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.

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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.

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by Ted Rowan

Click to enlarge photo ... the start of the Thanksgiving Day race.

A field of 213 runners chased a turkey down the drive way of Falmouth Academy into Beebe's Woods in Falmouth on Thanksgiving morning. Falmouth Academy once again hosted the Generally Annual Chase the Turkey Cross Country Race to benefit the Falmouth Service Center. At the sound of Falmouth Track Club's cannon; Tyler Gwynn, a sophomore 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.

East Falmouth resident, Mike Norton was the first runner out of the woods to win this year's race. Todd Kirkman of North Falmouth was 30 seconds behind. Anne Preisig of Falmouth was the first female finisher followed by Sarah Correia from Falmouth, Maine. The first master female was Terry McKee of Woods Hole and Debbie Gove was second in this division. Among male master, Keith von der Heydt was first and Richmond, Massachusetts' resident Lawrence Cohen was the second master male across the line.

This race attracts many families out for some exercise before their family get-togethers. In the youth division, Morgan White of Old Lyme, Connecticut was the first boy under 15 to finish. Falmouth's Greg Pickart was the second male youth. Speaking of families, the four Malvasso girls of Jordan, New York and Falmouth crossed the line within seconds of each other. Twelve year old Alexis was the first female youth followed by 10 year old triplets; Marissa, Miranda, and Antonio. This was quite the family effort.

Click to enlarge photo ... The Falmouth Track Club won both women's and men's divisions in the persons of Anne Curi Preisig and Mike Norton.

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, Smitty's Ice Cream, Stop n' Shop Markets, and Windfall Market. Coffee Obsession Coffee Shop provided the water for the 213 runners. Mizuno USA provided bib numbers, tee shirts, and a pair of running shoes. Debbie Octs of North Falmouth won the drawing for the Mizuno running shoes.

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, Falmouth Service Center, Falmouth High School, and other community members.

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. All are encouraged to come back and participate next year. Bring friends and family to add to this Thanksgiving tradition.

Here are the results for Falmouth Track Club members who ran. For complete results, visit Cool Running.

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Don Lyons of the Martha's Vineyard Times covered this first-time event, hosted by the FTC's Paul Hartel. He says:

The first Gay Head Renegade, a half marathon road race, was a smashing success. Forty-eight runners reported to the starting line and all completed the run.

Read the rest of his story at this link.

Pictures from the event will be posted soon.

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by Joanne Corsano

I ran the third annual Maine Coast Half-Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 8. This race takes place entirely within the town of York, Maine, a pretty seaside village just over the state line. The course started along a flat seaside road (Rte. 1A), and then there was a loop through a glacial crumple jutting out into the ocean (the Nubble, complete with spectacular lighthouse). This part was up and down rolling hills. The course then headed away from the water for some more rolling hills, then another flat stretch along the coastal road, finishing up with a somewhat hilly fishhook section along the southern end of the course. Altogether it was a little hillier than the website led you to believe, but nothing was too long or too steep.

It was a perfect day. It was 60 degrees, sunny, and not much wind. It was the sort of day no New Englander has a right to expect for early November. It was shorts-and-track-club-singlet weather.

Here I am in the Maine Coast Half Marathon, complete with watermarks from the race photographer.

The full name of this race is "Maine Coast Half Marathon -- All Women and One Lucky Guy." The race organizers (the Loco Shoe people) decided to have an all women's half-marathon -- a splendid idea -- and then they decided to have a lottery and select one male runner to be in the race. When I first heard about this idea a year or two ago I wasn't sure if I thought it was a really dumb idea or a really smart idea.

Now, having seen it in action, I know it's a really smart idea. Not only does the race committee get to raise some more money with no effort at all (to enter the lottery, a man has to pony up ten dollars), but that one lucky guy has the time of his life. Nowhere else will an average male runner get this kind of attention. This year's one lucky guy was a fast runner -- he finished twelfth overall -- but other years the guy has been a definite mid-packer.

I went up the night before and attended the pre-race pasta dinner. The food was very good. They hired a real chef to prepare pasta, salad and dessert. There was entertainment, a local folk duo called Nice & Naughty, who were very good. There was a truly enjoyable speaker, Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run and finish the Boston Marathon with a number, in 1967. To top it off, I received a t-shirt that really fits. I never realized before this how much better a t-shirt size that's a woman's size fits than the unisex sizes you get at other races. I have now come to the distressing realization that the sleeves of every single one of my other long-sleeved t-shirts are too long. Who has a sewing machine I can borrow?

I had a good run, too. I beat my last half-marathon time (this year's New Bedford) by 2 minutes, and I passed many dozens of people in the last three miles or so (you know, those folks who ran a good 10 mile race). After my lousy, injury-plagued 2008, I am just so happy to be running decently (by my humble standards) again.

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by Joanne Jack

What a great day! This was my second time running Falmouth in the Fall, and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day to run. The temperature was a crisp 50 degrees; the sky was overcast, which meant no sun-blinding glare AND no need for hasty wardrobe changes, and probably my favorite weather condition was nostrong wind. It's challenging enoughto traverse the rolling hills and unforgiving pavement for seven plus miles without a blustery ocean wind trying to knock you off your feet.

There were close to five hundred people at this sold-out event, all in a festive mood as there was no oppressive crowding in Woods Hole. I knew quite a few runners, and most of them shared the love of the course and the relief of the relatively small field.

The starter's pistol was fired just before the end of Ray Charles' "America the Beautiful," and off we went, barreling up the hill and into the quiet residential roads of Woods Hole, on our way to Falmouth Heights. The pace seemed fast from the start, and as the runners stretched out, there was a peaceful quiet on the roads that isn't there when you share the course with 10,000+ others. Missing were the throngs of spectators, who do add fun to the race, but in their place (for me, anyway) was my own enjoyment of the run, my getting a feel for the pace and the scenery, which is just about impossible in a crowd. There were handfuls of cheering people here and there, and of course the volunteers always clap and yell for you as you cruise by.

As the miles rolled by, I could feel myself wondering, "can I beat my summer time?" I skipped the first water stop at mile three, because I just wasn't ready to drink. By the time I got over to mile five, however, I was parched! Just in a nick of time, I saw Maggie and Bob Yates clapping and cheering, and they let me know water was right around the corner. That water was the best! I slowed enough to have a couple sips, then I was off again, wondering if I'm really cut out for running. After all, I'm out of breath, my legs are tired, I'm thirsty...why does anyone do this? And then..."because it FEELS so good!" Out in the fresh air, in such a pretty town with breathtaking views along the course, with a bunch of other people who share the passion, what could be better on a Sunday afternoon?

Nearing the finish line, there's that one last hill, and it was a whopper on this day. There was a stranger clapping and cheering EVERYBODY on, and I swear he must have flown from Surf Drive to the top of the hill, because I know I saw him at least twice! He got me up and over, just by telling me to "go faster, it'll make the finish easier!". I don't know if he was right about that or not, because that hill beat me up and made me just about toss my breakfast! Then, there they were: Jack Carroll at the crest of the hill and the finish line spectators, ( including my parents), carrying me down the slope and over the line with their encouragement and applause, and Doris Beatty and Carolyn Bird with big smiles and congratulations at the end of the chute.. (I'm sure there were many others along the way that I didn't 'see' in my frenzied focus to the finish.)

After the race on the ballfield was the bestclam chowder, then almost as enjoyable as the race, meeting with running friends for beers at the BBC. We swapped stories, compared times, both to our own past times and to each other's, and thoroughly enjoyed the day. When's your next race, how do you feel after today's run, what are you training for next, and boy I can't wait to do it all again! Sharing the fun, that's why we run, and that's what this race is about.

Happy Feet! See you out on the roads...

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by Joanne Jack

The Falmouth Track Club had a good showing at this little race in Wareham last Sunday. In attendance were Adam and MaryEllen Ross, John Taylor, Joanne Jack, and our newest runner/member, Vicki Tufts. Tom Frazier was supposed to show up and beat the pants off all of us (so he built up in the weeks prior), but alas he got stuck in traffic! Poor Tom! (Lucky us)

It was raw and raining, and I think all 50-something runners who showed up to brave the weather were shivering well into the afternoon.

The race is very nice, and quite small. It's got a pretty flat course that starts at a little school and winds through residential back roads in a big loop. There's no traffic to speak of, and the highlights are 'readers' placed along the course, some in elaborate costumes, reading to the runners while they cruise by. (After the race there's a vote for the best reader, who wins a prize.) It was over before you knew it, which on this cold day was a blessing.

The post-race festivities took place inside the school, with waters, chocolate chip cookies, and apples to munch on. The only complaint was the lack of facilities (one single bathroom) to accommodate the runners...gotta appreciate the porta potty!

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by Joanne Jack

This was my third half marathon, and it was the best so far! The course was a little hilly I guess, but after you've run the Seagull Six and some of the hills of Falmouth, nothing really seems that bad!

I was placed in the very last starting corral because of my late entry into the race (I downgraded from the full marathon), and as a result spent the ENTIRE race passing people! It was both exhilarating and frustrating, because I knew I could have gone faster if not for all those people (more than 7000) in my way!

The day was coolish (68-70) and just a little bit drizzly, with no wind: perfect weather for a race! By the time us folks at the back of the crowd finally got moving, the clock had been ticking for about fifteen minutes. We shuffle-walked over the starting pad, with music blasting (can't recall the song), people cheering everywhere, and confetti falling from a machine like snowflakes. It was a party, and the party was ON!!

We ran straight through town for a mile or so, then made some turns and traversed some hills for awhile as we headed away from the city skyscrapers. My favorite part of the race visually was a trip around a lake. It was a mile loop, and you could see runners the entire way around, which made a very interesting picture as you approached it from the top of a small hill. The scenery was a little slummy in a couple of areas, and very pretty at times, with a couple of neighborhoods of pretty brownstones and trees lining the roads, with residents holding out trays of m&m's and gummy bears for the runners. Tony the Tiger was standing on top of a car holding a boom box and singing as loud as he could (you guessed it: The Eye of the Tiger), and that one made everyone chuckle.

The last stretch of the race was through a brick lined roadway alongside the right outfield of Camden Yards, headed straight for Ravens Stadium. When my feet hit those bricks, I put the hammer down (what was left of it, anyway) and went as fast as I could to the finish. It was a great run, one I hope to do again year after year.

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by Brian Schacter

Long Sleeves Make Great Pockets

Picture, if you will, the great California desert known as Death Valley. Whether or not you have ever been there, your mind surely has an image ... flat, hot, dry ... below sea level, 20 mule teams ( if you're old enough ) ... nothing to see except the glaring sun and mirages of water holes. Now imagine 300 determined ( foolish? ) souls setting out to run a marathon in such conditions.

There-in lies a tale. To complete my trilogy of marathons ... 3 in three and a half months ... and truly test my theory of: Rest is Best ... I registered to take on the challenge of The Death Valley Trail Marathon. I actually had to talk my way past the Race Director, as the marathon was already sold out ( see determined above ). Meanwhile, I was still in recovery mode from the Disney Marathon, and realized ( or convinced myself ) that I had neither the desire, nor the legs to train for this marathon. Being true to myself, it was not the training, but the doing, that was the whole point. My longest run during the 4 week respite was maybe 7 miles ... once ... and I didn't run at all in the 4 days prior to the marathon.

I arrived at the race headquarters, Furnace Creek Ranch, 15 miles inside Death Valley National Park from the east, after a seven and a half hour ride from San Diego ... where life continues to be good ... late Friday afternoon. I was immediately informed that the original course starting in the mountains had been changed. The road had already been closed due to recent heavy rains, and snow was forecast overnight. The Park Rangers take their jobs very seriously, and know that conditions can change dramatically in a short period of time in the mountains ... and the desert, as well, as we would all soon learn.

Furnace Creek Ranch is literally an oasis in the middle of seeming endless emptiness. Of course the desert isn't empty, but coming from heavily wooded New England, and more recently, heavily peopled and built up Southern California, it certainly looks that way at first. The ranch was built near a readily accessible water supply, and does feature a natural hot spring fed outdoor pool, horse back riding and an 18 hole golf course, as well as a saloon and several restaurants. After a long day in the car, all I wanted to do was stretch my legs a little, find a carbo-meal, and call it a day. Of course I would finish the evening with one of Janet's special chili pepper brownies. Yes, she came through once more ... and I would save the last 2 brownies for a post-race indulgence. I did have some difficulty falling asleep, but at least this time I didn't have to wake up at 2:30, since the start wasn't until 8 ish.

Meanwhile, it rained all night ... hard ... hard enough to wake me from my usual restless, pre-marathon sleep. Huge puddles awaited all of us as we tiptoed from our rooms to the check in at the saloon ... nothing like wet feet to start the day. I tried some instant oatmeal before heading out, but couldn't quite get past the cardboard effect, so a handful of organic O's and a slug of chocolate milk sent me into the wet, "refreshing", 51* breeze that awaited us.

Thinking of how to dress for the conditions troubled me. I hate starting out cold, but I hate even more being over dressed. What kind of layers would be easily disposable? What should go on top of what? Fortunately, I brought lots of stuff, never really thinking I would need more than a singlet & shorts for this run. I even had gloves and a variety of hats. And what to do about water? We were told that aid stations would be 3 miles apart. They would have water, Gator Aid and snack foods, but no gels. We were advised to carry our own water, just in case, and whatever else we might want or think we needed. I have never carried water in a race before. There are always plenty of water stops, and I wonder why anybody would want to lug something extra through a marathon. Even on long training runs, I would rather plant some water bottles along the way than carry one.

So thinking ahead ( not a usual strength ) I asked friends at home if they might have some kind of something that I could borrow ... 3 miles was a long way to go without water in a marathon ... in a desert. I had 2 offers ... one was too much bulk ... and the other was too little belt ... didn't quite fit around my hipless belly. So I broke down and actually went into a store and bought a bottle belt ... which at the last minute I just couldn't stand to have around my waist and left it in the room. And then it hit me ... since this was definitely going to be a long sleeved day, why not slide a small water bottle up one sleeve, and my throw away camera up the other? Brilliant! It really worked well. With a little practice I could drink just by tipping my elbow, not even having to unsleeve the bottle.

Mercifully, the rain let up as we were huddling around the starting area, waiting for the last bus of runners to arrive. The beginning of this alternate course was about 10 miles from Furnace Creek, actually closer than the original Titus Canyon route, and the start would be when the last bus got there. Now there's a concept! We would be running though Badwater Flats ( an omen? ), 200' below sea level through the very heart of Death Valley. On most days this would be a magically wondrous, scenic course with snow-capped mountains on both sides surrounding the hard-pan floor of the desert, and only the occasional mesquite bush to break up the view. However, the clouds seemed to almost touch the ground obscuring the mountains and sometimes even the runners. ( Question: Are clouds still clouds, even when they are below sea level? )

The start of the race itself was unique. The Race Director had the usual words of thanks and encouragement, laced with a few political references, and special warnings about running in the desert ... especially in a rainy desert. There was no actual starting line, just the posts that held the chain that was used to close the road during adverse conditions ( another omen? ) Nor was there a starting gun, cannon, or even a whistle (National Park Rules we were told ). The lead truck would flash its brake lights, and we would be off ... silently slipping down onto the very floor of the continent.

From a distance it all looked so flat, but almost imperceptibly we soon realized we would be starting on a very gentle, very long downhill ... which would seem all the more perceptible ... and even longer coming back up to the finish, as this was an out & back course, not point to point as the original course would have been. It certainly made sense as a last minute change, since it would be logistically easier with aid stations and transportation of runners to and from. However, for most of us, it was one more negative factor ( boring, tedious ) to put in our heads before even taking a step.

But step we did ... ever-so-slightly down into the "valley of death", over a hard packed gravel road. In the early congestion ( if 300 runners on an 8' wide road is congestion ) it wasn't easy to see where one's feet were going. Fortunately most of the stones were small, but the road was filled with ruts and washboards. These were not kind to the joints, so almost everybody lined up along the edges where the footing was a little smoother.

I dropped my throw-away shirt at the first water stop about 3 miles in. I say 'about" since there were no mile markers along the course. The aid stations which we were told were every 3 miles were the only reference ( at least for those of us who were GPS-less ) as to how far we'd run. Then, as if on cue, the rain started again, and was a constant companion for the remainder of the marathon ... and the entire rest of the day, for that matter. I had a comfortable pace, but was working hard enough to stay warm in my Falmouth Track Club long sleeve wick-away shirt, with water bottle & camera safely tucked in. Since this was my first trail marathon, and it attracted a rather different crowd, I was interested in how others had dressed for the day. The attire of the experienced trail runners was certainly interesting. Many carried some form of back pack, fanny pack, or camel back ... with all manner of fluids, munchies and extra clothing bulging from pockets or hanging from belts or straps. Many wore ankle gaiters ( I've never seen these before ) which could prove to be very beneficial with all the stones underfoot. And none of these folks seemed to be in any hurry, although many motored along pretty well. I think a large segment of the trail runners were used to doing ultra runs of 50K or 50 miles ... or more ... focused on the journey ... not the destination. Seems there's a life lesson in that kind of thinking. Now ... if I could only catch up to them ...

Meanwhile, we had hit bottom. We were truly on the flat desert floor, following the now packed, brown silt road through what is known as the Devil's Golf Course. As far as could be seen in those conditions, was an extensive lava field that had cooled into bowling ball sized lumps with twisty little spires on top, and rings of salt crystals creeping up the spires. Photo Op! Tried to get a shot from ground level ... Note to self: Don't do that again. Quads would be appreciative.

Now another transformation was taking place. As the silt got wet ( did I mention it was raining? ) it turned to grease. Musical references like " ... on a gravel road" turned to " ... slip slidin' away." With one particularly careless step I felt 7 years of groin rehab come dangerously close to being for naught. Whew! Saved this time, but still almost 23 miles to go.

Regaining a graveled portion of road, the footing was more secure; and thankfully so as we now had begun an altitude change that over the next mile and a half would bring us almost back up to sea level. There would be one more of these extended climbs before we reached the turnaround at 13.1 miles. Much like the start, but even less ... the turnaround was marked only by a hand made U-Turn sign dangling among the branches of a mesquite bush, streaming with a few strands of orange tape. There was no line in the sand, nor was there a race official to make sure everybody ran the distance. Good thing we're an honest bunch ... but considering everything else, why would anybody cheat for a few saved steps? Remember the part about the journey?

Ok, halfway home. But as we turned, the gentle tail breeze transformed into an unwelcome head wind accompanied by ever increasing raindrops. It got cold ... and stayed that way for the next 7 miles. Fortunately, some bends in the road eventually helped ease the effects of the wind and rain. However, the dirt road had now turned to ankle deep mud ... the footing was slow and potentially perilous. We were all carrying what seemed like 11 pounds of muck in our shoes. Still, with about 6 miles to go, I felt I had a chance to beat my time at Disney. However, with the head wind, slippery trail, heavy feet, and the long, winding climb to the finish ... which could be seen from over 3 miles away ... I missed by just a few minutes. Considering I stopped to take several pictures, including one about 100 yards from the finish while fighting off a challenge ( successfully I might add ) from some frisky 20 something, I was thrilled. Time did not matter.

The roaring throng of almost 30 soggy fans and race volunteers cheered me up the last several yards. One more song entered my water-logged thoughts: Splish - Splash, I really want a bath. Then there was a sign stuck to a fence post that said: FINISH ... and a few steps later a young woman put a medal around my neck, so I figured I could stop. For a few moments, at least, I didn't notice the wind or rain ... or my feet. I just warmed myself in a very brief flash back of the journey ... the one that started on that golden October day on Cape Cod, continued in the fantasyland of Florida, and concluded in this rain soaked desert of California.

Then reality ... I was cold, drenched, and tired ... and where were the space blankets when you really needed one? A hug, a special brownie, and a warm car took care of the shivers and aches for a while. But it would take a dip in the hot spring fed pool, and all the hot water the hotel shower could provide, to bring me back to "normal" and clean the mud out of my shoes.

I had never, ever thought of running 3 marathons in such a short time ... just over 3 months. I never even ran 2 in a year. But sometimes, it seems, the doing overrules the planning, and thinking just gets in the way. Training can be overrated ... which was the underlying thesis of this entire undertaking. So yes, my friends ... at least for this particular balding, old goat ... Less IS Best! Training is whatever you want it to be ... and the Journey is worth every step !

Post Script: This morning I ran with my friends back home on the Cape for the first time since Death Valley. I was feeling pretty good. ... and thinking: hmmm ... good enough to do another in the near future? My last paragraph immediately came to mind, as did a very short, succinct conversation I had many years ago. I was negotiating with ol' Pearly Gray, trying to buy his 165 year-old farmhouse in Wayne, Maine. I asked him, "Have you lived in Wayne your whole life?" He matter-of-factly replied, " Not yet!"

Although the course and the destination may change ... the journey continues!

Some thoughts comparing the Cape Cod Marathon, the Disney World Marathon and the Death Valley Trail Marathon ( on the days I ran them )

Most Scenic: Cape Cod. Clouds and rain obscured Death Valley. Disney is man-made.

Best Weather: Cape Cod. An absolutely ideal fall day.

Best Amenities: Cape Cod. Only one with a sit down meal and a rockin' party with free munchies and cheap (inexpensive) beer.

Most Runner Friendly: Cape Cod. Lots of great volunteers, individual attention & care.

Best Overall Experience: Cape Cod How can you beat the glow of unintended achievement?

FTC ... We Really Do Put On A Wonderful Marathon

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by Ann Tarrant

The Marshfield 20K is one of my personal favorites. Good value (seriously ... $15 for a well-marked course with plenty of aid stations, police at intersections etc), everything you need, and a few great bonuses. An awesome raffle ... ok we didn't win anything this year, but more than one FTC member has carried off a case of beer in years past. The race director belts out the "Star Spangled Banner" hard core a cappella over the intercom and then runs the race (pretty sure she beat me this year). The post-race buffet mainly consists of hot dogs (a little limited for the vegetarians but otherwise no complaints).

I tried to get a posse together to run the race together, but this year a bunch of FTC members gutted it out at the Elizabeth Hutchinson run the day before instead and braved torrential gales. By the time the 20K rolled around, the weather was ok. Stace Beaulieu and I made the drive up, and were happy to also see Mike Norton and John Noland. The field was much larger than usual this year, apparently because the race had been incorporated into a larger series.

Everyone ran well and handled the "scenic and hilly" course like pros. For me, well ... it was strength-building. I didn't run much this summer, then hopped on a dive boat for a few weeks in Saudi Arabia (running legitimately not possible), got back August 23 and thought ... sure I can do a 20K ... well you can imagine it wasn't pretty. But the awesome thing about being totally out of shape is that you improve really fast. So I'll see you all on the road, and hopefully I'll continue to be on the "upswing."

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by Glen Rogers

1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run 2:46 hrs

The 8th Cranberry Country Tri-Fest (as it is now called as the RD "Sun Multi-sport") puts on a weekend of triathlon in Lakeville Ma. Before I get started about the race, I like running, I like biking, I tolerate swimming but I LOVE the sport of Triathlon. Bundling all 3 sports together is a joy, just pure fun like being a kid! Working thru transitioning between the 3 sports (t-1, t-2) takes a bit of thinking and planning. The early morning congregation of athletes all jazzed to do their best is like seeing flowers opening to the morning sun. Most of all, the real zing for me in triathlon is to 'do MY best' alongside other just as amped fellow tri-athletes. This was the 6th CCT for me. My first was in 2004, a fun race time with my good friend Nicole Depford. Subsequent years I have been joined by friends from a web group called "Beginner Triathlete.com".

The race features a circumferential 1 mile swim in Loon Pond. The pond is usually a bit warm but wetsuits have been allowed, which helps me a lot! Swimming with about 50-75 other tri-geeks of all sizes, wrapped in black latex and colored swim "bullet head" swim caps (hmm, sounds a bit kinky but isn't at all;) in a 'swim wave' is CRAZY!! Arms are flailing all about, feet are kicking in the air and in the water, water is splashing everywhere! The quietness of being under water is broken at each side breath by the cacophony of grunts, groans, and splashes kinda like the D-Day footage in "Saving Private Ryan". After about 30 minutes of this I am ready to get out of the water. Swimming is fun but I hadn't swam since last c-berry so it wasn't a pretty site!

The change over from the swim thing to the bike thing involves a situation called 'Transition 1' (T-1). T-1 involves running from the swim in a wetsuit (some folks just wore their swim suits) while simultaneously trying to slide it over wet arms and torso, slipping on socks, bike shoes, helmet, sunglasses, race number and getting out to the timing mats as fast as possible. This year's T-1 went smoothly for me.

The 25 mile bike course at C-berry is fairly flat and wooded and peaceful. I really enjoyed this year's ride as opposed to some years. Things must have clicked as I averaged 20mph and felt great. Of course there was the 2 minute 'drafting' penalty thingie (thank you adam for "reminding me" ;)) Don't those USAT officials know that I AM the prez??!! PFFT oh well, as if I know how to 'draft' anyhow! That's what I get for playing tag with the big boys on the course. I beat them all into T-2 anyhow.

The change from bike to run is a small thing called T-2. T-2 involves getting out of the bike gear and into running shoes basically. Pretty simple but you do have to remember to take of your bike helmet. I can attest (not this year thankfully) that one looks pretty goofy running with a bike helmet on!

The 6.2 mile run is a flat loop run thru residential and cranberry bog areas. Each year's run I have great experiences connecting with other tri-geeks. Chatting, encouraging each other and interacting with roadside 'fans' is fun. This year's 55 minute run was pretty decent for me. I felt comfortable and at ease with the pace and the day. All was well. The best part was, and always is, running under that FINISH line! Each time I feel that I cross thru a portal into another world, another emotional and exhaustive journey thru life.

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by Joanne Corsano

I had run the Walpole Labor Day 10K once before, but had no memory of the course. I think the reason I didn't remember the course is that the human animal has a great capacity for forgetting pain. This course is hills hills hills the whole way. It was like a mini Stu's 30K. After mile 5 the course flattens out for a bit as one is approaching the Walpole High School (start and finish) and then there is this sharp, steep little hill that puts tears in your eyes.

If you're good enough on hills to place in your age group at this race, you'll win a trophy. Races that give out trophies as opposed to cheap medals have gotten rare in the last few years, so the Walpole 10K and 5K deserves a note of praise for this.

The Walpole race has its own special runner, someone who is to this race as Johnny Kelley was to the Boston Marathon for many years. His name is Walpole Ed and he's 81 years old. He used to run the race, and now he walks the 5K. He gives an inspirational speech at the awards ceremony and is one of those people that just makes you feel good to be a runner.

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by Joanne Corsano

This second annual event started at the North Falmouth Elementary School. It is run in memory of the race director's sister who died of a brain tumor. This year it was run on August 29, the same day that Senator Ted Kennedy, who died of a brain tumor, was buried. It was a poignant coincidence.

It poured rain during the run, which was pretty nice actually, compared to running in the miserable heat and humidity of most of the rest of the month. It was a pretty nice course with some hills looping around North Falmouth with a tough uphill finish in front of the school. Quite a few Track Club runners were there. A little while after the adult race they ran a race for VERY small kids along a 50 yard course in the parking lot at the top of the hill. Those kids were extremely cute.

The volunteers on the course were fun, especially one young girl enthusiastically directing traffic. There was a pretty good post-race raffle with a pair of Bruins tickets (which I did not win, boo hoo hoo).

Anne Preisig was the women's winner and Mike Norton was second for the men, and other FTC runners undoubtedly placed in their age groups, but I didn't get the chance to applaud for them since there was no awards ceremony. Very weird. It was also 10 days after the event before they had results posted on line.

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Joanne Jack and John Taylor ran this evening race. Joanne had this to say:

Tonight's race was great!

Marathon Sports puts on a great race, from well-marked courses to plenty of volunteers on the race course, to a great post-race food spread. There's usually a little bit of "cross country" flavor to their races, getting into the woods or across some fields for a change of scenery. There was a live band, and a few vendors had tents set up as well. There was also a massage tent for sore runners to be pampered before they went on their way. This was a nice woodsy course, fairly flat, through Bare Cove Park in Hingham.

John's time was 36:09, mine was 34:54 (I won my age group woo-hoo!) (Ed: Joanne told me she won a gift certificate for $50 to Marathon Sports. She was also 35th overall in a field of over 400.)

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by Joanne Corsano

Where's Rochester? It's just past Wareham and it's one of those towns you'd never go to if there wasn't a road race there.

This is my third time doing this low-key JB Race event. When JB Race runs an event, you can be pretty sure it will be affordable and well organized. It's a fund raiser for the local food pantry and I finally remembered to bring a canned good donation.

The day was a scorcher, but the course is almost 100% shaded so it wasn't bad. It's a fairly flat loop course. The final stretch is a nice downhill followed by a turn into the driveway of the village green, with the slightest bit of uphill to the finish. Mary Ellen Ross and Adam Ross and Mary Ellen's twins were there and I'm pretty sure Adam placed in his age group, and I think Mary Ellen's son Chris also ran.

Another relative who competed was my sister, Karen Corsano, who has been a fast walker since we were kids and I have gotten her to do two races now. She was the third walker in a field of two dozen, absolutely hammering the course in a time of 42 minutes and change. Anyone have any recommendations for more races with walking divisions?

They also had a pretty nice raffle with a pair of Red Sox tickets (which I did not win, boo hoo hoo).

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by Carolyn and Courtney Bird

This e-mail is to thank the Falmouth Track Club for sponsoring the New Black Eagle Jazz Band for the fourth consecutive year! If you were among the 250-plus folks who enjoyed the music, food, libation, and dancing last Sunday, you experienced a real treat!

2009 was the 34th year for us staging this post-race party, and it never ceases to be fun -- in part because we get lots of help from members of the FTC and from the many people who camp here for the weekend. Our goal in all this is to create a venue where everyone can relax and kick back.

The New Black Eagles really enjoy playing this gig because as Stan Vincent, the trombone player, commented to me, people dance and have fun in contrast to many of their performances in a concert or club setting where the audience sits and watches. Traditional jazz was born in New Orleans because it was a way for folks to expresss themselves through music and dance. The music is cross-generational as well, as witnessed by the number of children who were dancing.

In fact we had one marriage proposal out of the evening! But given that the young couple is only five, they'll have to wait. But such is the attraction of the New Black Eagle Jazz Band!

Additional photos are posted on the Cape Cod Marathon website at this link.

Again our heartfelt thanks, FTC!

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by Mary Ellen Ross

As for my 2009 FRR story, i can say that i was really in my element this year - i really got into 'race mode', even though i didn't finish in the time that i was hoping for....i am happy to say that i started the race in the front of my corral (the "sky blue" one) and was able to see the starting line! there were plenty of volunteers along the way, lots of water stops and the support from all of the spectators was just amazing. the final hill is always a real treat! i even made it up the hill without stopping! it's always a happy sight to see the giant american flag waving in the breeze at the finish line....plenty of food and beverages at the finish line....and the weather was just as warm and sunny as one would expect!

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by Mary Ellen Ross

I did do the race on saturday....finished in 42:37, which i thought was good considering how warm it was....there were definitely some hills and a few water stops....kind of breezy, too....there was a good turnout, too and a decent awards ceremony afterwards where you could purchase beer and food (burger or a dog)...with the first beer being free to all runners!! only awards given to the first place winner in each age group....plus a big raffle afterwards...

i don't have any pictures to share...but i did meet and ran with Tim Kelly, the weather guy from NECN....which was kind of cool....both my kids were there to cheer both me and my husband along....

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Note: A group of Falmouth Track Club volunteers helped with the Falmouth Sprint Triathlon on the weekend of July 18/19.

by Glen Rogers

Well, (phew) that was fun!! a tad early on a sunday morning, however it was sunny and inspirational. I want to thank each of you for coming out! The response was wonderful for the event and surely the FTC made an impression on the athletes as well as the race director.

A few folks have had some feedback, if you do send it along to me in hopes we can improve for ...next year (?)

Sorry for the confusion to some on the race registration, saturday, gig. I messed up on the times. As it was joanne corsano and I set up a table with FTC race apps, membership apps and clothing at the parking lot from 5-7 PM!! (my bad) We got a couple of folks who stopped by and picked up brochures so in that respect it was a minor success. I think that next year, if we do the gig, we may be able to set up a 'booth' on the beach in the area of the other tents for FTC stuff so participants and spectators can browse with their leisure time.

Again, thank you all!!

ps congrats to Adam Ross for his AG first place finish!! Christine Mingione did awesome in her team's run leg of the tri, Kyle List did very well in his age group as did Christine Bunker!!!! (results arent up yet, but I know they did well by the smiles!!)

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Bob Richards reports on the Mount Washington Road Race. He said it was a nice day without extremes of temperature. It was about 50 at the top. He enjoyed it and will consider applying again next year! Next year is the 50th annual run. This race accepts entries by lottery and there is a specific application window, usually in March.

He said that he went into the event with a strategy of running for 5 minutes, then walking for 2, but that very quickly he realized this was unrealistic. He says he did some power walking, and that participants sorted themselves out into groups that more or less stayed together the whole way. His overall pace came to about 15 minutes/mile, completely consistent with his usual 8 minute pace in flat races.

When asked how steep it was, Bob was stumped to come up with a local hill that Cape Cod runners would know to compare it to. Steeper than the sharp hill toward the end of the Falmouth Road Race. Steeper than the sharp hill on Brick Kiln Road. Let's face it, folks; that hill is steep. And almost 8 miles long!

Congratulations to Bob and the other FTC runners who completed the Mount Washington Road Race! Their results can be seen at the FTC Race Results page.

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by Joanne Corsano

I ran the first annual Cotuit Firecracker 5K on Thursday evening, July 9. It was a 6 pm start. This is the second evening 5K I've run in a couple of weeks (Women Running Wild in Osterville being the first one). I've always liked evening races and there haven't been any on the Cape (unless you count the Coffee-O), and now there are two. Yippee!

This race starts at the Cotuit Elementary School a short distance from Lowell Park where the Cape League team plays. You run down Main St. and then along a road that goes to the ocean (Loop Beach), then you squirrel through other side roads and come back to the school on Highland Road. There are a few hills here and there; it's definitely a more challenging course than Women Running Wild. The finish is a little funky as you enter the parking lot and make two 90 degree turns in the last 100 yards.

Other than the funky finish, it was a well run and enjoyable event. There was a kids' race before the main event and what fun it is to to see those little ones run, and to cheer them on -- some cheering can really make a difference for kids that age! The 5K had a pretty good turnout for a first time event, over 200 finishers. They gave out t-shirts with a pretty nice firecracker logo and had typical post-road race refreshments which seemed odd at that time of day since it consisted of morning stuff like bananas and bagels. At least you didn't go home hungry!

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by Joanne Jack

I ran my first Gleason Family YMCA 5k today, and it was a great race! The weather was picture-perfect, and great for running, with abundant sunshine and no strong winds.

There was ample parking, which can sometimes be a challenge for any race, with a short walk to the registration area. Because the starting line was about 100 yards from the registration table, there were people milling about everywhere, which made for a very nice community event. Local residents and some merchants were out as well-wishers for the runners.

The course was very enjoyable, with a couple of hills to keep things interesting, and a bonus was a nice downhill to the finish. There was a figure-eight type loop, so any spectators who came to cheer runners were given the opportunity to cheer at least three times during the race, rather than only once or twice: this is a big boost for a runner who thrives on hearing people shout their name! The race wound through quiet residential roads, and opened up along the water also, giving pretty views of Onset Bay with its little islands and boats. The finish line was located on the dock, with waters at the end of the chute. Just up the hill at the gazebo was the award ceremony and refreshments for the runners, with bagels, fruit, and pizza from Marc Anthony's.

All in all it was a very nice day, well-organized, runner- and spectator-friendly. I would recommend it to anyone, especially knowing that 100% of the entry fee goes to needy families. Not just part of it: all of it!

Jim Preisig sent us a picture taken at this race. This shows the lead women running in a bunch at mile 1. Anne Curi Preisig is in the front in the red singlet.

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