions Other Stuff… A special Rag “Thank You” to the people and things that helped the Rag editor get this issue out, through content contributions, photography, and other stuff: HUGE thanks to Dennis Donoghue, who wrote copious articles for this first edition of 2012. Thanks also to: Brett Nelson, Curt Lintvedt, Bob Randall, Harpoon Celtic Red Ale, Kristen Broderick, Louise Valois, Vicki Miller, Sam Adams 26.2 Mile ale, Tom Miller, Newburyport News, Eagle Tribune news, Athlinks.com and of course… coolrunning.com! Circle Nation—did you not see something you think should be in this issue? I know you’ve got stories and fables in those endorphin-filled heads of yours. Get those 10-fingers-a-typin’ and send me a story or an article or a photo, a suggestion or something for the next Rag! WCRC - Winter-to-Spring 2012 THE RUNNERS’ RAG WINNERS CIRCLE RUNNING CLUB 211 ELM STREET (Rte. 110) SALISBURY, MA 01952 First Class Mail