This website publishes occasional race reports. Please feel free to submit any reports on any runs you have done. Any race comments are always welcome. Send pictures too if you have them. Send your good stuff to web coordinator Joanne Corsano at joanne@picturelake.com.

A quick note on formatting to increase the chance I'll use what you send me. It's best if you send your content as text files (just type them up in Wordpad or Notepad) or nothing more complex than Word (or the vastly preferable Open Office). If you have pictures, send them separately. Please DON'T embed them in your document. Send as high res a version as you have (I will crop and resize appropriately). Those are my easy requests, folks!

Contents of this page (in reverse order as they are added to this page, so newest content is at the top; not necessarily in chronological order):

For older race stories visit the Road Reports Archive and the Newsletter Archive.

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Click to enlarge photo ... the field at the start.

by Ted Rowan

Falmouth Academy once again hosted the Generally Annual Chase the Turkey Cross Country Race to benefit the Falmouth Service Center. A field of 202 runners chased a turkey down the drive way of Falmouth Academy into Beebe's Woods in Falmouth on Thanksgiving morning. At the sound of a cannon, Alex, a student volunteer from Falmouth Academy dressed as a turkey, dashed down the driveway and into the woods. The field ran up towards Highfield Hall and into Beebe's Woods. The 4 mile course winds through the trails behind the Falmouth Conservatory, around the Punch Bowl, then back to Falmouth Academy. This fall's leaves covered the loose rocks of the carriage roads and single track trails making the footing a little dicey. A large puddle before the drop into the Punch Bowl gave the race a steeplechase character.

The students from Falmouth Academy were once again passing out Popsicle sticks and recording finishers. The race timing by FA students allowed students to perform community service.

Click to enlarge photo ... the race "rabbit" oops I mean "turkey".

East Falmouth resident Mike Norton (24:09) was the first runner out of the woods to win this year's race. Ken Gartner of West Falmouth was 12 seconds behind (24:21). Kayla Snyderman of North Falmouth was the first female finisher (28:11) followed by Imke Solander from Woods Hole (28:38). Mike Norton is a three times race winner. The first master female was Terry McKee of Woods Hole (40:39) and Gerry Maikath of Falmouth (49:46) was second in this division. Among male master, Bourne, Massachusetts' resident Bob Burt was first (29:56) and Mashpee's Gene McLaughlin was the second master male across the line in 43:13.

This race attracts many families out for some exercise before their family get-togethers. In the junior division, Caleb Gartner of West Falmouth (34:21) was the first boy under 14 to finish. Falmouth's Greg Pickart was the second male youth in 34:40. The first female junior was Marie Burchard of Woods Hole (33:35) followed by Jamaica Plain resident, Sara Pratt (40:53). Ken Gartner had better look over his shoulder as not only Caleb but six year old Henry (46:02), our youngest finisher, will be right there.

Falmouth businesses provided gifts for the various division winners. The overall winners received gift bags including a gift certificate from Corner Cycle and Green Eyed Daisy. Gift certificates were donated by Cape Cod Bagel Company, Ghelfi's Candies and Ice Cream, Pie in the Sky Bakery and Coffee, Shaw's Market, Smitty's Ice Cream, Stop n' Shop Markets, the New Balance Store of Mashpee, and Windfall Market. Coffee Obsession Coffee Shop provided the water for the 202 runners. Addias provided bib numbers.

Click to enlarge photo ... overall winners Kayla Snyderman and Mike Norton.

This race and the subsequent donations to the Falmouth Service Center were made possible by our host Falmouth Academy. Our volunteers came from Falmouth Academy, Falmouth Track Club (FTC), Falmouth Service Center, and other community members. Falmouth Track Club's Joanne Corsano got information and registration forms up on the web to promote the race through the FTC web site.

Thanks to the donors of goods and time, the Chase the Turkey Race was a success. We hope to support the Falmouth Service Center again next year. Thanks to the support and direction from the Falmouth Track Club we were able to organize and execute this race. We hope to see you all back in 2012.

... Ted Rowan

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by Glen Rogers

IM before 50

Hmm ... that sounds so ... "bucket list" but really it is far from it. So much more of a "journey", ya know? "IM before 50" was a self "challenge" that a close friend of mine and I formed way back in late 2004, or was it early 2005? Phew, that was a while ago! My friend still has a few more years to go before "making it happen", not so for moi! Last year I realized that 2011 was the dreaded deadline. 5 years had passed since that "challenge" so I needed to pick an event (not a race!), pick a plan and get moving! After all I had been doing triathlon events since 2003 (THAT my friends is a whole other story!) so the BIG ONE was always on the far distant horizon, as it is most triathletes. Just as 'marathon' is for most runners.

Click to enlarge photo ... Glen in the swim transition.

Well, would it be....IM St. George Utah? Super cool! tough course, IM Florida? on my b-day but the course doesn't jazz me, IM MOO (Madison, Wi) on 9/11!! Now that WOULD be cool! logistics would be tough, IM Lake Placid? Hmm...close by, know the area, 2nd toughest course, mid july? Hmm...lets see if I can get in? Couple dangerous clicks of the mouse...couple more fateful keystrokes...a few invisible credit card dollars later...."you are REGISTERED" Oh my, what HAVE I done!! July 24, 2011 Lake Placid here I come!!

YIKES!! Now how am I EVER going to train for this thing! Triathlon training research had told me that the training for iron distance triathlon is much different than any other distance. Longer time wise, many more hours per week, two and sometimes 3 workouts a day plus a much lower intensity of training, Zone 1 and 2 mostly. It's ALL about ENDURANCE baby!! Gotta make the bod last thru 12-17 hours of swimming, biking and running!! After mucho thought I chose to follow a 20 week training plan thru "Beginner Triathlete.com", my favorite triathlon website. (they have plans from couch to 5k to IM, check them out, it's FREE!! (another of my favorite things!))

March 7, 2011 I began to train for IRONMAN in Emmitsburg, MD while at the National Fire Academy. The days of double and triple workouts would start in the early spring of rural Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Lots of training was done on Cape Cod and New Hampshire. 6 days a week x 20 weeks = 2400 miles of biking, 500 miles of running and 74 miles of swimming! My strategy for the race was to keep the psyche in check, not get hurt or injured, finish the race before midnite. Make the first Ironman a doable day.

Click to enlarge photo ... Glen on his bike.

July 24, 2011 D-DAY!! 4:30 am brought a day of full sun, no humidity and temps in the mid 70s to 80s (a relief from prior 3 days of 100F!!) Perfect racing weather! The 2.4 mile swim in Mirror Lake in Downtown Lake Placid featured a 2 lap straight out and back venue. Water temperature was in the high 70s. I was able to keep my nerves in check, seeded myself in the mid pack toward the outside since I am a slow swimmer I didn't want to get kicked or be in any other swimmers' way. The first lap was going o.k. or so I thought until I stepped out of the water to reenter for the second lap!! TIME: 55:00 for 1.2 miles!! CRAP!! I stood waist deep into the 2nd lap for about 5 minutes contemplating everything, doubting everything. Several thoughts of Bob doing Mt. Washington race, Maggie running paris, my UBER support posse on the shore and IM B4 50 brought a DEEP breath and a splash into loop 2. JUST KEEP SWIMMING!! 45 minutes later I was sssssooo glad to hit the swim finish line!! The swim was not hard physically, it was just a mental game and it was done!

The bike leg brought 2 loops of wonderfully scenic upstate New York landscape. Mountains, rivers, little villages, and ....HILLS!!!!! relentless UUUUps and DOOOOwns! 112 miles of pushing the pedals around in circles for over 7:43 hours! (I did stop twice at our rental camp for bathroom, snack and hugs which ate up some time but I wouldn't change that for anything). Loop #2 surely took a toll on the old legs and endurance capacity. I was never so glad to get off the bike at I was at the bike finish! "Getting off the bike" is the key phrase! I could barely get my leg over the bar to get off the bike...ugh. Now I have to somehow finish 26.2 miles??!!

Hmmm....26.2 miles...after 112 uber hilly miles on a bike? What am I CRAZY!! I guess so. I wouldn't describe what I did for the next 5:57 hours as "running a marathon"!! Once again it was a series of ...deep cleansing breaths....bob running mt. Washington, Maggie running paris, uber support posse and IM B4 50...over and over again. Walk, jog, walk, jog...drink..eat what I could..move the legs forward. I did pick up a really cool guy to suffer thru the 2nd loop with. We chatted a lot and that helped us both tremendously. My uber posse was everywhere!! And that was awesome!

Click to enlarge photo ... Glen finishing!!!

Finally....the approach to the speed skating oval at the Olympic Center in downtown Lake Placid was in front of me. I grabbed my fire department ball cap and popped it on my head, straightened out my "beginner triathlete" singlet, Falmouth Track Club shorts and race number. Mike Reilly was loudly announcing "......YOU ARE AN IRONMAN" to every finisher as if it was his first of the day. I could hear that...but somehow I got into a necessary "grab what you got left" zone and "ran" the best I could toward the sound and the fury. I didn't hear my name announced, didn't hear or see my posse screaming for me....not a thing...just tunnel vision on the finish line. And then.....it was over....I was done!! The battle...the war....was done! I was exhausted, done, kaput, fini.

I had accomplished that challenge made so many memories and emotions ago. IM before 50. Special thanks to my uber posse of Joanne Phalon, my son, Tos, and my older brother, Dennis for putting up with me that day and being there thru the entire day from 4:30 am to midnite.

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by Dwight Pfundstein

The Falmouth Track Club was well represented at the 7th Annual Menendez Miler 5K Run/Walk, March 12, 2011 in Key West. 138 runners and 34 runners completed the race.

The weather was gorgeous by Cape Cod standards, high 60s with a breeze. You could tell who the locals were. They were the ones dressed in fullt tights, long sleeves, hats, and vests to warm up!

Click to enlarge photo ... Adam, Mary Ellen, Dwight and Kathleen amid the palm trees.

The Cape Cod runners claimed 3 medals and a placque for the day, we were definitely "ringers" who took hardware away from the local runners.

Kathleen Thomas was singled out for First Female Master with a time of 23:35, 2nd overall female and 24th overall, and awarded a handsome plaque indeed. Adam Ross medaled with 1st place Men 60-69 with a time of 24:04, 27th overall. Mary Ellen Ross medaled as 2nd place Women, 40-49 with a time of 24:36, 7th woman, and 30th overall. A humorous moment when Mary Ellen was called up, the announcer pronounced the town "Falmouth" as "Foul Mouth", so we all got a kick of out of that, and sounded off loudly how to pronounce it.

Dwight Pfundstein was 1st Men's 50-59, 11th overall, with a time of 21:39. Amazingly, the announcer could pronouce "Pfundstein" correctly, but not Falmouth!!! First race I've ever been to where that occurred.

Full results at http://www.southernmostrunners.com/results/MM-TotalResults-11.txt

All for now, the beach is calling.....75 degrees and sunny...

... Cheers, Dwight

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by Joanne Corsano

A solid two dozen Falmouth Track Club members ran in the First Annual Falmouth 5000 road race on March 12, a 5K organized by triathlete Raymond Botelho and starting and finishing on Grand Ave. near the finish line of the Falmouth Road Race in Falmouth Heights.

Anyone who glanced at the course map for this run might think it would be an "easy" run (if there is any such thing), at least what race directors like to call "flat and fast." But that would not have taken into account seashore weather on Cape Cod in late winter. High winds are no surprise at this time of year, and in this race, they were certainly a factor.

I left my cap in my car since I knew for sure it would fly off my head in that wind. The first event was the kids' fun run at 9:45. The kids ran a couple of hundred yards up Grand Ave. (into the head wind! those poor kids), to the cheers of the adult runners. We then headed down Grand Ave. to the corner of Worcester Court for the start of the 5K. The popgun sounded to begin the race, and we were off. With the wind at our backs our first miles were all very, very, very fast. Runners were glancing at their watches at the 1 mile mark and exclaiming in disbelief at what they saw. The course continued along Menauhant Road, over the Great Pond bridge (the only hint of a hill on the course), and looped around a couple of small roads in the Acapesket neighborhood, and then ... into the headwind on the return.

I wasn't sure I was making any forward progress at all during that last 1.5 miles. I felt like I had to lean forward just to keep from getting blown backwards. My legs were working just as hard as ever; it felt like I should have been moving forward, but it was at a snail's pace compared with that glorious mile 1.

Once the run was finally finished, and we were all back inside the convivial warmth of the British Beer Company, everybody quickly got over our dismay at the wind, and we all agreed it had been a challenging but exceptionally scenic run. When the awards were called out, no less than thirteen FTC names were called to receive awards. I was particularly proud of the performances of 8-year old Caleb Gartner (third junior) and Joanne Jack (third master, pleased as punch to be back from her recent injuries, who ran 5 seconds faster than her goal time). You can see the complete list of FTC runners and how they did in their age groups at this website's race results page.

All in all it was a well organized and enjoyable event with a safe course, t-shirts, awards, raffle prizes; nicely put together for a first time event.

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Click to enlarge photo ... Runners before the start.

by Ted Rowan

Falmouth Academy once again hosted the Generally Annual Chase the Turkey Cross Country Race to benefit the Falmouth Service Center. A field of 227 runners chased a turkey down the drive way of Falmouth Academy into Beebe's Woods in Falmouth on Thanksgiving morning. At the sound of Falmouth Track Club's cannon; Tyler Gwynn, a junior at Falmouth Academy dressed as a turkey dashed down the driveway and into the woods. The field ran up towards Highfield Hall and into Beebe's Woods. The 4.2 mile course winds through the trails behind the Falmouth Conservatory, around the Punch Bowl, then back to Falmouth Academy. This fall's leaves covered the loose rocks of the carriage roads and single track trails making the footing a little dicey.

Also, this year's course was shortened to 4.0 miles by a misplaced arrow at the Punch Bowl. Sorry for the slip up especially to those of you that really keep track. You thought that this was your best Chase the Turkey ever and it probably was! East Falmouth resident, Mike Norton (24:09) was the first runner out of the woods to win this year's race. Steve Faluotico of West Falmouth was 30 seconds behind (24:40). Anne Preisig of Falmouth was the first female finisher (27:41) followed by Caroline Pierce from Woods Hole (27:59). Both first place runners are repeat winners. The first master female was Chris Sherwood of North Falmouth (34:28) and Terry McKee of Woods Hole (36:28) was second in this division. Among male master, Jim May of Williamson, NY was first (29:56) and Bourne, Massachusetts' resident Bob Burt was the second master male across the line in 35:18.

Click to enlarge photo ... Anne Curi Preisig repeats as women's champion.

This race attracts many families out for some exercise before their family get-togethers. In the junior division, William Young of Larchmont, NY (28:59) was the first boy under 14 to finish. Falmouth's Greg Pickart was the second male youth in 33:39. The first female junior was Sally Rountree of East Falmouth (34:05) followed by another East Falmouth resident, Lily Josephs (34:19). Speaking of families, the four Malvasso girls of Jordan, New York and Falmouth all completed the race once again. The oldest, thirteen year old Alexis finished in under 40 minutes with the 11 year old triples; Antonia, Miranda and Marissa not too far behind. Another notable Falmouth 11 year was Artie Robichard's 36:10 mid-pack finish. The future looks bright for Falmouth Track Club.

Falmouth businesses provided gifts for the various division winners. Gift certificates were donated by Boardstiff, Cape Cod Bagel Company, Corner Cycle, Eight Cousins Book Shop, Ghelfi's Candies and Ice Cream, Green Eyed Daisy, Pie in the Sky Bakery and Coffee; Shaw's Market, Stop n' Shop Markets, the New Balance Store of Mashpee, and Windfall Market. Coffee Obsession Coffee Shop provided the water for the 227 runners. Addias provided bib numbers.

Click to enlarge photo ... FTC's Preisig and Norton repeated as champions from last year.

This race and the subsequent donations to the Falmouth Service Center were made possible by our host Falmouth Academy. Our volunteers came from Falmouth Academy, Falmouth Track Club (FTC), Falmouth Service Center, and other community members. Falmouth Track Club's Joanne Corsano got information and registration forms up on the web to promote the race through the FTC web site. Courtney Bird, Doris Beatty and Russ Pelliter of FTC gave up their Thanksgiving morning to get the race timing down.

Thanks to the donors of goods and time, the Chase the Turkey Race was a success. We hope to support the Falmouth Service Center again next year. Thanks to the support and direction from the Falmouth Track Club we were able to organize and execute this race. We hope to see you all back in 2011.

-- Andrew Daley and Ted Rowan

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by Joanne Jack

A dozen people showed up for the soggiest Friday five miler in months! The rain had been falling in sheets for a few hours, and the event director himself looked doubtful about running. People started rolling in, however, and it was on!

The speediest took off very quickly, probably to get it over with, and the rest of the group followed at a relaxed pace: given the weather, nobody was too concerned about time. As we approached our first really GOOD puddle, someone cursed under his breath (you know who you are!), then everyone started SP-LASHING through it, and despite the dreaded wet shoes, there was a round of GIGGLING!! Well, that giggling sort of set the mood for the run, because from then on, at EVERY puddle, there was a light-hearted aura amongst the group members, and more giggling. When we got to the deepest puddles on Surf Drive, there were some shouted "WOO-HOOs" from everyone, as we charged down the road's yellow center line, the 'shallowest' part of the puddle/lake.

This night's run had something unique (except for that Rosie Ruiz incident in Boston), a drop-IN! As we ran around Beebe Acres Road, there was a lone man standing at the end of his driveway wearing a blue raincoat and holding an umbrella. As we passed and said our hellos, he commented that he usually runs this five miler. By the time the back-of-the-packers passed him, he was inspired: he ran into his house, changed clothes, and joined the drowned dozen who started this five mile bath.

Everyone was smiling at the finish, even our neighbor drop-in. The event director had his hat on sideways like one of the little rascals, and the mood was light and whimsical. This was probably the most FUN Coffee-O run ever!

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by Ann Tarrant

I've been very inspired lately by Joanne Corsano's efforts to "rally the troops" for some races off Cape, so when she invited me to run the "Blessing of the Fleet" 10 miler (named of course for the fishing fleet, but Joanne suggested they should consider changing the name to also include the "not-so-fleet" among us), I was happy to sign up. Some of you might know that I'm pretty laid back about logistics (i.e., often don't plan well enough). The race takes place in Narragansett and the runners start at 6 pm. I checked it out on Mapquest and had a predicted drive time of 1 hr 45 min, so I planned to leave Woods Hole around 3:30 (This is remarkably good planning on the "Tarrant scale"). Joanne (somewhat wiser and more cautious) convinced me to meet her in Pocasset at 3:00 (I was a little late, but way ahead of my original plan). I drove up with Joanne and her incredibly supportive husband, David ... and we hit a PARKING LOT of traffic as we neared Narragansett! (We briefly considered letting David take the car and running to the start, thus turning the run into a half-marathon, but thought better of it, and we did arrive in time ... just barely. --Joanne).

We parked in a church parking lot and sprinted over to registration to get our numbers. We had very little time for hanging around before we edged our way into the 3000ish runners and started. It was hot and a little muggy, but there was a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the air. I don't remember too much about the course, mainly that my body decided it didn't really want to run that way, so I became "carnage" on the road ... had a lot of fun but not a very impressive time.

The most exciting part came halfway through the run when it POURED BUCKETS on us! It was a torrential but very short-lived downpour. Since I was already in a pretty non-competitive mode, it was fun ( and a little cooler) to squish and splash my way through the rest of the race. The finish was pretty spectacular; we ended at the big "Blessing of the Fleet" festival with a great carnival atmosphere. Joanne ran a really strong race (truly "fleet"). We had a great ride back, stopping at a super cool retro/urban chic diner for some calorie replenishment, followed by another downpour on the way home. The race was a lot of fun, but more of an "event" than the low key club races I generally run ... and definitely plan ahead for traffic!!!

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by Kevin Leach

On July 10th, five FTC members made a 5 hr road trip (2nd annual) out to Utica N.Y. to participate in the Utica Boilermaker 15 K Road Race. Making the trip were Kris Tholke, Laurie Fife, Madeline Marken, Steve Nearman, and Kevin Leach (host). Shortly after 8 AM on Sat morning we all piled into Steve Nearman's van and headed for Utica. The trip was uneventful aside from an accident on the NYS Thruway that delayed us for about a half hr ... All in all the drive seemed to go by quickly, even with several coffee and bathroom stops along the way. We arrived in Utica ~ 1:30 and headed straight to the Expo which is held on the grounds of what was once known as the Masonic Home, a sprawling complex of old brick buildings and spacious lawns, with large shade trees. It was your typical expo with many displays, famous runners speaking, the latest in running garb, etc, etc.

After the expo, we managed to find the last tomato pie remaining in East Utica (all of the local Italian bakeries were sold out) to munch on for lunch, as we previewed the course by car. The course preview covered the entire 9.3 miles and contained the usual moaning and groaning about hills as we ascended the golf course road at mile 3 ... Tomato pie by the way, is very unique to the area and sold in many bakeries and stores throughout the city. It is similar to pizza with a similar crust, a coating of olive oil, and a generous coating of a spicy tomato sauce on top which has the consistency of a paste. It is baked in the oven and then doused with parmesan cheese on top. It is typically eaten, neither hot or cold, but at room temperature ...

After finishing up the tomato pie and literally driving to the point inside the post race party fence where we would all meet following the race, we made our way out to my sister's house, which is about 15 minutes southwest of the city. She lives in a small town called Clinton NY, (my home town), which is a small college town (Hamilton College). Coincidently Jack Afarian has a brother who married a girl from Clinton and she has hosted Jack for many years that he has run the Boilermaker ... Since Jack was once again traveling to Clinton for Boilermaker weekend and to visit his brother, he invited the FTC group to his brother's house for a pasta dinner on Sat nite along with many of his family members, some of whom were getting set to run the next day.

It was a great atmosphere and Jack's sister in law Peggy, put on a great dinner which is an annual event at their house. Now I must say that while Peggy's dinner was great, it did eliminate what has been a long standing tradition for many previous boilermaker trips (that I have hosted in a former life time), to have our pre race dinner at Joe's restaurant where spaghetti and meatballs are still only $5.00 a plate, 16 oz beers are $1.00, and there is only one wine -- house Chianti. The gruffness of the staff cannot be overstated. They will usually laugh if you ask for butter and act as though you are joking, if they don't humiliate you first. They also have little patience for your order, even though there is only one wall menu that only lists only "some" of what they sell ... They are famous for their roasted peppers, mushroom stew over pasta, meatballs, and antipasto salads; which all are simple but very good ! A trip to Joe's is not quickly forgotten, as it is like going back in time to the '50s or '60s.

Race morning came early, as the Boilermaker is an 8:00 am start. We were all up at the crack of dawn and after some coffee and a light breakfast, packed up and headed out the door shortly after 6 am. There were over 13,000 registered runners and the start is typically very congested. We were bused to the start and all managed to find a porta potty and get a good starting spot (not too far back in the corrals). There is chip timing, but no staggered start, so it is important to get as close to the front as reasonable to avoid the frantic congestion seen further back in the pack. Once the gun went off we all quickly separated, finding our own pace and getting lost in the crowd of runners. Out on the course it was wall to wall spectators from the onset, more amenities then you will ever see (water, ice, Gatorade, popsicles, water hoses, just to mention a few and plenty along the entire route), non stop live music along the course (some 32 music spots over 9.3 miles) and Boston like crowds along the entire route. The course was challenging but fair, with 2 significant up hills and 2 very long gentle down hills ... Steve and I managed to stay together most of the way (his choice, as I couldn't pull away from him). The weather was picture perfect with low humidity and temps at race time ~ 65 degrees. Previously untouchable records were shattered in both the men's and women's fields.

Click to enlarge photo ... The group (L to R): Steve Nearman, Madeline Marken, Kevin Leach, Laurie Fife, Kris Tholke, Jack Afarian.

The post race was second to none and held in a large paved lot attended by ~ 40,000 people including runners and spectators and highlighted by 250 kegs of Saranac beer (Mike Norton, you would love this one !), all compliments of the Saranac Brewery where the post race party takes place. Live music provided by "Nick & the Nice Guys" added to the festive atmosphere and the electricity that a race like this produces. The paved lot is on a gradual grade allowing all to view and listen to the band situated on a big stage in one corner of the lot. By Noon we had all had enough post race nourishment and were ready to head for the Cape. The ride back was a bit long given the sore muscles and the effects of drinking several beers (well, maybe more then several) before noon on a Sunday. We treated ourselves to some junk food early on in the trip and settled in making it back in good time with no traffic issues.

All in all it was a great weekend; Kris and Madeline finished very strong, with Madeline finishing 2nd in her age group amidst a very large and strong field. Please congratulate her when you see her on that accomplishment ... Laurie managed to finish in a respectable time despite a painful case of shin splints that almost sidelined her at the last minute!! Her PT Dr. Nearman managed to help her get to the starting line (No, it wasn't a leg massage!).

The trip will be on again next year, so mark you calendars for July 11th 2011. I will send out a reminder email sometime next spring. ... Kevin Leach

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by Maggi Yates

It was a dark and stormy winter. It was no fun to try to train for a marathon during rain, wind, sometimes snow, often ice, and lots of cold. There was a 3.5 year lapse since my last marathon and 2.5 years ago I had some surgery with major consequences. In spite of that, I ran 515 miles from December through April to get ready for the 2010 Paris Marathon.

The thought was in the back of my brain for many years. Over those years, I have done New York, Boston and Cape Cod. I had always thought that Paris or Dublin would be fun and very meaningful. The thought began to jell into a plan when, one night in the Quarter Deck, when, Bob said "Let's go to Paris and you can run the marathon". The plan became a project when I found out that my other idea, to get a waiver for Boston, would cost $250. Paris was 90 Euros. Yes, there would also be transportation, lodging, food etc. to drive up that cost, but then there would also be croissants, real French bread, Notre Dame, Musee D'Orsay, and walking around Paris. It became a no brainer and I registered.

On April 11, I stood poised with 40,000 Frenchmen and other runners from all over the world at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe staring down the Champs-Elysees. The morning was sunny, breezy and rather cool ... a good day for running.

Click here to read the rest of Maggi's story (in PDF format). Then use your back button to come back here (but you knew that).

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by Joanne Jack

Apparently, there has come into existence some kind of bucket list for my life. I wasn't aware it existed until a friend said it out loud, of all places, in the porta-potty line. We were talking about the daunting (for me) task shortly to come: my first ever triathlon. Boy, was I jazzed up! I wasn't exactly nervous: I trained for this thing; physically I was ready. It was something more than nerves, it was ... deep deep somewhere inside of me, some primitive feeling of knowing I had this monumental thing to do, but knowing that no matter how difficult it was, I would be able to do it. I knew it would be hard, and I knew I couldn't POSSIBLY imagine just HOW hard, and it was a little bit of fear of the unknown mixed with a little bit of fear of knowing I wouldn't quit, no matter what. It was a weird, alien, inexplicable SOMETHING, and I was just out of sorts, with everything and nothing spinning me like an out-of-balance crazy top.

I have a wealth of good people who have supported me throughout the preparation for this race. Some have done triathlons before, and some have not: all of them have had words of wisdom, encouragement, and support for me along the way. Glen and Ann swam with me, batted me around a little, made me put my feet down in the yucky ocean-stuff that MOVES and harbors critters ... they told me everything they thought I could use to help ease my mind about all things ocean-related. Others who knew it was my first time had the kindest of things to say; the confidence they had in me because they know I have some kind of drive to do this THING I've never done before. Advice, connections, training time, the offer of a bike to borrow, tools of the game, tricks to try, so much information that I soaked up like a sponge to be the best I could be: it was ALL taken in so thoroughly, and like homework, I would review it laying in bed while I drifted off to sleep.

... and here is race day. Joanne Phalen, next to me in the porta-potty line, tells me that when it's over it's one more thing to cross off on my bucket list. I loved that! That, and the reference to Nemo the cartoon: just KEEP swimming! Joanne's done a bunch of triathlons, and when I saw photos from her most recent, she was SMILING in EVERY picture! This is someone who knows what she's talking about! Glen, he took me out into the deep water and swam right along with me so I wouldn't freak out. (Also he stomped on my little toe just for fun). Ann, who's had many triathlon experiences, gave me one-on-one time in the ocean, gave me priceless pointers and built me up so I knew I could do it. She gave me swim toys/tools to use to improve my stroke, and came to volunteer on race day! Stace showed up, just to cheer me on for my first tri. Jack offered me his bicycle to use (alas, it didn't fit, but WHAT a generous gesture!), and came to lend support on race day. My parents, my children, my best friend Vicki, Doris, Maggi & Bob (they had to go to Boston but came to say good luck and give hugs) all came to lift me up for this. How could I not do well with all that help? All that love? (and that isn't even mentioning John, who has trained with me, coached me, prodded me when I was being wimpy, and hugged support the ENTIRE way).

The swim was mountainous. I knew it would be a challenge, but I didn't know the water would be so choppy or that seeing some guy brought in on a surfboard would get me so ... derailed. I knew the choppy water would make it hard, but when I saw that guy - someone from an earlier start wave, who I guess just didn't feel he could finish - taxied in on a surfboard, game over ... my heart started the flippy-flops. It had already been close, that's for sure, but to see someone AT THE START! already all done ... on the one hand, it made me exponentially more fluttery, and on the other, it helped me to resolve that nothing, no matter what, was going to make me do that. I knew I would finish, however difficult it might be. It was difficult!

When I got into the water, I took a few strokes and just panicked. My head came up because I couldn't control my breathing, so I did the breast stroke (ugly: very hackerish at best), and tried to swim normally, but every time it was the same thing: my heart was trying to bust out of my chest and I ended up breathless in three strokes or less. It seemed like it took forever to get through that swim, but somehow I did it. Doggie-paddling, back stroke (again, ugly), anything. I was NOT giving up. Everyone passed me! Joanne came by, from two or three waves back, and told me I looked good! She's a saint, I think, because I looked anything BUT good. Determined not to die, maybe, but not good. I eventually made it out though, amazed that I had done it, wondering how it went by so fast and so agonizingly slow simultaneously. When my feet touched the sand, I felt like a champion for finishing something so scary to me, something I was incapable of doing six months ago.

As I staggered out of the water, I took off my goggles and cap, unzipped my wetsuit, and headed for the bicycles. We had practiced transitions carefully, in full detail (minus the sand), and I knew what to do. My heart was still doing the flippy-flops about the swim, but I managed to focus and keep moving, and off I went. I heard nothing around me, only my inner voice telling me what to do: pedal as fast as possible, remember where and when to shift, keep in mind where those blasted hills are, and MOVE! I think I was about 2/3 of the way through the bike ride when my flippy-flops subsided and I realized that I REALLY wasn't going to drown. The bike ride was great, and traffic was minimal: we'd practiced in much more precarious road conditions. I even passed a few people on my trusty steed! When I got close to the transition area, I remembered to get off the bike and run it in. Found my campsite, racked the bike, took off the helmet, and started to run.

Click to enlarge photo ... Here are John and Joanne at the finish.

Of course, I use the word 'run' loosely. It was running when the brain told the body to do it, but I'm not sure what it looked like to onlookers: it felt something like wild hobbling and flailing, with slight forward motion. My family saw me and gave a loud cheer as I left the scene, and never have I needed it more. It was great to have my wits about me after the ordeal in the water, but as I became completely coherent I realized just how much work I was doing. The swim had tapped me of all strength, the bike ride had chased it away and made sure it wouldn't return. I walked. Ten feet maybe, then I realized I might never run again, so I started immediately back into the shuffling wobbly movement that was supposed to be running. Somehow I was passing others who were shuffling just a bit slower than I was. When I started seeing friends on the return run, it lifted me up and gave me some oomph to keep running, out to the turnaround, and back again. It was hot, but I like the heat.

As I approached the finish, the crowds cheered and the volunteers clapped. There were about 40 feet of sand to run on, and I was so happy I passed one more person! Then I crossed the finish line and thought: "I did it!" I swam, I biked, I ran, and I finished.

My First Triathlon.

WOO-HOO!!!

This is the hardest thing I've ever taken on voluntarily, and I can't wait to do it again!

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by Joanne Corsano

Of the hundreds of road races I've run, most have finished in a parking lot, or on a road. I finished a marathon on a track once (Jacksonville). I finished a half marathon in a minor league baseball stadium once (BayState half). I have finished on grass or in the woods a few times.

But never before have I finished a race on artificial turf, in a football stadium, and not just any football stadium, but Gillette Stadium, where the New England Patriots play their home games. Going to a Patriots game is one thing (anybody can do that if you can get a ticket); actually participating in sport on the same field where our three-time champions play their sport was a real thrill.

Click to enlarge photo ... Here I am before the start.

The race is the Harvard Pilgrim 10K at Patriot Place, put on with assistance from the wacky and creative folks at Loco Sports. It started in the parking lot in the shadow of the "the Razor," after a pep talk by Bill Rodgers and the anthem sung by the "Singing State Trooper," Dan Clark. The field was about 3,000 strong, runners and walkers. The day was hot but not oppressively so, for July 4th at 9:00 am. It was mostly overcast with just a little wind, good running conditions for a summer day. The course wound its way through largely shaded streets of Foxborough. There were some rolling hills but nothing too steep; the longest hill was around mile 5. There were water stops at every mile. There were adequate police and course marshalls along the way to control traffic. There was a scattering of spectators, especially when we ran through the Foxborough village center, although there was only one hose on the course; maybe next year more residents will be aware of the race and there will be more hoses to cool the runners. The timing was done with the new "B-Tag," the device that attaches to the runner's bib.

At about 5 and a half miles a volunteer was out on the course (this guy had the plum job for sure) announcing: "Next turn you'll be entering the stadium!" Sure enough, the runners took a left hand turn, and there, a short distance away, loomed the stadium. Some runners confessed after the race that they got goosebumps at that point, but that close to the finish line is no place to lose your cool. We approached the stadium, ran through the same tunnel the Patriots players use to get onto the field, through a giant sized football helmet emblazoned with the "Flying Elvis" logo, and ran 50 more yards to the finish arch, set up at midfield.

The artificial turf is a nice spongey running surface. I sat down on it after finishing to check it out close up. (Okay, I confess, I wanted to kiss the holy ground.) The stands were open and there were many family members and friends of the runners cheering us on. There were drinks and snacks in a tent after the finish. My husband took some videos which we have posted on Youtube. I won't embed the videos but if you would like to look at them here are the links.

The start of the race

Runners finishing in the stadium

Bill Rodgers addressing the crowd as runners finish

This was truly a race that was worth talking about afterwards. If they had had entry forms at the finish line, I think I would have signed up for next year's running of the Patriot Place 10K right on the spot.

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by Stace Beaulieu

Ann Tarrant, Steve Faluotico, and I ran the Mt. Greylock Half Marathon on June 20. The 13.5 miles up, over, and back down around Massachusetts's highest peak reminded me what I love about trail racing. For Ann and I, the race "started" about 3 weeks earlier, on a training run in the Catskills with fellow FTC Member Jeff List. We were ambling along a rough, narrow, and steep trail when Ann asked, "Is the Greylock race going to be like this?" I replied "Yes," with an appropriate degree of concern. But Jeff, aka RockHopper, exclaimed, "Yeah, easy like this!"

The actual day of the race started ominously with the crackle of thunder and bursts of lightning at 5AM. We were in a bunk room at Bascom Lodge, at the summit of Mt. Greylock. The storm passed, and we were getting our gear ready for the day when my Camelbak reservoir broke. I admit to being overly anxious at the start of the race, nervous about the weather and unsure of my improvised approach to carrying water in bottles on my back and in my hand.

The race started at 10AM sharp, and the first 3 miles are straight up from Greylock Glen to the summit. I enjoyed the camaraderie of suffering with the heat and the slope and reached the top in just under an hour. The next stretch of trail was inappropriately named "Overlook Trail." Although maybe this was an overlook a hundred years ago, now it is a nice cool forest with lots of roots and damp rocks (which I gingerly ran over). About mid-way I reached my favorite part of the course, a beautiful meadow of wildflowers surrounding the narrow trail. Ann remembers the waves of heat in that meadow! But then she reached her favorite part of the race, a shaded double-track that was the old road back down to the town of Adams. I had to stop several times on this part of the course to dip my head in the streams crossing the trail.

I'll agree with Jeff that the last few miles of the course were easy, and I could look around at the forest, streams, and meadows. Overall, I think the effort of this course is similar to the Northern Nipmuck 16-mile race, but with more diverse terrain. I highly recommend this race for someone interested in a tough but runnable trail race in beautiful western Mass.

On the way back from the race we stopped at a gas station on the MassPike and - just by chance! - met up with another FTC member, Rachel Horwitz. Rachel and a friend were returning from hiking to the top of Greylock, using some of the same trails that we had run on. We had just missed her by minutes at the top of Greylock!

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by Paul DiAngelis

Ok, so I've got a story from the Run 2 Register race at Quantico Marine Corps Base, Va. I'm standing in the corral after the race and from behind me I hear "someone from Massachusetts at this race, no way!!!"(btw I was wearing an FTC shirt!).

Click to enlarge photo.

Standing there was a Marine buddy of mine that I had lost touch with 15 years ago! His name: Brad Boitnott, his wife Missy(she spotted me) and son Tyler. Brad and I met in '89 in Memphis, Tn while in aviation training school. We went on to Camp Pendleton, Ca after that...I stayed there, and he went to NAS Atlanta. Our paths crossed once again 3 yrs later, when I got orders to Atlanta! In '95 I got out, and Brad got orders elsewhere and we lost touch at that point.

Fast forward to March 27, 2010. Brad is still in the Corps and is currently a Major!! So glad I chose to run this race, not only did I secure a number for the MC Marathon, but most importantly I re-connected with my Marine brother!! :)

Semper Fi

For more pictures of Paul and his Marine Corps buddy visit this page.

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by Brian Shacter

Did you ever have one of those thoughts , like ... "Gee, why haven't I ever done that ?" And the answer is: "There must be a good reason." Well ... I did ... and there is ...and I knew it all along. I've been using my legs to run and pedal myself around for many years, in many places ... run my share of races long and short, and ridden several multi-day bike rides ... but swimming, more than just getting cooled off and body surfing here and there, has not been part of my repertoire.

However, this winter ( such as it is in San Diego ) I found myself with a calf injury and a gym with a 25 meter lap pool. Determined to not do any weight bearing exercise for a week, I decided it was time to give swimming a go. That first day I was just hoping nobody was watching. Even though I was in pretty good shape ( marathon ready ) I was gasping for air long before I was able to grab onto the gutter on the far end of the pool. The next 11 minutes were torture. My technique is terrible, I don't own a Speedo, and listening to my own bubbles is ... well ...annoying. However, being stubborn has its advantages and after 3 sessions of splashing around I started to feel like I was actually swimming.

This is where the "Gee, why haven't I ever done that?" thing comes in. I have long wanted to do a triathlon, but the swimming has always scared me off. Several years ago there was a "Tri - Event" held at Otis that included rollerblading, then running, followed by biking, that was a lot of fun .... and all on land. But now that I'd put in the laps I figured, "What the heck?" ... and wouldn't you know it, my neighborhood triathlon was less than a month away. The San Diego Sprint Triathlon has only a quarter mile swim ( whew!), followed by a 9 mile bike ride and a 5K run. .... no sweat.

Of course I tracked down my friend and Falmouth Sprint Triathlon champ Nate White for pointers ... and a wet suit. He gladly lent me his training suit, which sort of fit, and off I went to try it out. Do you know it is much easier getting into one of those wetsuits than out? I eventually bought my own ... at a sale of course .... but only got it on once before the race. So yes, I was really stressing out over the whole swimming part. But as I told whoever was interested, "If I can get out of the water ... and out of my wetsuit ... I'll be fine."

Last Sunday, under grayer than expected 6 AM skies, I racked my bike and set up my gear in my assigned spot ... I think they intentionally put us rookies and more "mature" folks as far away from the entrances and exits of the transition area as possible ... squeezed into my wetsuit and tried to warm up a little. I was in the 12th wave ( was that a movie?) so I had some waiting around to do with many other neoprene clad competitors. Some turned out in mostly skin, but I went for the buoyancy and slickness provided by my new wardrobe. The buoyancy part was truly appreciated as it was a deep water start and we had to tread water for several minutes before we were set loose.

Click to enlarge photo.

Determined to take it easy and avoid the splashing and thrashing of my wave mates, I set out at a leisurely crawl ( pun intended ) but much to my dismay, after 7 strokes I was helplessly out of breath. Avoiding possible panic, I rolled over onto my back and got right into the rhythm of my much practiced elementary back stroke. Thus, I spent most of the swim looking at the sky, navigating by a few big cumulo-nimbus clouds ... feeling like a sea turtle lollygagging on his back, enjoying a day a the beach. I tried several times to regain my crawl and make some speedier progress, but the constriction of the suit ( gotta blame it on something ) kept me from ever getting my breathing under control, so back over I went and made the most of it. I wasn't the last one in my wave out of the water, but I was close enough to hear the splashes and gurgles of those behind me.

Finally, my feet found bottom, and I was able to run to the transition area and start stripping along the way. I did trip myself up pretty good getting my first foot free, but after that .... as I had predicted ... I was fine. The ride was flat and fast ( for me ), and my legs adjusted to the run quickly. I felt great at the finish, and ended up in the middle of the pack for my age group. After some much appreciated post race refreshments, and a soak in my sister's hot tub, I was ready for the rest of the day, feeling pretty darn good.

Yes, someday I probably will take on another triathlon ... but not before my wetsuit and I spend a few more practice sessions together in the ocean.

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by Brian Shacter

Well, I guess most of you suspected I couldn't stay out of it for long, so yes, joined by my California sunshine, Susan, I checked out volunteer opportunities at our backyard Carlsbad Marathon. ( Imagine, moving from one marathon town to another.) Making procrastination a fine art, by the time I stepped forward there were only 2 choices left: stuff runner bags, or be a Course Spotter. Not wanting to waste all those years as Course Director for the Cape Cod Marathon, it was a no brainer (no offense, Janet). Then, much to my surprise ... and delight ... I found out that this was not the same as Course Monitor at the CCM. We were literally among the elite!

Click to enlarge photo.

As Course Spotters we rode on the back of motorcycles ... fully dressed Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classics ... escorting the lead male and female runners, and phoning in the who, when & where of the leaders back to the finish line for the announcer to keep the throngs informed. My ride was bright orange and practically glowed, it was so buffed out ... and you should have seen my helmet! My driver, Dale, has done this many times and handled the machine with such ease, all I had to do was take in the sites. As with most of this Harley crowd, Dale made a wonderful wind screen, which helped keep off the early morning chill. He also kept my knees a bit farther apart than they took a liking to. When I got off, it took those knees awhile to get re-acquainted and for me to regain my full 5'7". Did I also mention that Dale was one of the first to the VIP tent for breakfast? And yes, we followed right along and gulped down the goodies with the winners and race mucky-mucks.

Sue's driver, Mike, on the other hand, was a good bit slimmer, taller and younger than Dale. If she comes home one of these days wearing leather pants and chains, I might get worried. Then again ...

Click to enlarge photo.

Riding with the leaders, and not having to worry about traffic and what was happening on the rest of the course was really a treat. My guy ( another Brian ) finished in 2:18 and almost broke the course record ... and it was his first marathon. I can't help think I must have contributed to his performance in some way. He led from the start, and increased his lead throughout the race, winning by over 5 minutes. The women were a little more interesting ( aren't they always? ) with the lead changing hands ( feet? ) at about 19 miles.

As usual, I had some techno-difficulties getting my walkie-talkie Nextel phone to work in the early miles ... way too many buttons ... but cruising back on "my" hog I found Sue & she straightened me out ... again.

The 6 AM start was struggling to reach 50 degrees, but as the dawn brightened, the runners were treated to a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean, and the day warmed to a beautiful, sunny 63 degrees. PERFECT ! The entire course was closed to traffic, which is a plus; but much of it is run on 2 & 3 lane major connecting roads, which are less than scenic ... think Rt. 6 with traffic lights and no trees; and crowds were sparse. Still, the 11 or 12 miles along the ocean are spectacular. There is also a half marathon with a little later start that got the most attention. Not only were there almost 9,000 participants (compared to 1,700 in the full marathon), there was also a truly elite field dominated by transplanted Kenyans.

The race is put on by In Motion Sports, and they really do a professional job. Motorcycle support is provided by a local Harley club, and the 15 or so bikes took on a variety of tasks. However, Sue & I were the only communication links on the course, unlike the 30 or so Amateur Radio Operators and bike patrol folks at the CCM. I think I might have some suggestions ... if anybody asks.

Click to enlarge photo.

Meanwhile, I am preparing to return to Death Valley on February 6 ... Stay tuned. Now I need to put in a few miles along the beach ... Anybody want to join me?

I case you were wondering, I really do miss all my young-at-heart friends ... and all the miles, and coffees, and aches and pains we've shared. On the other hand, even though we had a full week of precipitation here, I didn't have to shovel once.

All my best from the west,

Brian
bshac@roadrunner.com

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by Joanne Jack

The Hangover Classic was a great event this year (my first). The run was icy at the start and end, but the roads were clean for most of the course. We had somewhere around 30 runners, all very cheery on the chilly sunny morning. The cannon shot was a BOOMER, (wonder how the neighbors like that) and we all took off. As we trickled in to the finish, Courtney Bird and Bob Yates were keeping time and handing out prize tickets for the infamous raffle to be held at the awards ceremony.

What a spread Carolyn had for everyone to warm up to! There was coffee (with the optional Irish Creme), a cauldron of hot mulled cider (with optional 180-proof rumstuff), and enough food to feed an army of hungry runners. There were some obvious favorites from Classics-past, as was overheard from previous Hangers..."I love the rum balls!" ..."I MUST have the macaroni and cheese!"...and my own favorite, Carolyn's French Toast! You can't skip that one, it's the best ever! (sorry Mom)

The awards ceremony began with Courtney brandishing a huge bucket for our uniformed president, Glen Rogers, to pick tickets out of. Everyone got a prize, including the Grand Poobah himself, for his drumming finesse at the marathon after-party (his FIRST piece of NONCapeCodMarathon clothing!). This year's kitchen sink winner was Maggi Yates, and the Hangover Classic Trophy was awarded to Laurie Fife. There were numerous other "gifts," among them silly hats, used clothing, gift certificates to places we REALLY want to shop at, light-up beer mugs that no longer light up, and past-years' volunteer clothing that only fit the jolly green giant!

It was a fun day for everyone, and just the best way to start the new year!! Lots of smiles and warm hearts and food and a big happy family of runners. Happy 2010!

Pictures of the after-run Hangover Classic Party have been posted here.

For older race stories visit the Road Reports Archive and the Newsletter Archive.

Website managed by Joanne Corsano. Email joanne@picturelake.com.