I Run

Red Clover Rovers Running Club Fun Runs 2009

2009-04-28T22:12:00.003-04:00

Every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM starting April 29. Here's a link to the Fun Run bulletin I got through email.

Asics Speedstar 3

2009-03-29T12:27:00.006-04:00

The Asics Speedstar 3 feels like the shoe I should have been using all along. Yesterday I put my first 18 miles on these very light shoes. I found that I started out too fast, somewhat like getting in a new car and not realizing that you hit 80 mph until you see blue lights flashing behind you. But going fast in these shoes feels good. The Gel Nimbus 10s I'd been using before feel like bricks compared to the Speedstars. Since I'd done some very fast tempo running the day before, I thought that I might not be able to do my 18-miler at a fast enough pace. But after stopping at home after 10 miles to get a drink, it was not too difficult to push the pace for the final eight miles. During the last couple of miles I did feel some discomfort on my right forefoot, which could be due to the reduced amount of cushioning in these shoes. Or it could be due to the fatigue of two hard runs two days in a row. We'll see how the shoe progresses through the rest of my training period.

Coffee and running

2009-03-26T07:27:00.001-04:00

I knew it! Coffee is good. Coffee is great. Coffee makes me a better runner.

From the NY Times: It's Time to Make a Coffee Run

A change of training plans

2009-03-21T08:23:00.002-04:00

I found that this time around, I was getting nowhere fast with the Pfitzinger 55 mile/18 week marathon training plan. It was taking me far too long to recover from the runs, and I was not even pushing the pace. In fact, my training pace has been about 5 to 10% slower that it has been in previous sessions. So when I attempted to do an 18 mile long run and managed to squeeze out just four very slow miles, something had to change. I'm now trying out the FIRST training program from the Furman Institute of Running. I've read both the praises and criticisms of this program since it was introduced in Runner's World a couple of years ago. There's passion on both sides but I figure, what the heck. It's still running. So far I haven't been able to adequately hit the target paces for the training runs based on my best 5K race time. But since the runs are at a higher intensity I am starting to feel that old endorphin rush I would get when I first started running. The recovery and cross-training days in between the hard efforts help to keep me from over training, which I think is what might have been happening with the Pfitzinger plan. Or maybe it was just time for a change.

Short and fast taper

2009-02-25T15:29:00.002-05:00

Before the Jones 10 Miler I decided to try a different sort of taper to find out whether it would help or hinder my race performance. I found this article on Washington Running Report that discusses a taper that consists of a few 400m or 500m intervals in the week before the race. Based on my result in the race, I'm not sure whether or not the taper helped. I suppose I'll have to try it a couple of more times to gauge whether it's effective for me.

Jones 10 Miler Report

2009-02-22T15:05:00.002-05:00

I wasn't so sure if I'd be able to make this race. The weather forecast looked pretty dire and I fully expected it to be snowing by the time I woke up. But there was no snow yet, so I went through my usual pre-race rituals at home (coffee, peanut butter on toast, banana, shower, etc.). Deciding what to wear took up most of my time since at my house it was cold enough to wear layers. But the forecast for Amherst showed a high of 37F, so I went with shorts and a couple of light layers on top, plus a hat and light knit gloves. It was a good choice, except for the hat, which turned out to be too hot.

When I got to the race location it still wasn't snowing. I parked then walked the quarter mile or so to get my bib, chip, and shirt. Then back to the car to drop off the shirt and take off my sweats and jacket. I warmed up for a mile or two, then it was time to be off.

The first three miles of the race were fine, but I couldn't really settle on a pace. I figured just do what was comfortable for now. After mile three there was a pretty good hill, and then we hit a section of dirt road. It was pretty much icy and I could feel my feet slipping a bit, but I was used to that so it didn't really faze me.

I didn't hit splits on my watch at the mile markers. I'd just glance at it and calculate my pace. I was off my most recent half marathon pace by a few seconds but I really couldn't afford to increase it since I didn't know the course and what to expect later.

After the hill and the dirt, the course pretty much leveled out, and I think it was even net downhill for a few miles, which was nice. Sure, there were some rolling sections but nothing big. Water stops were placed every two or three miles and offered Powerade and water. I'd never tried Powerade, but I took a cup and when I saw that it was an incandescent blue I thought, "Yeck". I took a couple of sips and it tasted OK but dumped the rest. That was the only sustenance I took on the course.

After about mile six I increased my stride and stride rate. It felt OK to do that so kept at it. Rain and sleet starting coming down around mile seven and I wondered if I was going to have to take off my glasses. But I kept them on since I really didn't want to carry them. After mile eight we were back on the road we came in on, and there was a good hill, a little bit of a level off, then another hill just before the final half mile or so. I wasn't feeling speedy, but I was feeling strong. People passed me because they had a better kick than I did, but I plodded along.

The final stretch had us wind around the school parking lot which was a little disconcerting because you come in and see the finish line and all these people cheering just for you. And then you run away from them. And in another 30 seconds you come back and run across the mat.

I came in at 1:12:28, which was about where I wanted to be. 1:10:00 would have been nice, but at least it was under 1:15:00.

Post-race goodies were a quarter mile away in the same school where we picked up the bibs. I had some pizza, some great Greek yogurt that was full of protein, and some Powerade (red, not blue).

Then I ran back to my car to try to beat the worst of the storm home, which I just managed to do.

All in all, a fun race, a great challenging course, and lots of very speedy runners. It's a great way to spend a late February day.

Results are here.

Jones Group Realtors 10-Miler - Coming Up

2009-02-09T06:55:00.002-05:00

Nothing like a good, hilly course to get the blood pumping on a cold late February day. This year the Jones 10-Miler is part of the USATF NE Grand Prix series, so some seriously speedy folks will be there. I'll just plod along and watch them disappear in the distance.

Registration information is here.

Jones Group Realtors 10-Miler
Find more Runs in Amherst, Massachusetts

Marathon Number Eight

2009-02-07T15:04:00.004-05:00

I've signed up for the Vermont City Marathon this year. I'm at the end of my third week of training, again using Pfitzinger's 18/55 plan. This time around I'm feeling somewhat slower than before. It could be the cold. It could be the new hypertension medication. It could be age (most likely).

Greenfield Winter Carnival Sleigh Bell Run 2009 - Results

2009-02-07T14:48:00.005-05:00

My training schedule called for a 4 mile recovery run today, so I overdid it (unless my recovery pace is 7:15...not). Man, was it cold out there! The weather forecast said 30s to 40s, but I guess not in the morning. This 4 miler was fun, despite the cold. It was a nice, straightforward course with a couple of small hills. Pretty low key, there were just under 50 runners.

2009 Results

Greenfield Winter Carnival Sleigh Bell Run 2009 - Announcement

2009-01-30T17:42:00.002-05:00

From the Greenfield Winter Carnival flyer:

4 Mile Road Race sponsored by Silver Screen Design.

Beginning at 10 a.m. the scenic course will start on Hope Street (which is right near the YMCA on Main St.) and run through the Highland Park area. Pre-register at Recreation Department or Town Hall or day of race at the Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room from 8:45-9:30 a.m.

Age divisions and prizes. First 75 entrants receive t-shirt and sleigh bell bracelets.

$12 pre race entry, $15 race day. Youth under the age of 18 are half price.

The Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club also has information.

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Small motives

2009-01-13T16:16:00.005-05:00

I sometimes do not feel like running for the sake of running. So I have to come up with some other motive to run. When I first discovered I had high blood pressure, I immediately started using the fitness center where I work. The treadmill was my running foray, and the motive then was to get my blood pressure down. It worked. But the mission had been accomplished, so to speak, so I needed another reason to run. I saw a race bib pasted to a fellow cubicle dweller's wall one day. I was inspired to decorate my own drab, grey wall so I went out on the road. Many races later my wall was covered with bib numbers from 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon races. Then I started working at home, so the bib numbers went into a scrapbook. Collecting bib numbers, t-shirts, and other race swag is no longer novel. But I still have to get out there to run. At the heart of it all (literally) is my health, and I know I have to do it. So I just do it. But to get out there can be a chore especially during these long winter months. So I come up with smaller motives, motives that sound more fun than simply maintaining good health. So one day I'll decide to run on a new small side road or trail. That motive gets me out the door. Another day I'll look forward perhaps to seeing a neighbor outdoors and striking up a quick conversation ("quick" because I am running, after all). Occasionally the car has to go to the shop for the day and rather than try to figure out the logistics of another driver getting me there and back, I'll just run back home. And run back to get the car. Sure, sometimes I can't find a motive. But I'll still run, maybe a bit grudgingly at first. The miles get better, though. They always do.

Running on ice and snow

2008-12-27T12:43:00.006-05:00

The key to running on ice and snow is commitment. When you have momentum pushing you toward a treacherous patch of yuck, you need to choose your course and commit to it. Indecision at this point spells doom. I rely just on the soles of my running shoes to keep me from slipping. I have not tried Yaktrax, homemade screw shoes, or any other ice-gripping device...yet. But I suppose if I find myself on my butt a few too many times I might be persuaded. Interestingly, I feel more secure with a standard Asics road shoe than with my Adidas trail shoes, which seem to slip more on the ice. A relaxed and moderate pace keeps me upright. I look ahead about 20 to 30 feet to choose my course through an icy patch. I try to select places where the road looks a bit rougher, where there are patches of dirt or snow, or even rough ice. Often the very sides of the road are where I end up if the middle is truly slippery. And then I just commit to that course, even if it looks like there is a better one to the right or left once I hit it. To move sideways at this point would probably cause me to lose my footing. I keep an even pace, and I don't try any speedwork through these sections. Sometimes I will choose the wrong course and find myself on truly slippery spots. But if I lift my feet very little, take small steps, and gradually slow down, I get out of it pretty quickly. Occasionally, I'll just stop running and skid on the ice until I reach dry ground. I do find that the focus required to navigate the ice and snow on the dirt roads helps me to run trails successfully during the drier times of the year. And despite the increased danger, I enjoy the adventure and risk of running in conditions that are less than optimum.

Mayor Higgins' Hot Chocolate Run 2008

2008-12-07T08:48:00.005-05:00

Results on Cool Running.

I'm glad I wore my mittens for this one, which made the run much more comfortable. The miles flew by pretty quickly for some reason. Maybe because with the enormous crowd it felt like I was running in a marathon and not just a 5K, so my distance perception went a little out of whack. This was a well organized race, and the hot chocolate at the end was great.

Brattleboro Turkey Trot 2008 Results

2008-11-30T14:18:00.002-05:00

You can find them at Cool Running.

This was a very well attended event! I'm pretty sure this was the largest field of runners in any race I've done in Brattleboro. The temperature was cool, low 30s I think. My hands froze. I had to keep blowing on them. Gloves or mittens next time.

Kudos to Chuck and the other volunteers for organizing the race and for handling quite the crowd of runners.

26.2 Ways To Hit The Wall

2008-11-11T23:09:00.006-05:00

After completing seven marathons, maybe it's about time I imparted a little bit of the wisdom I've accumulated. So here are ways you can hit that infamous and not-so-elusive wall.

Make up your own training schedule based on proximity and business hours of Starbucks.

Skip your weekly long runs if it's raining, snowing, drizzling, foggy, too hot, too cold, too windy, or just way too nice because the stress of running under those conditions would do more harm than good.

Don't taper because 1) tapering is for wimps, and 2) those last three weeks are the second half of your training plan.

The day before the race visit every booth at the expo to get as much free stuff as you can, then put on a hat and sunglasses and do it again so you can get a bag of stuff for your mom too.

Then visit every tourist attraction in the city.

Pasta is so plebeian. Instead, the night before the race enjoy a fine French gourmet dinner with appetizers made out of things you'd find in a swamp or under a rock. Then have something made out of four sticks of butter for dessert.

On race day, skip breakfast because you want to be light on your feet (and because you're regretting that French meal).

Do not drink anything after you wake up and before the race so you don't have to stand in line at the port-a-potties.

Wear the glittery new pair of shoes you bought at the expo yesterday because you liked the little swirly thing on the side.

Wear the race shirt over your lucky cotton t-shirt because you're now feeling a little bit self conscious that your lucky shirt says "My Mommy Thinks I'm Special".

Don't plan a race strategy because you're a seat-of-the-pants maverick.

Come up with five plans at the start line when other runners look at you as if you're from Mars when you say you don't have a goal pace.

Plan A: Keep up with the elites after the gun goes off.

Plan B: After less than a quarter mile, abandon Plan A and try to keep up with the cutest girl/guy ahead of you.

Plan C: After another quarter mile, abandon Plan B and try to put some "time in the bank" by just running as fast as you can in case you get too tired later and need to slow down.

Totally forget what your other plans are, so weave back and forth around other runners and barrel through front yards, back yards, golf courses, parking lots, and Hoboken, NJ until you get a little elbow room.

Run past all the water stops because you don't stop for anything.

Except beer. Frat boys rule!

Try Gu for the first time after you pick up a packet dropped by another runner.

Take some frantic detours behind bushes and parked trucks.

Run through every sprinkler and hose that the kind residents on the course offer.

Blow past those slowpokes on "The Notorious Hill From Hell".

Actually, that wasn't it. THIS is the hill. Hasta la vista, baby!

That wasn't it either. Run through more sprinklers.

Take your shirts off because 1) they're soaked, and 2) your nipples are bleeding.

Take your shoes off because you realize that the swirly thing was probably the signature of the sadistic person who manufactured them.

26.2. Hit the split button on your watch. Mile 1 down. 25.2 to go!

Vixen to go

2008-11-06T17:42:00.000-05:00

I wonder occasionally what I would do if bitten by a rabid animal while running along these quiet country roads or on a remote trail. In order to determine if one must endure a series of rabies shots it's necessary to examine the brain tissue of an animal suspected to carry the disease. But how do you 1) catch the critter and 2) get it back to the lab?

Answer: do what she did.

Ouch.

Brattleboro Turkey Trot - Announcement

2008-11-04T06:45:00.010-05:00

I got an email a while back announcing the Brattleboro Turket Trot, so here's the info:

When: November 27, 2008 (Thanksgiving Day)

9:00 AM: One mile children's race

9:15 AM: 3 Mile Classic

It starts on the Upper Dummerston Rd. across from the country club and follows the same out-and-back course as the Red Clover Rovers fun runs.

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Update on the race. I'll just paste the email I got from Chuck and Cathy on 11/24:

Hello all,

A couple of things about this Thursday's race. We have computerized our race results! Club member Bob Aube will be there loading everyone's race info into his data base, quicker results, less mistakes by the timers, everybody wins! Thanks in advance Bob.

Since race info needs to loaded into the computer you might want to leave yourself a little extra time for registration. Pass the word on this to someone you might now who plans on running. You can also pre-register by emailing; bobaube (at sign) mainetrackclub (dot) com. This way of registering will really cut down on the race morning congestion. Spread the word on this to please.

We will need to recruit a handful of volunteers for the race, maybe 4-5 people. If you are not running or if you know of a potential volunteer have them show up Thursday morning.

One more thing, could someone call the Brattleboro Reformer and get this race mentioned in the sports page or community events section. Thanks.

See ya'll on Turkey Trot morning,

Chuck+Cathy

Follow up from Bob Aube:

To follow up on Chuck’s message, if you’re definitely planning to run on Thursday, or even if you’re 90% sure, please send me your name, age, gender and hometown so I can add you to the computer. And if you have family and/or friends planning to run, please sign them up, too. If you do sign up, though, please contact me by noon Wednesday, because I won’t be able to check my e-mail later Wednesday.

* Important! Bob Aube said his email address was down 11/25, so if you have not received a confirmation message from him you should email him again at bobaube (at sign) aol (dot) com.

When running gets to be too much

2008-10-29T06:51:00.000-04:00

When your running obsession impacts your family, job, or social life negatively, it's time to step back. The New York Times has an interesting article on the trials a runner can cause for those around him or her who do not happen to share such a keen interest in long distance pain. When I first started running I guess I was just as excited as anyone might be on starting a new hobby. I wanted to pursue it with interest and passion, and I read and digested much information on how to train, how to eat, how to recover, how to buy shoes. And I may have caused eyes to glaze over at first when describing the physiological effects of carbohydrate depletion. But I'm really not much of a talker in the first place, so after running became a habit I didn't regale anyone with my exploits unless I got stung by a bee or something. Running is "my thing" and not everyone around me necessarily shares my interest even if they do support me. So I use this blog to communicate my interest in running without causing anyone to wish they were somewhere else. You can choose to read it or not.

Limbo

2008-10-19T09:55:00.005-04:00

The period between the completion of a major goal race and the time at which I begin training for the next one is a period I view with ambivalence. On the one hand, it's a break from the intense work I've put in for the past few months to prepare for the race. My body has a chance to relax and recuperate, and my mind can focus on other things. My runs can be carefree and unstructured. I can walk if I want to. I can stop to talk to neighbors, and to admire whatever warrants admiration. On the other hand, I sense a decline in fitness - whether real or imagined - since I am not immersed in the rigors of quality runs. Sure, the first couple of weeks after a marathon can be pretty tough and it's good to keep intensity and mileage low. But I always have that nagging feeling that I should be doing more. And it's a bit disconcerting when I do try to throw in some intervals or strides and find that I'm not yet recovered. So I get a little low, a case of the post-marathon blues. I know that soon I'll be able to crank it up some more, but then what? If I do eventually decide to run a spring marathon, such as Boston, I won't start training until December. There's almost two months of running to do without structure. Yes, that will be fun and I do look forward to doing something different, getting out on some trails, perhaps some relaxing runs with other people, driving to scenic places for runs. Yet there is doubt, too, that I'll lack the discipline to keep a solid base for a training schedule. I know I've done it before with success. But as I get older, life gets complicated, priorities change. It could be different this time. At least that's what the little devil on my shoulder is saying. But I've always been an optimist, and I'm confident that any lows I experience are more than made up by the subsequent highs. Even if things do turn out differently this time, it's really no big deal in the scheme of things. At least I'm out there, keeping fit. Yes, the racing is fun and it keeps me motivated. But there will always be more races. So I do what I can. For now I'll just lumber through limbo as the leaves fall, the air turns brisk, and the days grow shorter.

No Rush

2008-10-11T16:10:00.005-04:00

Today I figured I'd take a camera along with me while I ran up to Sweet Pond State Park and back. I really do live in a postcard. Here are some snaps.

Click on the slideshow at any time to see larger pictures.

Maine Marathon 2008

2008-10-07T21:45:00.001-04:00

This race is just as well organized as I remember from four years ago when I ran my first half marathon here in Portland. Number pickup on Saturday was very quick at the Sullivan Gym on the USM campus. The expo was fairly small, but there was the usual contingent of vendors hawking shoes and GU's. The long-sleeve technical shirt is attractive and functional, and I'm sure I'll be wearing it often this fall. Sunday morning was pretty chilly (30s), so I hung out with my neighbor friend (who was about to run his first half marathon) in the warm gym until 45 minutes before the start. Then it was time to hit the port-o-potty line, and after that make my way to the start. There was a bag check tent so that I could strip off my outer layers and leave them until the finish. The gun went off at about 7:50 and it didn't take long for me to warm up as the roughly 2500 of us runners made our way along Baxter Blvd. The scenery from here to about mile 4 or 5 consisted of some pretty water views, especially as we crossed the Martin's Point Bridge and along Shoreline Drive. My first few miles were generally sub-8 pace, which was too fast if I wanted to have a strong and comfortable second half. Also, at about mile 3 I felt a twinge in my hamstring, which was a warning signal that I could get cramps later on. So I dialed it down until I got some 8:00 to 8:20 miles. I drank mostly Gatorade and just a couple of waters to keep my electrolyte levels up. At this point I was getting passed more often than I was passing other runners, but I figured if I could hold back I'd be doing some passing later in the race. After the half marathoners turned around, the scenery out to Falmouth consisted of some stately homes, plus views of fields and woods. I hit the 13.1 mile mark at just about 1:45, which was right where I wanted to be. The trip back to Portland, of course, was somewhat more difficult since I had to bring up the pace a bit more. But there was just one appreciable hill between miles 16 and 17. After that, I just focused on keeping a consistent pace to get under 3:30. I might have been able to notch up the speed a little more, but I was wary of leg cramps and did not want to repeat my Boston experience. Now I was catching runners who had passed me earlier in the race. Once I got back onto Baxter Blvd., I could see the finish line on the other side of the cove. I was relatively comfortable at my pace and knew that I'd get there in time so long as nothing drastic occurred. But that stretch of road sure feels long. I finished at 3:28:32, which is a PR of 27 seconds and another Boston qualifier. So will I run Boston in 2009? I guess I'll have to think about that after my legs recover.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

2008-09-30T21:52:00.000-04:00

One of my neighbors asked me the other day whether I'd ever taken glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and had they been effective? Yes, I did take them for a while when I began running because my knees hurt. Eventually my knee pain went away, but I don't know whether that's because I was taking the supplements or because I was consistently exercising, thereby improving the joints. Now comes this study that indicates that the supplements may not be any better than a placebo. On the other hand, if you're a horse with achy joints, glucosamine might be just the ticket.

Two Week Taper for Maine Marathon

2008-09-24T06:47:00.000-04:00

Since I'm in a sort of experimental mode of training, I decided to try a two week instead of a three week taper. I've found that three weeks for me can be a long time to go with decreased mileage and intensity, and either physically or psychologically I tend to feel a bit sluggish by race day. So on Saturday I raced a 5K and turned in my fastest 5K time to date (19:52). And on Sunday I ran 21 miles, which felt just fine (except for the ankle-biters that seemed to be out in force on Weatherhead Hollow Rd...please keep your dogs off of the road, people!!). At this point in my training I have found that I am recovering very quickly from races and runs, which is a positive indicator of my fitness level for a marathon. So I'll be running the Maine Marathon in Portland, ME on October 5, which is where I ran my first half marathon four years ago.

Pisgah Mountain Trail Races 2008 - Report

2008-09-15T18:05:00.006-04:00

At one point during the Pisgah Mountain Trail Race on Sunday I gingerly navigated a slippery log over a small pond that had formed in the middle of a trail, and I thought to myself, "This is a blast!" I felt like a kid exploring in the woods and I wanted to linger. So I had to remind myself constantly that I was running a race. And what a race it was. The Pisgah Mountain Trail Races consist of a 23K and a 50K trek through Pisgah State Park in Chesterfield, NH. I chose to do the 23K since this was my very first trail race, I really had no idea what the landscape was like, and I didn't think I was quite prepared to do an ultra. And it turns out that was a wise choice. The day started out with rain, and it really didn't let up until the middle of the race. After picking up my number, t-shirt, trail map, and complimentary loaf of bread from the Chesterfield Fire Station I sat in my truck to stay dry until the race started. I debated on whether to wear a cap since I don't race with a cap unless it's either really sunny or really raining. While it wasn't pouring, the rain was still steady and I figured that I'd eventually need the cap to shield the rain from my eyes. At 8:40 I got out to gather at the start, and at 8:45 we were off. The course starts out on a road with a slight downhill, then climbs as you run toward the trailhead. There was some idle chatter along the road, but as soon as I hit the trail the focus turned to where I put my feet. The rain had made a pretty good mess of the trail so I weaved around and leaped over puddles as best I could. The initial crowd of runners dispersed quickly especially after the 50K runners went off on a different trail, and I found myself within sight of at most two or three runners the whole race. At times I'd pass a woman who was running about the same pace as I was, then she'd overtake and pass me on some of the uphills that I walked. At first I didn't walk some of the hills, but I soon found that trying to run them - especially the steeper ones near the summit of Pisgah Mountain - was counter-productive. My legs would get totally spent and I'd have problems with the subsequent downhills, which might eventually lead me to do a faceplant in the mud if I didn't change my strategy. So I did some walking on the uphills. Then again, that caused me to be a bit reckless on some of the downhills to make up the time spent walking. There were plenty of slick roots and rocks embedded in the mud, and every now and then I'd feel my foot slip. The numerous wooden bridges were also very slippery. At one point there was a large puddle at the bottom of a hill and before I knew what I was doing I leaped off a large stone and realized immediately that the puddle was a little too wide for me to clear. But as I thought about the spectacular splash I'd make I spied another, much smaller stone just at the edge of the puddle on the other side and targeted that as my landing spot. It was a desperate move that could have resulted in disaster if my foot had slipped or if I turned my ankle. But amazingly, I nailed it and kept on going. At first I was determined to keep my feet as dry as possible to avoid blisters, but the more I ran the more my legs and lungs burned, and the less I cared about where to step. So sometime after summiting Pisgah Mountain I just started plowing through whatever happened to obstruct my progress. Fortunately, my shoes (Adidas Kanadias) shed the water weight pretty quickly. There were two aid stations (I think) - one at about 4 miles and the other at 9 - where there was plenty of Gatorade and water, cookies, and other refueling options (thank you, volunteers!). After the second aid station I tried picking up my pace. It was tough to tell on the trails how I was pacing with all the ups and downs, but eventually I caught up with the woman I'd been exchanging places with earlier and she voiced some encouragement as I passed. I tried to reply with (grunt) some encouragement of my own, but I think it just came out as "Nnght gawp" (translation: "Looking great, keep going!"). The final stretch of trail to the road was incredibly muddy, so when my feet hit terra firma it was like stepping on a cloud. I ran as fast as I dared without my legs cramping. As I approached the finish, I totally missed the chute and a woman standing nearby was kind enough to point out my mistake (I really just wanted to run the whole course again!). So I did a quick about-face, and into the chute I went. I finished at 2:11:12, which works out to an average 9:12 pace (2008 results). The post-race spread was great, including barbequed burgers and hot dogs, pasta with pesto, cookies, and yogurt. Thanks to Gary and Chris and all the other volunteers who made this a race to remember. It was a great initiation into trail racing. I think I'm hooked.

Pisgah Mountain Trail Race - Announcement

2008-09-05T12:39:00.005-04:00

The Red Clover Rover Running Club will be hosting the Pisgah Mountain Trail Race in Chesterfield, NH on September 14, 2008. There are two distances: 50K and 23K. Both start at 8:45 am.

Pisgah Mountain Trail Race Application

2007 results: 50K | 23K

2006 results: 50K | 23K

A few race reports:

Trail Runner magazine

Running Buddha

Gotta Run

Run to Win

The race starts at the Chesterfield, NH Fire Station on Rt. 63.

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