Earning the Badge

I don’t really remember what made me start blogging when I started running 5 years ago, or why I stopped (besides I was too busy running).  I am not even sure when my running goals started evolving.  These things, well they happen naturally.  You strive to get a little better than you were at that last 5k or marathon and things just progress.  Regardless, there are many things I never in my life dreamed I would do: run on an indoor track, race my husband and love every burning moment, run a 6 minute mile, run 26.2 miles.  But somewhere, somewhere in there, I started to dream that I would qualify for the Boston marathon.  THE Boston marathon is some badge that moves you from a runner to “a runner”.  People ask if you are fast, and you just say, well, I qualified and they nod.  Yet, nothing about me changed really on October 21^st to warrant me this badge when I couldn’t reach it before.  I ran with a smile, enjoyed every mile, and yet…I earned that badge.  And, there is no way I would have rather earned it.  Not at Boston as planned, not at providence 3 weeks after Boston.  But months later, after struggling with iron deficiency.  The iron was manageable.  The workouts still came and went.  But that struggle made this all the sweeter.  I was no longer shooting for the badge, but for the smile and a reasonable PR.  And that determination to have fun and run smart, it got me the badge.  I clearly still pushed myself as my body tells me three days later.  But it was different.  And magical—just like the unicorn on the Boston Marathon emblem.  I’ll never forget the warm up, the start line, the first few miles, seeing my friends on the course, seeing the bridge and trees and taking it all in, being overwhelmed with emotion at miles 22.6 and 26.2 as I saw my dreams suddenly appear before me (as well as my husband and coach realizing the dream was in reach too).  No, I’ll never forget it.  But…while I now have this badge, I am still me.  I am still happy to put a foot in front of the other and will still chase some new running goal.  But hopefully, achieving the badge will serve as a reminder that I run because it makes me happy.  And being happy, well, it makes your dreams come true.  

Can't Have It Both Ways

The rest of the country is apparently getting hammered with snow and there is nada on the ground in New England. Snow shoe races are being canceled or being run as cross country races instead. I don't think we have had a inch or more of covering since early January. We have had some flurries so at least that is nice, it makes me smile whenever it comes down and the last time I was running along the Charles when it came down and it was so beautiful! I loved running on the path with the flakes falling and it covering everything in a pretty light white coating. They even plow the Charles River running path! They didn't bring out plows for the streets but this nice man was in his mini snow plow tractor thing and driving it along the path. Yet, the lack of snow and rain, lets face it the rain is worse, has led to some great running conditions. Today's run was perfect. It was about 20 degrees with the sun and was wonderful.

Testing the Temperatures

On Friday, I posted on Facebook a tempt to the weather gods. I asked if that was the best winter could do with temps in the single digits and trains canceled and delayed making getting to the running path near work more difficult, but not impossible. Single digits didn't keep me from getting my run on, even if it did take me a while to unthaw.

On Saturday, we met as a group for our first Spring Training long run with my Coach. It was a whopping 5 degrees with a wind chill of -16 and of course, we ran along the water making it even colder and windier. Needless to say, I went out prepared for my 105 minutes in the winter oasis. I dressed in my fabulous Icebreaker long underware (often used for skiing), my thickest running tights, a compression shirt, my base layer wicking shirt to help pull the sweat off and keep me dry, my magic running shirt that keeps sweat from feeling cold as it saturates your clothes, wool socks, my neck warmer, a ski cap, and my ski gloves even. I stayed pretty warm except for the little bit of my cheeks that were exposed to the wind and really enjoyed a great run with a friend. Plus, you feel pretty rocking kick ass when running in these elements!

Sometimes we Run in Circles--Literally

So the streets are not safe in my opinion to run on, let alone do speed work on. In an attempt to avoid another run on what I call the dreadmill (treadmill) I headed over to a nearby YMCA which has an indoor track for my speed work. Now, I had not been to this YMCA before, but the Y changed their policies and you can go to any YMCA now and this one is just 10 minutes from my house and I thought a track sounded much better. There I go thinking again!! Next time, a little more thinking may be in order as it took 19 laps around the crowded track to make a mile and I had to do almost 7 miles with speed work and all the dreadmills were full so no other option but to run in circles--a lot of circles. Further, the "crowd" on the track was mostly walkers and kids, which is fine. . . except, the walkers were bad drivers constantly wandering from the walking lane into the middle of the running lane and the kids, well the kids were everywhere like bad gnats in the summertime. I needed to do 24 x 200 meters at under 5K pace (53 seconds was my best time). I managed to survive, and also managed to not kill any child or adult by trampling them, which I imagine is a bad way to go. In just over an hour of running I completed 132 laps around this darn circular nemesis and covered a total of 7 miles. Speedwork sometimes leaves me a little queasy, but I think the circles added to the icky feeling in my belly. On the way home I stopped to vote (duty calls) and was exhausted and too worn out to eat when I got home, but forced a pb and banana sandwich with honey down my throat (of course Otis helped) and then had to play some tug of war before going to bed.

Sewing is Back

All it takes is a snowy/icy Monday off for Martin Luther King Day to cancel my plans and create the unexpected opportunity to catch up on my sewing pile. You can't get to the fun projects when a pile of alterations and mending is in the way. So, today, I hemmed two pair of jeans and a pair of track pants. While hemming is usually relatively quick, I was extra extra careful and used the rule measure 5 times cut once since one of the pairs of jeans were my new favorites and I didn't want to mess them up. I even ripped the hem out once and re-did it when it didn't look smooth enough. I also took in a very cute white fleecy vest I got for Christmas from a friend and then proceeded to wear it the rest of the day--it is the perfect laying piece for days like today. Finally, I attacked another race shirt removing 3 inches out of each side, 3 inches off the bottom, and 4 inches off the sleeves (which I swear hung down to my knees). If the race wasn't one of my favorites and the t-shirt really nice, I wouldn't bother. It still doesn't fit perfectly, it is hard to take up the armpit area too, but it sure is better and is no longer a nightshirt or a shirt that I give to my husband (he has a really nice running shirt from one of my other favorite races from the fall already).

Hopefully, now that those mending items are out of the way I can finally get to some fun projects!!

When All Else Fails, Mix It Up

So between some big changes in my personal life for the past month and next 5, as well as the sun only shining from 7AM - 4 PM in New England, my training needed tweeked. Last winter, I ran a lot of my runs during my lunch hour. This winter, my runs are longer and it is harder to ensure that I get out the door at lunch because work is much busier. So. . . I, yes non-morning person MJ, get up at 5:30, throw on my running clothes, walk the dog, grab some breakfast, and leave the house at 6:15 to take the train into the office. I toss my work clothes (yes, I triple check the night before that I have all items needed for appropriate work attire in my gym bag) into a locker, and hit the road for a morning run. I have done many of these runs along the Charles River in Boston as the sun is coming up over the ice and snow covered water. It is one of the most beautiful sights and there are numerous runners out enjoying the beauty. I usually run between 40-60 minutes and find myself almost meditating in the peacefulness of my run before work and before anything else can really get in the way. This time along the water is mine. Mine to think about these 6 months of independence, the day ahead, and even to simply forget about everything except the way my feet feel on the path and how my warm breath slices through the cold air. I never in my life thought I would move to Boston, become a runner, or become a morning person. But these three things have come together to make me happy and healthy!

P.S. Here is another photo from the snowshoe race. I am the third one in the powder blue jacket (my favorite running item ever!).

SnowShoe Race

I ran my first snowshoe race, yup race, on January 9th. I had a blast and even got a friend and her husband to tag along for the fun--note that while an advid trail runner and snowshoer, she had not raced in snowshoes and she took home second overall woman. I did well and came in twelth overall for the women and 2nd in my age group! Woohoo.

See the article below from a website where race standings are posted for the proof (I bolded my name) and even a photo of the race start that ran with the subsequent article. Note: You may recognize a blue jacketed woman tossing up some powder. . .

Find this page online at www.coolrunning.com/results/10/ma/Jan9_OldeSa_set1.shtml



Olde Salem Greens Snowshoe Classic
Salem, MA, January 9, 2010




Photo by Bill Woolley

Snowshoe racing's popularity continues to explode in New England --- witness the 191 finishers (and 214 entrants) at the first Olde Salem Greens Snowshoe Classic --- the 2nd largest snowshoe race ever in the Northeast United States. The team from Salem Recreation Department and Dungeon Rock Racing put on a first class event; something that snowshoers are used to from it's New hampshire rebirth under acidotic RACING's Granite State Snowshoe Series. Ben Newphew led one of the strongest fields in Eastern Mass/New Hampshire snowshoeing history by pulling away from acidotic RACING's Geiff Cunningham and Charles Therriault for a 22:41 - 23:27 - 24:12 win. Gail Gordon of the host Dungeon Rock Racing took the women's title in 32:33. Renee Bousquet and Sarah Phillips took 2nd and 3rd respectively.
acidotic RACING's 70 year old Gary Reuter traveled down from Maine to win the 60+ title in 36:37 - quite probably the top performance of the day --- well except for the team putting on the race. Next up on the Eastern Mass/New Hampshire snowshoe racing scene is the 'challenging' Feel Good Farm 8K in Lyndeborough, NH on January 16. Feel Good Farm features 4 trips up and down Moose Mountain --- enough to satisfy the toughest snowshoer. Rumor has it there will be 40 pounds of hot Portuguese Kale Soup awaiting the snowshoers at the finish line.
Nighttime snowshoe training runs are also on the calendar at Horse Hill Nature Preserve in Merrimack, NH on select Tuesday and Thursday nights. For more info go to http://www.moosemilers.com/.
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Place Time Points Name Team Age Sex Bib City St

1 22:41 100.00 Ben Nephew CMS POLAR BEARS 34 M 163 Mansfield MA
2 23:27 96.68 Geoff Cunningham ACIDOTIC RACING 32 M 140 Meredith NH
3 24:12 93.69 Charles Therriault ACIDOTIC RACING 24 M 164 Newmarket NH
4 24:36 92.19 Dan Verrington CMS POLAR BEARS 47 M 80 Bradford MA
5 24:57 90.86 Chris Dunn ACIDOTIC RACING 41 M 88 Strafford NH
6 25:49 87.82 Reeder Fahnestock ACIDOTIC RACING 30 M 185 Exeter NH
7 25:52 87.70 James Pawlicki CMS POLAR BEARS 35 M 153 Beverly MA
8 26:17 86.26 Christopher Smith DUNGEON ROCK RACING 43 M 107 Woburn MA
9 26:32 85.45 David Loutzenheiser 43 M 823 Cambridge MA
10 26:47 84.68 Jeremiah Fitzgibbon ACIDOTIC RACING 53 M 173 Bedford NH
11 26:55 84.24 David Starbuck 27 M 133 Wenham MA
12 26:58 84.12 Richard Lavers ACIDOTIC RACING 33 M 130 Concord NH
13 27:04 83.78 Rob Bousquet 43 M 135 Waltham MA
14 27:12 83.38 Aj Migonis 31 M 177 Magnolia MA
15 27:31 82.39 Luke Fernandez THURSDAY NIGHT THUNDER 23 M 183 Kennebunkport ME
16 27:32 82.36 Tim Short WICKED RUNNING CLUB 29 M 111 Burlington MA
17 27:44 81.78 Sam Wallis TEAM PEACHY PEACH 18 M 105 Allson MA
18 27:52 81.36 Brian Staveley TEAM PEACHY PEACH 33 M 158 Boston MA
19 28:06 80.69 Phil Erwin BLAZING TURTLES 42 M 103 New Durham NH
20 28:14 80.32 Jay Myers ACIDOTIC RACING 39 M 188 Dover NH
21 28:18 80.15 Scott Jason 33 M 189 Lynn MA
22 28:22 79.93 Austin Stonebraker ACIDOTIC RACING 30 M 186 Durham NH
23 28:32 79.46 Jonathan Ring 31 M 115 Westford MA
24 28:49 78.71 Jay Curry DUNGEON ROCK RACING 38 M 2 Lynn MA
25 28:59 78.26 Patrick Smith DUNGEON ROCK RACING 47 M 49 Salem MA
26 29:08 77.83 Matt Garceau DUNGEON ROCK RACING 38 M 181 Salem NH
27 29:17 77.43 Scott Graham ACIDOTIC RACING 51 M 131 Westford MA
28 29:23 77.19 Chris Field 27 M 57 Salem MA
29 29:31 76.85 Daren Fiske 29 M 125 Woburn MA
30 29:46 76.16 Frank Pearson 23 M 194 Westerly RI
31 30:20 74.75 Peter Malinowski 55 M 138 Beverly MA
32 30:28 74.44 Aaron Toleos WICKED RUNNING CLUB 38 M 106 Boxford MA
33 30:37 74.05 Sal Genovese DUNGEON ROCK RACING 44 M 184 Marblehead MA
34 30:38 74.01 Richard Tomlins WICKED RUNNING CLUB 44 M 67 Swampscott MA
35 30:41 73.92 Miles Grimshaw TEAM PEACHY PEACH 18 M 128 Cambridge MA
36 30:42 73.84 Robert Wanamaker MERRIMACK VALLEY STRIDERS 51 M 114 Eliot MA
37 31:12 72.66 Ed Mulrey GILLIES AC 50 M 129 Boxford MA
38 31:17 72.49 Dan Cooper DUNGEON ROCK RACING 37 M 92 Salem MA
39 31:22 72.31 John McCormack 37 M 150 Lynn MA
40 31:25 72.19 Richie Blake ACIDOTIC RACING 41 M 193 Tyngsborough MA
41 31:55 71.05 Brian O'Hara 52 M 42 Danvers MA
42 32:15 70.32 Doug Smith 45 M 9 Salem MA
43 32:33 69.67 Gail Gordon DUNGEON ROCK RACING 38 F 18 Lynn MA
44 32:34 69.64 Glenn Meister 47 M 187 Wellesley MA
45 32:56 68.84 Bill Morse DUNGEON ROCK RACING 58 M 112 Dracut MA
46 33:07 68.47 Bruce Campbell DUNGEON ROCK RACING 52 M 180 Peabody MA
47 33:10 68.38 Christopher Cuozzo 27 M 99 Woburn MA
48 33:15 68.20 Renee Bousquet 34 F 136 Waltham MA
49 33:23 67.93 Tom Hancock 46 M 161 Belmont MA
50 33:37 67.46 David Homan 30 M 86 Salem MA
51 33:44 67.22 Colin Maclay WICKED RUNNING CLUB 41 M 108 Salem MA
52 33:45 67.20 Mike Toomey WICKED RUNNING CLUB 37 M 151 Marblehead MA
53 33:54 66.88 Fernando Tomaz 50 M 96 Haverhill MA
54 34:11 66.34 Daniel Barrett DUNGEON ROCK RACING 47 M 17 Lynn MA
55 34:25 65.88 Stephen Martin SHAMROCK RUNNING CLUB 44 M 192 Lynn MA
56 34:56 64.92 Kyle Grady 29 M 199 Somerville MA
57 35:01 64.77 Sarah Phillips 26 F 119 Cambridge MA
58 35:14 64.36 Eric Finney DUNGEON ROCK RACING 39 M 137 Salem MA
59 35:30 63.86 Richard Kelly FUEL BELT 48 M 149 Walpole MA
60 35:50 63.29 Rachel Hunt WICKED RUNNING CLUB 36 F 109 Salem MA
61 35:59 63.01 Rob Stewart BLAZING TURTLES 29 M 143 Dover NH
62 36:21 62.39 Jessica Mulligan TEAM PEACHY PEACH 17 F 97 Cambridge MA
63 36:27 62.21 Timothy Lindsey ACIDOTIC RACING 38 M 15 Strafford NH
64 36:32 62.07 Christopher Sammartano 53 M 171 Ipswich MA
65 36:37 61.93 Gary Reuter ACIDOTIC RACING 70 M 126 Kittery ME
66 36:49 61.58 Tara Crowley 38 F 826 Salem MA
67 36:50 61.57 Jamie Crowley 41 M 825 Salem MA
68 36:52 61.50 Shelby Erwin BLAZING TURTLES 14 F 104 New Durham NH
69 37:06 61.12 Kevin Dennehy 44 M 28 Swawmpscott MA
70 37:27 60.55 Liz McCormack TEAM PEACHY PEACH 16 F 118 Boston MA
71 37:43 60.12 Art Gray DUNGEON ROCK RACING 56 M 101 Winthrop MA
72 37:44 60.10 Sara Field 26 F 58 Salem MA
73 38:04 59.57 Paul Copeland DUNGEON ROCK RACING 46 M 141 Winthrop MA
74 38:35 58.77 Erin Bennett COMPREHENSIVE RACING 39 F 197 Salem MA
75 38:55 58.28 Denise Dion WESTERN MASS AC 51 F 156 Readsboro VT
76 39:00 58.14 Melissa Jaynes WICKED RUNNING CLUB 29 F 77 Salem MA
77 39:02 58.08 Margaret Banker 36 F 110 Beverly MA
78 39:18 57.69 Paul Hennessey 60 M 824 Salem MA
79 39:24 57.55 Paul Croft 49 M 121 Swampscott MA
80 39:50 56.92 Angela Zukowski 26 F 1 West Springfield MA
81 39:52 56.88 Kathryn Jinks 21 F 159 Salem MA
82 39:55 56.80 Scott Briggs 28 M 38 Holden MA
83 40:20 56.22 Mackenzie Dowdy 24 F 94 Dover NH
84 40:24 56.12 Bill Mullen DUNGEON ROCK RACING 61 M 90 Peabody MA
85 40:27 56.07 Patrick Jinks 49 M 160 Salem MA
86 40:28 56.03 Timothy Bourassa SHAMROCK RUNNING CLUB 39 M 32 Woburn MA
87 40:29 56.01 Sharon Barbano 56 F 191 Salem MA
88 40:30 55.98 Erik Showers 30 M 170 Salem MA
89 40:31 55.96 Tara Starbuck 28 F 134 Wenham MA
90 40:32 55.94 Chris Anderson WICKED RUNNING CLUB 41 M 27 Salem MA
91 40:33 55.92 Rozanne Puleo COMPREHENSIVE RACING 35 F 144 Somerville MA
92 40:35 55.88 Michael Amarello ACIDOTIC RACING 46 M 100 Merrimack NH
93 40:37 55.82 Anne Noga TEAM LUNA CHIP 49 F 122 Salem MA
94 40:41 55.74 Stephanie Cooper DUNGEON ROCK RACING 38 F 93 Salem MA
95 40:42 55.71 Michael St. Hilaire GREATER DERRY TRACK CLUB 31 M 45 Salem NH
96 40:44 55.67 John Russell 56 M 59 Salem MA
97 40:49 55.55 Sandra Purington 46 F 66 Ipswich MA
98 40:55 55.41 Rich Lewis DUNGEON ROCK RACING 52 M 132 Lynn MA
99 41:00 55.30 Stephen Dragoni RED NOSE CLOWN 39 M 62 Boston MA
100 41:38 54.47 Liam Brady 53 M 827 Salem MA
101 41:47 54.26 Christen Johnsen DUNGEON ROCK RACING 39 F 152 Bedford NH
102 41:53 54.14 Larry Ducady 33 M 117 North Providence RI
103 41:55 54.10 Stu Greeley DUNGEON ROCK RACING 56 M 148 Lynn MA
104 42:02 53.95 Jen Migonis 28 F 176 Magnolia MA
105 42:02 53.94 Brad Clark BLAZING TURTLES 32 M 178 Berwick ME
106 42:26 53.44 Miriam Wilcox 27 F 73 Candia NH
107 42:31 53.32 Stephen McAvoy 58 M 157 Everett MA
108 42:41 53.12 Bethany Radabaugh 34 F 89 Swampscott MA
109 42:56 52.82 Nicole Manseau 37 F 5 Malden MA
110 43:22 52.28 Scott Winder 49 M 120 Salem MA
111 43:52 51.69 Devon Carroll BLAZING TURTLES 20 F 139 Dover NH
112 43:53 51.67 Jeanne Peckiconis THURSDAY NIGHT THUNDER 48 F 182 Kennebunk ME
113 44:01 51.51 Matthew Kochesa 39 M 166 Salem MA
114 44:27 51.01 Elizabeth Gray BLAZING TURTLES 20 F 142 Newmarket NH
115 44:40 50.76 Shawn Patti 42 M 124 Newbury MA
116 44:49 50.59 James Brock 28 M 22 Boston MA
117 44:59 50.40 Deanne Hobba 42 F 190 Salem MA
118 45:02 50.35 Cindy Bennett DEAD HORSE BEACH AC 51 F 175 Marblehead MA
119 45:03 50.34 Mark Keaney 52 M 162 Lynn MA
120 45:26 49.90 Les Davis 43 M 95 Haverhill MA
121 47:16 47.97 Bart McCarthy 37 M 169 Beverly MA
122 47:40 47.57 Nick Lake 25 M 830 Brighton MA
123 47:50 47.40 Jennifer Bauna 34 F 828 Cambridge MA
124 48:07 47.12 Beth O'Grady 49 F 46 Salem MA
125 48:16 46.97 Allison Rourke DUNGEON ROCK RACING 34 F 31 Salem MA
126 48:19 46.94 Denise Murphy DUNGEON ROCK RACING 45 F 48 Salem MA
127 48:19 46.92 Megg Briggs 28 F 37 Holden MA
128 48:20 46.92 Kristie Loftus 31 F 820 Charlestown MA
129 48:23 46.86 Christopher Wellington 27 M 6 Manchester NH
130 48:33 46.70 Travis Knapp 33 M 819 Charlestown MA
131 49:12 46.09 Patricia Curley 46 F 24 Beverly MA
132 49:35 45.73 Suzanne Camyre 33 F 79 Beverly MA
133 49:38 45.69 William Hekking 35 M 78 Salem MA
134 49:40 45.66 Todd Bollen 55 M 26 Lynn MA
135 49:43 45.61 John Harrigan 48 M 179 Beverly MA
136 49:46 45.56 Deb Jackson DEAD HORSE BEACH AC 59 F 35 Salem MA
137 49:49 45.51 Steve Bennett DEAD HORSE BEACH AC 54 M 174 Marblehead MA
138 49:52 45.46 Jenn Merlan 39 F 168 Pembroke MA
139 49:55 45.43 Kathey Moskal DUNGEON ROCK RACING 39 F 52 Danvers MA
140 49:56 45.41 Kim McCarthy 40 F 69 Pembroke MA
141 49:57 45.39 Michael Head 27 M 4 Somerville MA
142 50:08 45.23 Joanne Lachapelle CMS POLAR BEARS 55 F 63 Worcester MA
143 50:09 45.21 Maureen Farren WINNERS CIRCLE RC 61 F 23 Amesbury MA
144 50:10 45.20 Meg Michaels MYSTIC RUNNERS 54 F 29 Wakefield MA
145 50:11 45.18 Colleen Coburn 23 F 68 South Boston MA
146 50:13 45.16 Angel Green 00 F 165 Lynn MA
147 50:16 45.10 Jennifer Smith 34 F 10 Salem MA
148 50:18 45.07 Jaimie Vanmassenhove 28 F 54 Lee NH
149 50:20 45.05 Theresa Murphy 25 F 72 Newton MA
150 50:21 45.03 Ellen Murphy 29 F 71 Brookline MA
151 50:22 45.02 Katrina Bernstein MOST INFORMAL RUNNING CLUB 29 F 36 Somerville MA
152 50:23 45.00 Kelley Kugel 27 F 64 Somerville MA
153 50:24 44.99 Sarah Lomonaco 28 F 25 Mansfield CT
154 50:33 44.85 Barbara Brash 37 F 167 Pembroke MA
155 50:34 44.83 Bonnie Hallinan DEAD HORSE BEACH AC 60 F 172 Danvers MA
156 50:49 44.61 Jim Logan DEAD HORSE BEACH AC 62 M 34 Salem MA
157 51:02 44.43 Karen Vitone DEAD HORSE BEACH AC 43 F 74 Salem MA
158 51:49 43.75 Howard Jones 56 M 822 West Springfield MA
159 52:11 43.45 Aubrey Gray DUNGEON ROCK RACING 23 F 102 Winthrop MA
160 52:26 43.25 Terrence Cullinane 40 M 47 Winthrop MA
161 53:51 42.10 Erin Coffey 27 F 60 Waltham MA
162 53:52 42.09 Rebecca Zaffini 28 F 3 Somerville MA
163 54:24 41.68 John Pierga 46 M 51 Danvers MA
164 55:47 40.65 Melissa Bourassa SHAMROCK RUNNING CLUB 42 F 33 Woburn MA
165 55:51 40.60 Josh White TEAM WHITE 17 M 145 Salem MA
166 55:56 40.54 Laurie Fontaine WICKED RUNNING CLUB 47 F 123 Peabody MA
167 56:01 40.48 Lanna Grady 34 F 198 Somerville MA
168 56:22 40.22 Kelly Dunn 25 F 829 Salem MA
169 56:23 40.21 Aimee Lake 26 F 195 Gloucester MA
170 56:28 40.15 Darla Johnson WICKED RUNNING CLUB 47 F 11 Beverly MA
171 57:04 39.73 Sam White TEAM WHITE 15 M 146 Salem MA
172 57:07 39.70 Joel White TEAM WHITE 48 M 147 Salem MA
173 57:53 39.17 Rachel Rawlinson 32 F 50 Dover NH
174 57:55 39.15 Marion Haber 32 F 87 Newburyport MA
175 58:25 38.81 David Burgess 38 M 818 Plymouth MA
176 58:29 38.77 Marissa Burgess 31 F 200 Plymouth MA
177 59:30 38.11 Kristen Kozlosky NORTH SHORE STRIDERS 35 F 154 Beverly MA
178 1:02:32 36.26 Courtney-Jea Carver Br 25 F 43 Salem MA
179 1:06:21 34.17 Amy Wood 31 F 44 Salem MA
180 1:07:05 33.80 Jill Horgan 23 F 91 Kittery ME
181 1:07:09 33.76 Donna Greenberg 52 F 113 Beverly MA
182 1:07:13 33.73 Debbie Shahidi WICKED RUNNING CLUB 48 F 196 Beverly MA
183 1:07:22 33.66 Sarah Nelson 23 F 30 Marblehead MA
184 1:07:49 33.43 Ariane Purdy 34 F 61 Swampscott MA
185 1:07:51 33.42 Kim Knowlton 34 F 831 Wakefield MA
186 1:09:16 32.73 Carol Grigas 67 F 82 Worcester MA
187 1:09:18 32.72 Dan Girard 42 M 55 Dudley MA
188 1:09:32 32.61 Jeanne Vural 45 F 84 Salem MA
189 1:20:48 28.06 Shelby Soloft 30 F 821 Jamaica Plains MA
190 1:20:53 28.03 Tricia Pini 40 F 85 Salem MA
191 1:21:11 27.93 Judy Leshinski 58 F 116 Londonderry NH
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Snowshoe Wonderland

The area of Lynn woods (rumored as one of the largest parks within one municipality at 22,000 acres or something) proved a winter wonderland once again. Snowshoes on, I ventured out with a pretty decently sized group and met some new people. We ran through wide areas and single track areas that were much more difficult to navigate--all proving photo worthy and worth the work to get there. I saw places of the woods I have not seen before, but have heard my friends talk about--Stone Tower and Dungeon Rock (the rock shaped like a skull--look at the as a profile and you'll see it). Dungeon rock is not called skull rock because there is literally a dungeon in it (see the little door) and there is rumored treasure buried in the dungeon. Yes, we did stop for a history lesson and it was great!

I also ran by a few places, like this frozen lake, where I literally had to just stop and pull out my camera!

First Long Run of 2010

January 2nd brought the snowstorm the running club was glad did not occur on Jan 1 and welcomed me back to long runs. I am running Burlington again for my third marathon to reach 3 before I am 30! Just over twenty weeks till marathon day! I ventured out with a friend and ran from Salem into Marblehead. Due to the slush we were working through and the wind we abandoned our plan to run Marblehead neck (an island) and ran through the streets of Marblehead ultimately getting lost (though we can always turn around with my GPS watch so you're never really lost). We were a little short on distance, but made it up in hard work and hills. Regardless we found ourselves a new favorite running route and a beautiful winter wonderland that made all the hamstring and quad burning worth the while.

Happy New Year

Today was the 3rd annual Frosty Four race in Salem put on by the excellent Wicked Running Club! It was a great way to start the new year. I volunteered at the race by helping people know where to turn about a quarter mile from the finish. After the race was over and all cleared out, the Wicked Runners who also registered for the race ran the course as a group. It was a lot of fun and reminded why I love the club! So supportive and such a great group of people. We even formed two lines and cheered on runners as they came down Front street. Then, I went home and rested with my runny nose.

2009 In Review

I looked back at the races and runs for 2009 and realized what a great year for running and for my personal self. I won't get all emotional, but you can look back at the 2009 posts too to see I learned a lot about support, struggle, and strength all in 2009. I ran more than 1,550 miles this year and ran races from 2.5 miles to 26.2 miles. I ran two marathons and 22 miles of a third in a torrential Nor'easter storm. I ran on the road, on the trail, in the woods, and even in snow shoes. I ran by myself, with my dog, with my husband, with my friends, with strangers, and even with a coach. While 2008 was when I learned I loved running, 2009 was when I realized all it had done for me and that I needed it. I used running as a goal, as a networking tool, as a problem solver, as a way to focus, and sometimes as a way to forget.

Whomever said you can't run from your problems, never laced up a pair of running shoes or they would have known you can run from them and even through them, and always always feel better at the end than before you started.

Here's to another great year of running in 2010. I think I'll start with a race on the 1st!

A New Way to Run

Sure there are different ways to run: slow, fast, at race pace, easy pace, sprinting, even "like you mean it." Today, I experienced running in a new way unlike these--with snow shoes in 18 inches or so of beautiful virgin white powder. It was amazing! The woods were pristine and a group of friends and I traversed the woods for 5 miles both on and off trail even jumping baby streams at times. We ran when we could, often taking advantage of straight aways without brush, tree limbs, or inclines. I even took off in front of the group, as the newbie, charging down a hill that had not a flake disturbed. . . well, not until I got there.

After just a few weeks back into running after taking a month or so off of training after the marathon to rest and spend time with my family, this was an amazing way to fall in love with running again. Further, this new way acted as a crude reminder that no matter how much time I spend running on the road, or even working out in the gym, my body can always be challenged in new ways. My quads and glutes burned as I lifted my legs and snow shoes above the drifts and through the powder as a reminder that we are a team. The bruise on my knee from my fall, reminds me that the team may not always work perfectly together. Yet, the little balls of ice on my eyelashes reminded me of the joys of seeing nature through different lenses. These lenses that my snow shoes brought me showed me childlike joy and an appreciation of nature.

Indianapolis Marathan Proves Monumental

I must say that the Indianapolis Marathon was in fact Monumental for me. With the help of the support noted in the previous blog, I shaved a substantial amount of time off my marathon finishing time wrapping up the race in 4:03, over 13 minutes off my Burlington finish. This race was one of the most organized races I have run with a ton of water and Poweraid stops, lots of crowd support, ample start and finish line amenities, and a fabulous t-shirt that finally fits me without the aid of my sewing machine! The weather was great and even got a little warm at the end. My favorites moments, besides running with the support of my family and finishing with my husband next to me, were running down Meridian street and running around the Circle Center monument. I later learned that while we Hoosiers call this just that, "Cirlce Center Monument," it is really the Soldiers' and Sailors' monument recognizing Indiana vetrans. Next time I am in town, maybe I'll climb the 331 steps to the top and observe the city from yet another perspective. In the meantime, here are some photo highlights of the race.

Reflection on Support

It seems after any big event in life, we have some down time and take a step back to ponder what it all means. Big races are no exception, after months of training and the finale of the big race--I often reflect (well in between naps at least). After my second marathon, and possibly it's location in my home state--I reflected on the meaning of support!

Support--by Melissa Jaynes (written for the beloved Wicked Running Club website and posted on 11/19)

Running always ends up teaching me something, even if I never intended to learn. In the very early days, my attempts at running quickly educated me on my lack of fitness; I missed the train when I couldn’t run a whopping quarter mile soon after moving to Salem. As I got a little better, running also taught me that pushing my body also helped push my mind in working through mental and emotional conundrums. When I started running road races I learned the importance of pacing, training, the value hidden in hills, and even the need to rest. Completing my first marathon taught me the invaluable lesson of not putting limits on my own capabilities.

As I prepared for my second marathon, running continued to act as my teacher. However, the most valuable lesson from this marathon was one we often must re-learn—the importance of support. I specifically signed up for this marathon in Indianapolis so that my family could see me run (did I mention Indiana is flat?). As planned, I expectantly learned lessons from a running clinic and multiple shorter races throughout my 20 week training schedule. I even learned lessons I didn’t anticipate such as how to “recover” from a race that just didn’t go as planned. But, my most important lesson was a reminder of the value of friendship and support. I loved the clinic because it challenged me physically, but mostly because I ran alongside up to 60 fellow runners who cheered for each other and noticed when someone was absent. I also loved running my long training runs with the support of a coach, and his beloved cooler of water and Gatorade, and fellow runners. We ran in heat and a lot of rain (see October entry on Amica marathon). Alone, such runs are often skipped or miserable, but alongside friends, I found myself laughing and sometimes even singing during torrential downpours and booming thunder. While the simple presence of the person next to you is support, so is the laughter and song that you remember in many following runs.

I was powerfully reminded of support when about a month before the marathon, one of my closest friends from Indiana lost her father, Tim, to a Diabetes related illness. I was unable to fly attend the funeral, and instead found myself longing for a way to show support from 1,000 miles away. I suddenly found myself researching the American Diabetes Association and e-mailing family and friends asking for donations in Tim’s honor as I ran the race in his memory. His death also forced me to look back at my life and reminded me that all of my accomplishments in life were achieved with the support of my family and mentor’s like Tim. Once again this proved true throughout the marathon. While during the race, unlike my training runs, I did not have a partner directly next to me, I was surrounded and motivated by support. I was moved by the support of my friends in the Running Club and their well wishes, tips, and good luck trinkets (who knew how important chapstick and a lucky hair tie could be). I was also moved by the support of my family and their cheers along the course. There is just nothing like high-fiving your Dad, seeing your Mom and Sister holding bright yellow signs proudly, hearing your 80-year-old Grandfather yell “pick up the pace,” having professional style action photos from your uncle, or having your husband run the last mile with you in jeans after seeing the pain in my face. As a result, I did not cross the finish line alone, but with Tim on my mind, my friends in my heart, my family by my side, and a reminder of one of the most valuable lessons in life.

I'll post more details and photos of the race shortly, but first, must well, must take another nap:)

Made the News

This was the local paper from my hometown the Saturday of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon (marathon #2). I ran the marathon in honor of my friend's father, and to aid the American Diabetes Association, who recently passed away after I couldn't attend the funeral. I was pleased that I even made the byline at the top of the front page:)

A Wild and Wet Ride

Before I agreed to jump in and help my friend (from the running club and my track group) run her first marathon, I checked out the marathon website. It read something like: The Amica Marathon offers runners a historic and scenic course. The route begins in downtown Newport, runs alongside the harbor, past picturesque Ocean Drive and along historic Bellevue Avenue. The second half of the 26.2 mile course runs besides the Sakonnet River. The finish line is at scenic Easton’s Beach.

Sounded great to me and I needed to get in my 22 mile training run the same weekend so why not run most of Amica with a friend? Plus, we could make a weekend away of it in a beautiful town. Well . . . sometimes things don't go as planned.

The Amica Marathon website now reads "In some of the worst imaginable running conditions, over 2,500 runners finished this year’s Amica Marathon . . . The perseverance of all runners, volunteers and fans was truly admirable, we look forward to seeing you all, and better weather in 2010!". Here are some more details about the weather: the forecast told of 48°F (which is normally perfect for running a marathon), 100% rain, and 28mph northeasterly winds gusting to 40. Yes, we'd be running in a what out here in New England they call a nor'easter. If you are uneducated about a nor'easter Wikipedia describes it as: a type of macro-scale storm along the East Coast of the United States, so named because the winds come from the northeasta storm. These storms include thick, dark, low-level clouds that often block out the sun (check) and the precipitation can range from a torrential downpour (check) to a fine mist (I wish). Low temperatures (check--though actually ideal for running without the next point) and high wind gusts (yes, this point--check) are also associated with a nor'easter.

Regardless of this--I realize "shit happens, it is how you handle it that matters." We handled it by running, laughing, and smiling. I won't say my friend wasn't disappointed, who wouldn't be, but as she put it "I didn't train for 16 weeks to not run". Plus, I learned another valuable lesson--while the selection of one's running apparel is important and can make or break your comfort level, sometimes some good old bodyglide (think vasoline but way better) and a vinal poncho are all you need. (I'd like to thank the runner that felt too hot in this at mile 3, I also thought I would remove the poncho a couple miles into my run, but well, then came the wind).

Don't you think I look like a caped super hero? No?

Here are some blow by blows and photos from the course. . .

My friend left to go get on the bus to the starting line and I continued to listen to the rain and eat my peanut butter toast (a fabulous pre and post race treat if I do say so myself). My husband and I drove to Starbucks for coffee and so I could use the bathroom one more time. We watched the runners take off and jumped in the car to "race" them to the 4 mile mark. The 3 mile and 4 mile marks were just across from one another with portapots in between. As soon as we saw the lead runner hit mile 3, I jumped out of the car and hit the portapots and then cheared on runners before jumping to the 4 mile marker and watching for my friend. (My husband in the meantime drove the course out of town to our warm dry house--he noted later that the course was beautiful and maybe in better weather we could return.) I was watching for my friend and chearing on the runners. I had my eyes peeled for her white long sleeve shirt, and then. . . I saw her face, and what appeared to be a black vest--nope no vest, she had wisely found a trashbag and made a vest out of it. While sportier than my poncho, a gift from a passing runner, could she fly faster than a speeding bullet with her vest? She pulled two handwarmers from her gloves for me and off we went:)

I joined her at the perfect time because within a half mile we watched beautiful huge waves crash along the rocks on our right while viewing gorgeous homes on our left. Into mile 2 for me and almost 7 for her, we turned into the wind and I realized the poncho was here to stay. We were essentially headed into the wind until we finally turned around at mile 21. Plus, by now I'd stepped into enough puddles, or splashed myself with my own feet enough that my shoes were completely soaked. I believe it was at this point that my friend beemed a smile at me and realized she was in fact running a marathon!

From mile 7-10 ish we ran by mansions. Some people were singing behind us and we joined in until we realized they were almost done with the half-marathon and well the chearfulness faided a bit for us:) Running by the mansions was fun though--here's what the Breakers (built by Vanderbilts) and the Marble house look like on a sunnier day. . .

Well, if the wind was bad before, the last mile or so surrounding the half marathon point was the worst and this was the only time I thought I might have to pull out the stops to keep Kathey moving. See, to add insult to injury, the marathon runners were routed to go right past the half marathon finish line and practically through it in a river 2" deep which could not be avoided. We actually had to ask around to figure out where the marathoners were supposed to go--into the wind again was where and through one more unavoidable and rather large river into the second half where the wind actually howled for a quarter mile until we turned a corner.

We started our first of two out and backs making a good climb uphill from 17.5 until the top of 18. We'd see the crest of that hill again on the way back, but this time we were running into the wind. We made it "up and over" and onto a small second hill. Here was passed fellow a Wicked Running Club member coming out of the turn around ahead of us and cheared for her. It is always nice to see a familiar face. Suddenly my hands were freezing and I realized my cotton "throwaway" gloves were still on and soaking wet with the hand warmers acting as little pockets of water inside--I ripped off the gloves and kept on trucking. During these double digit miles, we passed more "starter castles" and large open lawns with fancy iron gates, even if smaller scaled compared to the mansions. I recall a white house along the coast with bright ocean blue trip that was stunning and looked like a postcard from Greece to me.

We hit mile 20 and cheared a little--my friend was in unchartered territory and while her hamstring was angry at her, she seemed to be right with the world. We even picked up the pace. My friend claimed after the marathon that mile 20 was her favorite point in the marathon and that she felt great:) We proceeded back along the opposide side of the road we had already traveled chearing on almost every runner we passed along the way. At mile 25.75 I told her she was on her own and took off (finally sans poncho) to beat her to the finish and chear her on. Unfortunately, I encountered a maze and even running at top speed didn't manage to see her cross the finish--a disappointment but I didnt' want to run in with those who were official runners. The camera man at the finish line had also given up on the weather and missed taking my friends photo--not cool Amica!

With lots of shivering, a quarter mile walk to the busses, and a short drive back to the condo she was staying at (with buttwarmers on again)--the event was over. She was beaming and teary eyed and I, I had earned my way into my taper weeks where I would run as intensively but fewer miles and prepare myself for my own marathon less than 3 weeks away!

Hampton Half Marathon

I recently ran the Hampton Half Marathon in Hampton, N.H. again this year--my sixth half marathon now. I ran this race last fall as well and finished in 2 hours. This year, I ran with three other Wicked Running Club memebers (see photo below taken just before the race). The course proved pretty again. I went out hoping to P.R. for the half, and instead had a challenging run and learned a valuable lesson.




Last year when trying to break the half I ran behind a pacer, someone the course has run at a specific pace (with a large sign with that pace on their back) so that people hoping to finish in a cetain time can run along and make it. The pacer last year went out too fast and I broke the 2 hours only after letting them pass me and catching them later in the race, saving my energy instead of buring out early on. This year, another pacer did this and while I was focusing on my own pace, the fact that a pacer who should have been behind me and was instead ahead of me played with my mind. As a result, I didn't check my pace and went out too fast for 3 miles resulting in the rest of the race feeling hard and finishing a little slower than I had hoped.

Yet, while not a PR, I had a great time--I saw two friends complete their first half marathons and had another ride along with me in the car. Further, she helped me remember that this was in face my 6th half-marathon!!! I hadn't even realized it at the time and had a lot to be proud of regardless of any pace or P.R. So, I am happy to report that yes, I have now run 6 half-marathons, numerous races ranging from a 5k to 20 miles, and one marathon with another one less than three weeks away. Plus, I watched friends smile through 13.2 miles and was reminded of why I run--because I love it. Yes, I love getting faster too, but no matter what even when I was first running and slower--I run because I can and because I smile when I do.



Oh, and I eat when I run too--it seems all of the professional photos of me were of me eating GU.

More than Half-Way To Marathon #2

So, I realize I have not blogged in a long time--I regret this and will give the usual excuse that I have been busy (I mean heck training for a marathon takes a lot of time). Seriously though, we have had a lot going on in our lives--work has been super busy, it was summer briefly in New England, and well now football started (Go COLTS). From August to September, I got on an airplane more than 10 different times traveling to Chicago, Southern California (Laguna Niguel and San Francisco in one trip), D.C., Napa (the one trip for personal travel), and San Francisco. During all but one of these trips I was working crazy hours for work and squeezing in training but not always sleep. Somehow (thank you vitamin C) I managed to stay healthy and even ran some races on the weekend--very little sewing though.

The racing events:

--I signed up for a marathon training course. I have track practice once a week with about 40 other runners and a COACH--I have a COACH:) It is great--we run hill repeats and sprints and all sorts of stuff that would bore you all to tears but gives me chills of excitement. Yes, Mom, I do remember collapsing on the track in high school and had a brief moment of fear when I started but quickly got over it when I realized that now at 29 I am not bad running around the track and can do a mile around the track almost 6 minutes faster than in high school.:)

--I also now meet with this track group to do my long runs on the weekend. We meet at a local beach parking lot Saturday morning, by 7 am, and start most runs with 3.5 miles of hills and then head out for longer distances sometimes crossing three towns. It is nice because I have great friends to run with; get my long run done early on the weekend; have my coach out there to give water, Gatorade, and advice; and end at the icy ocean for a nice refreshing soak (much like the ice bathes in prior posts). I have met others with tons of marathon experience and have made friends and running partners with some running their first. It is nice to be able to even give advice to others and help my friends pace themselves for their own big day.

--I had my very first trail race where I was literally leaping tree roots and climbing steep loose-dirt hills. And, I LOVED it! This was a ton of fun and I ran the loop twice--once as a racer and once with a friend just for fun.

--I ran a 5K for the first time since I started running two years ago and set a PR by around 8 minutes dropping from a 33:18 to just under 26. I have now broken that PR as well thanks to the track practice:) (As a shout out and side note, the friend who talked me into that first 5K just finished her own first half-marathon and I am wicked proud of her!)

--I ran the famous (okay for New Englanders it is famous) Falmouth Road Race. This race is a 7.2 mile race in the Cape and has a limited entry number with a lottery system to get into the race with 25,000 runners and beautiful views of the coast. The light house view at the beginning of the race is in many films apparently (see photo below). My husband and I enjoyed a beautiful weekend and an okay race on my part (they can't all be your best race right).

--I ran my first official 10K last weekend, the day after running 20 miles mind you, and had an amazing race. I ran a 8:07 pace to finish 6.2 miles in 50:25. Okay, so my legs were shot the next day, but man, what a heck of a good time. (For photos go to capstonephoto.com and click on the Lone Gull 10K and then search by my last name.) The Lone Gull race was one of the most beautiful races in nearby Glocester (see photos below).

--I have run many of my long runs with a great friend from my running club and have laughed (and sung) through 16 miles of pouring rain with puddles up over my socks and encouraged her through the last 4 miles of a twenty miler refusing to let her quit (but telling her she could cry all she wanted--I know I am mean) and celebrating with her at the end (she is going to have a great marathon!).

Now, I have 6 more weeks until the marathon. I have just two real long runs ahead of me (a 20 and a 22) as well as a half-marathon, a 5K, and a 6.66 Devil run (come on I live in Salem) before marathon day--Nov. 7th. My spirits are high, the fridge full of carbs and protein, and my sleeps deep. I promise to blog lots more in the coming weeks before the marathon!

The Marathon Bug Bit--#2 here I come!

I got bit by that bug my running friends warned me about. . . I have signed up for another marathon. I new I would want to do another as soon as I was done with Burlington (hopefully this not a sign that I didn't run hard enough). I have even set my sights on the possibility of grand plans for my approaching 30th birthday next June--3 marathons by 30? I think this would be an amazing goal and accomplishment for me. While I wait to figure that out--I registered for the Indianapolis Monumental marathon in November in Indiana. The plane ticket is purchased and the first week of training was this week! For this marathon, I also signed up for a marathon training group in Salem. For 12 weeks I'll have a real coach and track practice once a week with group runs on Saturday mornings at 7 am for our "long runs." I think this will help mix it up a bit and give me new routes to run and good people to train with (I loved training with my last partner for the record).

Here is the website if you want to join me or just check out the marathon info: Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Link.

Back on the Blog

I am disappointed in myself that my last blog was June 1--this is after all about more than running and I haven't updated the blog since just after the marathon. So, here is what I have been up to and what is to come in the near future. Soon after the marathon, my husband turned 30. I threw him a surprise weekend where his mom flew in (he thought he was going somewhere: packed a suitcase, went to the airport, walked to the check in counter, and then saw his mom!), we had a great seafood dinner, we rented a sailboat and we had a party with close friends.

Then, my little sister proved to me that we are both getting older by getting married. I flew back to Indiana for a week to host a shower for her, help prepare for the event, and spend some time with family. The wedding was a beautiful country themed wedding held outside at one of her friend's homes. She really pulled a lot of different ideas together and it worked. In the photos below, my paternal randmother (the big sewer) quickly determined the blue ties on sis' dress would be prettier if we. . . and then three perfect bows appeared. Man I love that she continues to teach me amazing skills (yes, like Martha Stewart I appreciate a perfect bow). After her wedding, my maternal grandfather had surgery and I wanted to be there. It was nice getting to visit with him and ask advice of him like I have always done.

In late June, one of my friends and I threw another friend a bachelorette party in Boston. We made a girls day of it rather than being raunchy or anything: nails, cocktails, dinner and drinks at one poshy bar with dancing at another. I wish her the best for her Irish wedding and regret that we won't be attending in person.

I spent the next few weeks recovering from all the business early summer brought and getting the piles of to do's taken care of that accumulate when you are busy with life. These to do's include taking Otis to the Ocean where he learned to swim. Of course, activities also included sewing!! I mostly dabled in hemming pants and minor repairs (a snagged favorite sweater, a torn hem on some blouses, making some older and larger summer tops fit my slimmer runners physique (hehe)). I am hoping to get to some larger projects soon.