running around CT

photos from new haven 5K and 20K

2008-09-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

I woke up this a.m. at 6:15 to amazing weather -just perfect. I carpooled from Stamford up with Rob and decided in the car that I would do well running the 5Kand then jogging after --I just wasn't up to racing the 20K, having run 10 on sat and 6-plus last night (yes, should have rested Sat or sunday but this is good ultra training). Besides, I hate having to rest sat and sun for a monday race! So, we got to the green and saw tons of friends including John...and at the hi-tek tent Marty, Bekkie, Joe, Art, Rob and Monica...also saw Don warming up. Frank elected not to come as another steep entry fee, bu I had to laugh as the only person he knew last night was Ruth and he would have seen so many of his friends this a.m. I never saw Kate! I lined up at the 5K with Michael from scarsdale --my first mile was 6:30 ad I actually felt good! quads tired, achilles discomfort but my breathing was good --got thru second mile in 6:30 and last mile in 6:40 ---Rob had been joking with me that I was not taking my racing seriously:( --so even though I was pleased to run 20:28, I still wimped out big time --ended up running the last 6 miles of the course with my fried Maria, and definately would have been too tired to race it!!. Afterward, we got iced coffee, beer,and bread...and socialized a hi-tek.

photos from Nike Human race -aug 31

2008-09-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Last night's Nike human race 10K was a fiasco of a race but I had fun just the same partaking in this event of 10,000 runners --it was a gorgeous night. I went into the city early (thus getting in trouble for not bringing my kids, who didn't want to go anyway)to an art gallery, book store, etc.and had a great time walking across the bridge and back --the lights of the city were just beautiful...in addition to jogging this 6.2 mile claustropobic race in a 9 minute pace, the walking added up to 3 miles, probably! I felt physically tired and wondered if I would rally to run New Haven...the best part about the race also was a one-hour concert after,by the All American Rejects,complete with fireworks. The race itself was a disaster, with way too many people crammed into the sidewalks of Randall's island ---the only one I knew besides Frank was Ruth!!! But our friend Jill V. won for the women! I suspect these were corporate and beginner runners -oh, an the race started 1/2 late -inexcuseable.
I would do this event again, but not the night before New haven --I actually would have had a great time watching in Icahn stadium or volunteering! But as I said, walking over is the best pat --here are my photos of the red runners witing or bus and port-o-john!

The Case of the Missing Keys -Westport 10 miler -8/30

2008-08-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Ironically, me demonstrating yoga in front of my ill-fated keys!

The Westport summer series has a cardboard 'key' box , where runners can toss their car keys during the race. It's a great idea if you are sure which car keys are yours...and if you have an unusual car (like Rob's Miata) but I have a Volvo like 60 percent of the runners --and I apparently have the same black 'NYCM' key chain as another runner as we each took each other's keys -whoops....and this has happened before, according to Jim G. ---so moral of the story -make sure you know which are your keys. Did she take mine first??? I can only guess.
This morning was the series-ending Westport summer series 10 miler (ran slow!! achilles bothering me and also feel sluggish so just wanted to run as a training run), running were Frank, Dawn, Ron, Ronnie B., Alicia, Don and Joe..it was pouring rain last night and I was tempted to stay home but would have missed seeing my friends -plus, would have run easy anyway)..in any case,I ran with Alicia and Ronnie and the time went by quickly --the leaves on the trees were changing! The last mile didn't seem so bad but i didn't have anything to give --nevertheless, I passed Don, finished, and saw Frank taking photos (see Frank's blog for photos )went inside, grabbed 'my car keys' and went to the car to get my bag and change. Another woman had grabbed mine, went to her car and couldn't start it -she brought the back and an announcement was made (did anyone take some Volvo keys by mistake?)--I never heard it (although Rob did) and even if I did, I would have no reason to think that mine weren't my own!! So when my car didn't start, I had my husband (a stroke of luck that he was home) drive up some keys. Now I have to track down that other woman and exchange keys --this could only happen to me.
While I was in the parking lot, Jim also had car trouble --his battery died.
and after a walk, i came back to see the last finisher of the race -a fat ground hog (see photo):)

Wolf Lake -back to school

2008-08-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

A quick entry--the house seems very empty today --empty of my teenager but not of his disarded possessions as clothing is piled high and has to be given away to thrift shop or stored for Hank...Andrew is safely at R.I.T. engineering school and beginning a new chapter in his life. He didn't seem to miss me at all when i said goodbye to him yesterday at 3 p.m. and drove home --but I miss him terribly. I go into his room, expecting to see him sleeping with his feet hanging out of the comforter!! On Sunday, after a nice afternoon and night with my family at my brother's house, Trip drove to R.I.T with the Toyota packed with andrew's clothing and computer equipment (from my brother's lake house --see photos of the family!) --The first thing that I told my brother when we got to his lake house on sat. afternoon was that Myriam had changed the Celebrate life 1/2 marathon so that Don, Frank, Rob, Kate and I could run it (it always conflicted with the 25K and the 50K)--so he asked when it was and will try to be around for it. The Celebrate Life 1/2 marathon goes right by my brother's lake house! That morning, Frank, Rob, Don and I had all run the Westport summer series and I had bags of Cliff Shots in my car (they were handing them out a the race)---these organic gummy bears were a huge hit among the kids, and Todd took some packets for hiking...
So onto R.I.T. -I met andrew and unloaded a car stuffed with assorted boxes and room items (such as laundry hampers and file cabinets), class schedules, etc. I didn't see Trip as he dropped off the stuff and turned around to go home (we left the 2 boys at the lake house with mom and dad and the cousins til 6 p.m. --they would much rather do that then be in the car for 7-plus hours). I checked into super 8,got to Andrew's new dorm, and we went to the orientation fair ---we signed him up for a bank account, and looked at all the booths (fraternities, sports)-then we went to the brand new huge Barnes and Noble bookstore --right now in fact have to e-mail andrew about textbooks!! --to get his books (which cost an average of $100 each). We did not buy the Calculus book as it was $240!! Then we went to an on-campus cafe and he had a dorm meeting and didn't want to see me anymore so I went back to the motel -yesterday R.I.T. had a wonderful orientation assembly where all the freshman came in RIT t-shirts and sat together in their respective academic areas --andrew had an engineering school meeting and I went to the bookstore and then met up with his roommate and roommate's mother. We managed to do some shopping and then I was off --the new students have an entire week of orientation....so one less child now, but still many loose ends to tie up!! . For whatever reason, andrew didn't want photos of him and I didn't get my camera out til all was over but the campus was a spectacular sea of orange and brown.
Hank started high school this a.m. --taking him to get a new backpack and cleats this afternoon, and it is not easy to get into the homework mode when it still is summer........

packing for college -R.I.T. bound

2008-08-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

It has just hit me that my son is going away for college -R.I.T. engineering school!
We have spent the last day cleaning out his room and both of us are sneezing and sniffling ---here are photos of the piles we have made. So far the only ones happy with this arrangement are the cats! They have found a new place to sleep. Still to be packed up --all of Andrew's computer equipment -wondering how we will fit everything in 2 cars --my husband will leave tonight or tomm --early, with some stuff, as he is playing golf tomm in the Catskills..I will follow Sat afternoon.
I'll spend night at R.I.T on sunday after my son gets moved in --LOL! will report back next tuesday if we survive this...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUNDANGEROUSLY!! AUGUST 21

2008-08-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Today, August 21, is RunDangerously's 46th birthday(no new age group, unfortunately, and the age on paper is just a number!!) ---hope you have a good birthday! and fit in you like to do -run, drink beer, relax...sushi or cheeseburger?? In any case, as I write this, it's a gorgeous day -- a perfect August day (I will be spending it packing for my college-bound teenager) --RunDangerously ,Frank, has had a prolific and impressive year of running!! Some highlights were - winning your age group in the Broadway Ultra Society series (and still winning);
-running VT 50 miler the weekend after the Staten Island 6 hour race (after traveling?? to Asia)!! Then in Oct. running the L.I. 6 hour b-day run!
-running NYC marathon, Stone Cat marathon, and JFK 50 miler in successive weekends!!
-running December 5Ks and hot chocolate 15K with Don and Rob!
-traveling to India (Feb 2008?), and coming home with the flu, and still managing to start to train for Umstead (even though you were sick for the Albany marathon!!), and getting your endurance up with Wurtsboro 30K, St Patrick's 10K AND Caumsett park 50K;
-running 37 mile race in March, and finishing 78 miles in Umstead, adding the Umstead 50 miler to your 50 states list!!!
-in May, running Brooklyn 1/2, followed by Greenbelt 50K followed by Pineland Farms 50 miler! Followed by Nipmuck trail marathon!
-in late June and July, racing the Norwalk 5 miler, the PCC 8 miler, followed by VT endurance run!!
-to top off July, you ran 60 miles!!! at the Wakefield 24 hour run, and then 53 miles?? at the 12 hour run...
-and as a marathon maniac, up to 70 career marathons --almost surpassing me:)
those are just the highlights I remember!! So many more running successes to you in your 46th year!!! But most of all have fun, and I still think you should write a book about Running Dangerously...

NYRRC Team Championship -aug 16, 2008

2008-08-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the 5 -mile NYRRC team championship --OK, so it was 93 percent humidity according to the results page but I still had a bad race ---so give it a C- realized that I am not recovered at all from the 3 ultras and big race weekend last weekend.. BUT the championships, which I have never done, get an A for socializing. Everywhere I turned, saw a familiar face ---and the women -boy were they fast!!!!
Since I am now 50, the team needed me so had to miss my favorite race, the Norwalk 11 miler --we came in second 50s team and got double points, even though we were missing nancy and Lee -our 2 fastest other veterans (ugh-I hate that word)...Frank was going to run the 11 miler but had to drive to New hampshire for the weekend, and Susan Branche was very sick so missed the 5 miler..saw a ton of ultra people -adamas, ruth, frank deleo, phil, and al --oh, and ruth, who told me not to be too hard on myself.
At the taconic tent, saw the men before we lined up, and then afterwards they had beer available --we got our photo taken by NYRRC. I ran 4 miles after with barb and karen then had to leave to drive to Hartford to pick hank up from camp.

waveny park figure 8 race

2008-08-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

last night, I dragged myself (as it was a beautiful night) over to Waveny park --it was august 12 and my son's b-day and the idea of racing on my childrens' birthdays is always fun (Hank was not here -he is at camp, so will celebrate next week). My quads were killing me from the weekend's effort, plus had run 6 on monday, and 5 tues a.m. with the nice weather ..but this may be my last waveny workout so felt I would miss out if I didn't go run those trails (speedwork!) and socialize!! It was figure 8, which I have never done before -so much fun. Jim lined us up in 2 groups: A-L, and M-Z. Rob and Dawn were in the first group, but my friend Ann williams was in the second. The 2 groups took off and ran 3 loops the opposite ways --so I got to see the other group, and Rob, don, scott, john K, 3 times! The fast boys got lost and some thought they needed to do one more loop so didn't sprint at the end --to be young again.
I finished, chatted with joe, rob and linda and was home by 8 to watch the olympics with Ike --beach volleyball (OK -kind of boring), swimming (butterfly and Phelps winning gold medal -amazing,amazing), synchronized diving (kind of cool) -so far gymnastics has been my favorite -who can resist watching those muscled men???

Catskill Mtn 100K relay -aug 10, 2008 -race report

2008-08-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of our 100K relay team --from left: don, frank, myriam, pam and me.
We each ran 2 legs of 10K --we are sporting our medals, as we came in second place in the mixed division --Myriam and I suspect that only 2 teams were in the mixed division but no matter -we still ran a sub 9 min. pace over extremely hilly terrain, and had a blast!!! After all that work, I was greatly relieved that we did in fact WIN medals! Don, Frank and I planned to drive up to the start of the relay's leg 4 (near Phonecia off rte 28) yesterday morning. Myriam would run the first leg, Pam the second and third (for marathon training)...well, we got to the start of leg 4 too late!! (9:15 a.m.) and Pam had kept going --Frank jumped out of the car and took her place as it was his leg ---and what elevation --he had to climb 1,000 -plus feet up a twisting mountain right out of the car! I drove Don to start of leg 5, where he would run, and came back to support Frank -I told him, when he was climbing the hill that it was 'all downhill from here'--whoops -he had more climbing to do --since I was driving I underestimated the climb. Don had a nice flat leg BUT it started to pour rain -Myriam then ran leg 6 in driving rain (hence her comment about feeling like she was in a wet-t-shirt contest) ---I then started my leg in the humid, sunny weather --it was just beautiful!! I climbed a rolling hill, and then ran down and into a real catskill town, with covered bridge and farmer's market. I handed off to Frank who had scenic but rolling terrain ---I again supported him and told him that he had a 1/4 mile to go, when he really had .8 --he will never listen to my mileage estimations again! better yet,he needs a GPS watch. Then a tired Don took off on a narrow stretch of road along the Peekamoose river --Frank and I drove ahead and thought we were lost --we had to ask some older people if 'runners had gone by'.
Now, throughout this whole day, we were the second-to-last team, so no one was on the roads!! It was a surreal experience (our time was the same as other teams, but we started later). Don appeared at the checkpoint and finally it was my turn to run the final leg!! After 10 miles at a 7 min pace yesterday, it was difficult to get going --it was humid and I couldn't breathe, and felt all alone. The team, though, came back to support me and told me that I had less than a mile to go. Frank even offered to run for me if I wanted to stop! Bu i was finally warmed up and I ran in.. we had missed the awards ceremony but did get our medals, and had some beer and food -it was just a great time....now, wouldn't I love to run that course as a 100K ultra??? NOT -running 12.4 miles of it was perfect. See Frank's blog for Don's report and photos!

Southwest Cafe Sunset 5K -Sat, aug 9 at 7 p.m.

2008-08-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon,after the Westport Summer series, I found myself all alone for the night --my husband and kids were all up in Canada (driving home Sunday) --I had several choices ---go watch the Olympics with an injured John, go into NYC to see my parents (but had spent the day with them Thursday and Friday), see a movie alone, stay home and read OR go to another race (hello-how often is a saturday night race on a night when I have my freedom?).BUT I had run the Westport series in a 7:05 -pushing my body alittle harder than I should have (to have a chance at winning a t-shirt), so wasn't sure how I would feel that night running. But I knew all my friends would be there, and knew Sharon was racing (see photo of her modeling t-shirt and she ended up winning also), the weather was beautiful, and Ridgefield is fun and an easy drive. Plus, margaritas after and food! So @5 I drove up and as luck would have it, met Sharon and we ran 2 miles together (told her I needed to go slowly!)--I got to hear about her Beach-to-beacon experience! We ran part of the course which was a beautiful shaded out and back road, among nice houses. At 7 we lined up, and I knew tons of people including Joe Laskey, who is running Leadville 100 this week. 2 men recognized me from the Westport race that morning, so I wasn't the only crazy person.
I started out somewhat slowly, and watched Sharon pull ahead (told her she would win, and she did) --I actually felt good at a 7 min. pace and ended up finishing 3rd woman overall in 21:30? Now, I somewhat forgot that I had to do 12 miles of a hilly relay on Sunday! After I finished, changed and socialized --Matt bought me a margarita ..
they gave away chili pepper paperweights as prizes, and Sharon won a chili-pepper wreath...and then Sharon, Jim, John, Brian and John's father went to the restaurant's terrace and had drinks and appetizers --it was a gorgeous night to sit outside and a good time was had by all. I recommend this race and the course --beautiful and shaded...lots of good drinks and food after, and a raffle! I had alot of fun, except I didn't get home until 10:30 and had to get up and get ready for the 100K relay -oops.

Catskill mtn relay photos --aug 10, 2008

2008-08-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

we had a team of 5 runners for this 100K relay, and each ran 2 legs of 10K apiece --Myriam, Don, Frank, Pam and myself -report later! A good time was had by all, despite the long day, hills and rain, and we came in second in the mixed 5-person division!! We were late getting to the start of leg 3...so began the exciting day!

Westport Summer Series -Aug. 9

2008-08-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Westport Summer series races, which happen every weekend in the summer at progressively longer distances, are my favorite to do (after the Norwalk summer series, of course) --first of all, all of our friends show up as they make great Sat a.m. training runs and tempo runs, beautiful flat (generally --not today's course)courses from Compo Beach ---and overall winners (who haven't won before) get t-shirts and series age-group winners get shirts after the 10 miler. But the shirts are besides the point ---these are great courses, and a good way to fit in speedwork. I couldn't fit in any more this summer --should have done July 5, and could have done July 12- maybe can do Aug 23 (if packed up for Andrew) and the 10 miler..this a.m. was a gorgeous morning --I had tossed and turned last night because put my son on a plane to canada for the weekend and worry about my kids traveling alone (he did call unexpectedy at 10 p.m. from Montreal as his cell phone worked). So, didn't want to get up -but since I am getting back into speedwork decided to use this 6.85 mile run as a tempo run. It is one of my favorite courses -I won 2 years ago on Aug 12 -my middle son's birthday -and just happen to remember that --but 2 years ago my pace per mile was 30 seconds faster! and it was a day when no faster women showed up...
At the start, Frank, Rob ,Don, and I all talked --and I saw Carol kane (coming back from surgery), Gail, Joe, and Michael from Scarsdale! I saw Dawn quickly but didn't get a chance to say hello --knew she would be out racing!! I started out alittle too fast --6:50 pace (trying to keep up with heidi but only works for a few miles:)), and after about 3 miles, quickly slowed ---then we came to a hill!! My achilles also was acting up and I have 2 very hilly legs of the catskill relay tommorrow.
That slowed me ---Rob and Frank were right behind me....finished in a steady 7 min pace for 48:20 ---afterwards Rob went swimming, and Frank sat in the lifeguard chair (see photos) and guarded him. I didn't know Rob was a swimmer...
See Frank's blog for more photos..on a different note, my friend Anthony just called about meeting up on the AT to hike with Karl meltzer, who is speed-hiking the AT (47 miles a day) (he invited him and Brennen)--the updates are vague,but Anthony thinks he is going to hit Route 9D (NY State -Bear mtn) on the 17th day --Maine was rainy and set him behind --,so the 17th day would be Thursday August 21...so if we can pinpoint where he will be, it would be fun to hike with him for 5 or so miles, and meet his dog!.

Taconic biathlon -aug 3

2008-08-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

I dragged myself up this morning to my favorite event --the Taconic RRC summer biathlon --a low-key run 3 miles-swim 1/2 mile event ---since this is what I do almost every day -run followed by a swim, I figured I could get through it after a 45 mile run without much damage --it turns out that the weather was so gorgeous, and humidity low after yesterday that I felt good on the run. I started in the back of the back with Lee and l slowly passed a bunch of teenagers (who couldn't run fast but could swim like no tommorrow) --this is a beautiful rolling course from Sycamore Lake (complete with Cat Tails and Queen Annes lace) which goes out an back and finishes on the beach of the lake.--I finished in 23:50 and took off running shoes, put goggles on (had just worn bathing suit to run) and walked in --wow! warm and beautiful temps. The swimming part is not as easy as it sounds because you are breathing heavily from the run and also my arms ere tired from running --but I felt good and remembered to use my legs to kick (which don't do in training) -we rounded 2 orange bouys then straight shot in --I had to breast-stroke around a few me ho were 'drowning' --done in 12 minutes, for total time of 36 or so minutes. Because top triathlete Julie cook (also 50) came in second overall, I won my age group and got a fun towel. Saw Lisa from Wolfpit RC and saw all the taconic people... Lee did awesome -Ed stood in water taking photos of people diving in.

Joe Kleinerman 12 hour run -aug 2, 2008

2008-08-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well, first, here are some photos from the humid, wet and soggy 12 hour run.
I picked up Frank and Rob at 6:10 and we got to Crocheron Park easily by 7, thanks to Rob's GPS device and EZ pass. I was not by any stretch of the imagination ready to pound the pavement for 12 hours and Ritchie said he would give me my money back -in any case, I decided to go with it (as any mileage would do -had to put in 47 laps of a shaded .9 mile course to do 45 miles, to count for points).--Rob really wanted to run 62 miles, and Frank over 50. The highlight of the morning was the Utra society hall of fame induction! See Frank's blog photos. I started out so slowly that by 11 a.m. Frank was 5 miles ahead of me -I walked with Lydia, Barbara, and anyone else walking. I thenpicked it up and ran about 4 miles with Phil --by about 20 miles, was ready to quit --especially when Barbara quit. After awhile, Frank was taking walk breaks and allowed me to walk with him:)
The heavens opened up when we were out on a loop and we sprinted toward the gazebo -completely sopping wet. Everyone hid under the gazebo and Ritchie suspended the race for 20 min because of lightning --the funniest thing was that everyone sprinted out like they were in a 5K when he finally re-started the race. Around 4:15, I ad done 39 laps and decided to jog the last 7 laps and get it over with. Frank was walking with a woman and I finished and just didn't want to walk anymore so couldn't join them...I was happ as a clam to put my feet up and sit by the scoring table.
Rob was in a zone and finished 60 miles --awesome!!! He would have done more had they not had the rain delay. Frank did 51?? and me only 45, practically coming in last for the women...w3e then had pizza and got awards and got poor stiff Rob in the car -and surprize --it poured rain on way home!!!

weekend thoughts -August training

2008-08-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

well, the next three weeks will hopefully be short-race weeks (photos above from the 2007 TRR run-swim, and the 2007 Turkey swamp 50k)...time to finally get rid of the nagging achilles problem. Tommorrow is the B.U.S. 12 hour run, which is on a 1 mile track --now imagine that --to do 62 miles (100K), one has to do 62 laps of the loop in the hot August sun. Ritchie shortened the June 14 50 miler because of a myriad of problems including cricket games, boy scout picnics (on the course)and severe heat and humidity ---maybe he will do so tommorrow. I have always done B.U.S. events to be with my friends, for the training, and because they are 'there' --but this year, the training cycle is such that I am tired:) and one has to make it 45 miles to count --as Frank pointed out, it's a DNF if you don't do 45 miles --but maybe that will be changed. I really don't care, as m last 2 weeks of training -the 100, and the 50, have sufficiently beat me up and are good enough training for the Aug 24 Greenlakes endurance run 50K!. Last year was Ralph's run, which I made it through --30 miles in 95 degree heat. That's where I met Grant and Bob and got to run with Ellen McCurtin. Think Frank was away on business and Rob bagged it because of the heat. This year they will run the 12 hour. Last year was the first year I pushed the envelope in terms of long walk/runs by doing them 4 weekends in a row: 55, 75, 30, and 31 On Sunday, will do the Taconic road runners club run-swim biathlon just for fun. Since I routinely swim 3 miles a week, am trained but still -open water swimming is alot different than pool swimming -plus you swim after running so your heart rate is up. and have to hold head up more.
Next weekend is the Catskill Mountain relay with Myriam, Pam, Frank and Don --looking forward to the scenery and to the social part but not to the hills. We will each do 10K times 2, split up on roller-coaster roads like Wurtsboro 30K.
Then august 16 will probably be the Norwalk summer series 11 miler.
Then enroute to Rochester, Greenlakes endurance run --we'll see how this works out, as alot going on that weekend -nothing the next week as we don't start school now until sept 8 -ugh.

Things are so quiet here --when my teenager is not working, he is gone very to friends' houses (he just left for the weekend)--I only have ike, as Hank at camp. I miss my friends terribly ---my running friend Susan just left for the Vineyard -was hoping she might invite me!! and John is up in Maine..one project I am starting to think about with Anthony P. is a race in late November 2009 --he wants to organize a 100 mile run in Westchester --we'll see. (Frozen turkeys for all finishers:)
I will talk to a few organizations about it next week!

photos from the NYC 1/2 marathon

2008-07-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

yesterday morning I dragged myself into the city to cheer on the World Lung Foundation runners (Frank, Pam, Ilana)and other runners in the NYC 1/2 and ended up running the last 5 miles with Frank -from central Park South to battery Park (sans finish line)
and through Times Square! Having just run 50 miles in the night, I wasn't too speedy -a 9 min. pace seemed fast --but I was impressed by the pace Frank kept after his 60 mile fortay --I can't wait to actually run this race offically....hope they do change it to next March.

Run around the Lake 24 hour ultra --July 25-26, 2008

2008-07-27T10:28:00.001-07:00

Crazy to do a long run after VT?? Yes, but I was in the Ultra mode and I really just walked...Anyway, I have one hour here to pack for my son --at 2:30 will drive him up to Hartford (actually near Ashford)for 3 weeks' camp --so will make this brief -and continue tomm --(as tired as I am, don't mind the drive as he just got back from Costa Rica and so want to hear all about his trip --the frustrating thing is that he gave away the entire contents of his backpack --sandals, Nike flip-flops ,soccer shorts, every shirt and hat -now he has nothing to wear:( ) will write up a more detailed report tomm ...the bottom line was that I told Frank I would go up there and crew/run with him if he wanted to run it...plus, if he wants t do the 6 day race next April, this is good training!
So, the Wakefield '24 hour' was a success --the weather was actually petty nice. It was a switch this year -Frank was running shirtless at night and I was freezing (had stopped to rest for an hour)! Frank ended up running 60 miles -- a good compromise between 50 and 75 as he ran 13.1 miles this a.m., and needed to save some. I ran 50.56 (maybe 51 when you count walking around in parking lot;)) --most of it was walking. The timing was good as we were out of there by 12:30 (17 hours after race started) and I was home by 4. I have no idea how I did -probably last in the 24 hour as there were at least 5 ladies out there with 60 or so when we left at noon. We both agree that we wouldn't do it next year unless prepared to go 90-100 miles, as by the time you spend $$ on entry and gas, might as well put in the most miles possible !!! --but still, it worked out well as we did push the envelope after VT and while I was exhausted by the marathon mark, I ended up going twice that distance slowly!! (15 hours for 50 miles) ---the best part of the whole race was that my ultra-friend Jody Reicher (Phil McCarthy's friend)
had a guy crewing for her who had rigged an ice bath in a big plastic garbage can. I sat in that numbing cold for 30 minutes while Frank ran his last loops--it chilled all the muscle and blister pain and I felt like a million dollars when i got out. Now thinking we should set one up a the 12 hour -seriously:)

We ran into Friday afternoon traffic (the race started at 7 p.m.)going up as the earliest Frank could leave was 2:30 - I called the race director on my cell , told her we may miss the start and she was really nice and registered us beforehand....I wasn't even going to enter but you know me If I am at a race, might as well put a bib on and walk-I was just so fatigued from VT -wasn't really into pushing myself at all. We got there at 6:50 (over 4 hours) while everyone was lining up and listening to pre-race talk...we had no time to do anything --I had to tape my feet, change my clothes, go to bathroom, unpack car -forget about all of that. We put our shoes on and walked the first loop --Frank said we should get going and warm up and then come back and organize the car..so that was good.
He then started running and I was going to catch up with him but somehow didn't --I ended up doing the marathon distance alone -mostly walk-run,
and when I did 8 laps, sat and waited for Frank (he had also been looking/waiting for me). This was a nice hour break --then he came around and we walked a couple loops with a marathon maniac guy ---finally Honey dew donuts was open (4 a.m.) so I went in and bought some coffee -then we took a 45 nap at the car -me lying in back, Frank in front seat ---by miles 41 I had had it, but wanted to do 50 -so close. we actually ran 2 loops to miles 44 and 47, and then Frank walked my last loop with me --then while e did 2 loops, I jumped in the hotel pool, organized the car, and sat in the ice bath
Still tired today --got up and went into the half marathon and ran 5 miles of it from central park to times square -
big news -read in Jim's Greenwich Time running column that they are going to have the NYC half in MARCH 2009, as summer conflicts with too many elite road races.
This way, the elites can use it as a tune up for Boston or London or whatever... so looks like we will get another chance to run it in the spring.

Vermont 100 miler race report

2008-07-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

Finally ---a long report for a long weekend...
Tales from the VT 100 Endurance Run -July 19-20
The week before the VT 100 Endurance Run (Silver Hill Meadow, Ascutney) went slowly --I gathered together drop bag items and started to pile them up, and decided that I would only run Tuesday and then not exercise the rest of the week. I tried to go to bed at 10 and sleep until 7:30 every night. I felt lucky to have gotton through the 10K in Central Park on Sunday and knew I was in good shape as it didn’t tire me, but Achilles discomfort was still around. I was looking forward to seeing all my running friends up in VT (the B.U.S. people, adam, sarah, tammy), to running most or all of the course with Frank, and to having Rob as a pacer –Rob planned to drive up Sat. afternoon, and meet me at mile 70 at 8 p.m. . With temps forecasted in the 90s with high humidity, I knew we would need him, and was most appreciative. Rob is a good friend and experienced ultra runner and a night person!
Since my younger kids were away at camp, and my teen and husband had to work Friday, I was going to drive up alone –in the middle of the week, though, I decided it would be a lot more fun and would save gas(and indeed it was)to hitch a ride with fellow runner and friend Wayne Bates, running his first 100, and his pacer Anthony P. –they were driving up Friday and staying at the Yankee Village Motel, where I also had a reservation. Plus, Anthony had just gotton back from crewing at Badwater so we could hear his tales and see pix. So we planned that I would pick up Anthony in White Plains, and together we would drive to Wayne’s in Brewster , which is on the way to Ascutney. Well, we got to Wayne’s (temp on Friday -94 degrees) around 10 a.m. and all piled into Wayne’s car...we had a fun trip up, and managed to hear every Badwater story and see all the pics. We went right to the start/finish tent at Silver Hill meadow, where I socialized, got weighed, got blood pressure taken, put out drop bags (a big bag for miles 47/70, with flashlight, headlamp, socks, shoes, clothes –which was later LOST!!! It went to another spot by mistake) ---we sat through the pre-race briefing (Hugo, bless his heart, gave me a bottle of Succeed caps, which would prove to be instrumental for salt intake) and then left to go check into the motel –as luck would have it, we met my friend Tammy at the motel, who said that she would give Wayne and I a ride to the 4 a.m. start at 2:50 a.m. , so Anthony could sleep in. The Yankee Village motel gave Wayne and Anthony a room (however shabby) with 3 beds –so after going to dinner and grocery store, we hung out in their room and put together our finish line bags, drug and S-cap bags, laughed a ton, and taped our feet and used Anthony’s computer… Wayne gave me a Vioxx to take at the start. At 9:30, I went to bed and tried to sleep –sleep didn’t come until 11:30, and before I knew it, tammy was knocking at my door at 2:30 -it was already steamy and hot when we drove to the start at 3 a.m. –we were all nervous for the hot, humid day ahead. The start area was buzzing with people –I met Frank and Pat, and socialized with Grant, Phil, Nick,Yuen, Steve, Denny, friends –had some coffee, bagel (no food available until mile 16) and filled hand –held water bottles. At 4 we were off into the dark. Most runners had a flashlight. I stayed with Frank, who was moving too quickly down a dirt road ---it felt funny to run after 3 days off. We leapfrogged a bunch of people and turned onto a trail ---it was here that we slowed down and relaxed and started to walk. The roads and trails were beautiful, and the hills came quickly – we even went through a covered bridge -by mile 10, Frank was soaked through and through. The first big aid station was Stage Road at mile 21 –Frank changed his clothes, and I got food, went to bathroom, and put my extra stuff in his bag. We then ran with Nick for awhile, until we hit a grassy trail ---we climbed p an enormous mountain with amazing views, and ran down a steep grassy trail where I could felt my left quad starting to pull –oh no!! Finally we got to Pretty House at mile 30, another aid station, where we ran into Grant. The sun was blazing and Frank was soaking again –we got some food and coke, and heed – too the 3rd of my S-caps, and some advil, and we walked down the road –we turned to the right –and surprise, another mountain to climb –Suicide Six ski area!! Frank had said that we climbed straight up, and he was right!! We trudged up the grassy trail, which I actually liked, and then went across, down, and back up ---the next ten miles were on rolling dirt roads and we did climb another ridiculously steep hill –it was after this that Frank started to complain that his body was breaking down –he was so dehydrated, and he was stating to feel like he would black out.
At mile 43, he was faltering --I walked with him for the next 3 miles up a road and into a trail. He couldn’t move. Finally with a ½ mile to camp ten bear (mile 47) where his wife and daughter would be waiting and where he cold get medical attention, I left him and ran ahead to get a medical guy to come get him. He chugged a bottle of water, and was still down 5 pounds. Meanwhile, I weighed in 3 pounds heavier (good) and Frank told me to push on. It turns out that he recovered after salt and fluids but his raw chafing would not let him go on –he would have run 53 miles in severe pain. We got into ten bear at 3 .m. and had been on our feet for 11 hours. I looked around for my drop bag ,a black canvas bag with my name on duct tape and could not find it –it was totally missing!!!
I started to feel good after the walking break with Frank, and started cranking and passing people –I was not happy to be alone, but the 100 miler is a solo effort. The heaven opened up just as I caught up with Adam on a muddy, single-track hill –are we having fun yet???’ I yelled over the torrential rain.
I passed Adam and got to mile 51 in 12 hours…the sun cam out, an I took another S-Cap. I then hooked up with a young guy from Plattsburgh running his first 100 –he also had left his friend, who was slowing with heat problems, behind at mile 30.
As luck would have it, this guy had an extra headlamp at mile 57 and said I could borrow it! I had mentioned to him that I was nervous about getting from mile 65 to 70 (dusk) without a light!!! After 57, we climbed miles of steep hills –I walked along with a girl from Oregon, who was in the rand Slam.
At the top of the hill –Margaritaville, I caught up to Steve, who had been detained at camp ten bear because his weight was down by 6 pounds!!! His quads were really sore (perhaps from Massanutten 100??) as he said he went out too fast. As he was trying to get his pace back, I had to push on alone.
I cranked the next miles as knew Rob was waiting for me at mile 70. I ran with a guy from Kansas who told me all about the Arkansas Traveller 100 –at this point my legs were tiring, my shoes and socks were soaked and I had blisters forming on both heels and sides of feet and I had trouble running for an extended time –we would run for 10 minutes, then stop and walk –lots of mud to step around. Finally we ran down the hill to ten bear , where I saw Rob waiting with Barbara . I was so happy to see him!!! He noted that my drop bag was missing (he was going to put his reading material in it) –I got weighed –up 2 pounds, had some cold coffee, a grilled cheese and off we went. The time from mile 70-77 progressed slowly as we were in dark trails with roots and rocks and it was foggy but Rob kept talking and we hashed out the day --I felt like walking for awhile and he said he would walk the whole thing with me if need be. Mile 77 aid station was a beacon in the darkness –it was about 11:30 p.m.
And I started to feel better –only 23 miles to go!!! We left and started running –Rob encouraged me to
Run on all the flats and gentle uphills –downhills were hurting my quads, so we walked. At aid station 81 we both needed to go to the side of the trail to go to the bathroom. I heard a loud noise, like a dog falling into a creek, and it was Rob!! He had stepped into a 4 foot ditch by mistake -- 2 aid station volunteers came running over and pulled him out. LOL!!! He was soaking….
Miles 81 to 88 were not easy, but no one passed us. We rolled into mile 83 to find Anthony waiting with wayne, who was passed out in a sleeping bag. He had been an hour ahead of me, and had crashed.
I was so happy to see Anthony, but one look at Wayne told us he might not make it.
He would end up crashing again, after sleeping for an hour, in a pile of leaves on the side of the road. 2 aid station volunteers put plastic kiddie cars from someone’s yard around him to protect him!!!!! Hysterical. But, he rose and finished in 27 hours –I was most amazed and proud of him!
We got to Bill’s garage –mile 88.7- at 1:30 a.m. and I was starting to fade mentally. I had some coke, got weighed in, and Rob ate some cookies and we both had a sandwich. Time to push on!
We then went through these miserable fields and trails with uneven terrain –tough after having run 90 miles. Finally we came out on the roads to some steep hills. But we were running and my quads started to feel better, and physically I felt good –when we finally got to mile 95, I knew we would finish, even if we had to crawl. Rob led the way and we ran down a hill, only to find a woman and her pacer confused –not glow sticks, and no pie plates!!!. As luck would have it, Dot, a race official, was driving down the hill and pointed the way –someone had vandalized the course!!! We cranked ahead of the woman, and I ran as hard as my body allowed, as we had some gentle dirt roads. Ah, but all was not easy –we hit the longest stretch of hills, followed by a horrible stretch of muddy single trail through the woods. (one good thing - daylight was coming, and we switched off our headlamps). All of this at mile 97-98!!!! Finally, a nice stretch of hilly road and the one mile to go sign!!!!
Rob told me that we needed to cover the last mile in 23 minutes to make under 26 hours. I don ‘t know if I can do it, I complained. I guarantee you’ll do it if you jut follow me, he said. I picked it up and we ran the last mile –uphill through the woods, in 13 minutes, to finish in 25:50 –Rob said that not one runner passed me!!! Our time for 50K was about 9 hours –pretty darn good, and I could not have finished without his help. The minute we finished (and saw Zeke and his girlfriend/pacer Yuen, who had just finished as well) the heavens opened up again. Rob went and got his car. We talked to Grant and Phil and Scott under the tent -Sarah was on a stretcher, having dropped with blisters at mile 83.
I was overjoyed to have it over with but was worried about everyone else out on the course in the rain.
It would turn out that over 120 people dropped!!! So just to finish in the hot and humid conditions was an accomplishment….we went back to the Yankee Village to take a shower (Wayne had kept their room for that purpose), and I laid down to rest ---at about 8 a.m. wayne and Anthony arrived!! Wayne had finished but couldn’t move –he had to be helped into the car by the medical staff. Thank goodness we had Rob to help carry him into the room and into the bathroom. “I’m his pacer, but I am not giving him a bath’ said Anthony! So I was elected to strip off his clothing (left underwear on) and clean him with hot water and soap –he was so beat up that Anthony and I put him on the bed a hard task) to pass out and left him to go to the awards brunch –Rob drove home. We got back, with our plaques, a 12:30 to find him slumped in a chair, door open, and the cleaning women had cleaned around him!!!
We convinced the motel lady that ‘our friend was sick’ so we had needed the late check-out, and we got Wayne in the car –not easy as he was crippled and had to hold onto every wall and even Anthony to get in –and took off As Anthony was beat from Badwater, where he got 4 hours sleep a night, and wayne was in no condition to drive, I had to do the driving with 3 hours’ sleep in the last 48 hours –LOL!!!
With the help of a large dunkin donuts coffee and drive-through Burger King, we got home just fine.
What an adventure –and Frank’s wife ended up getting sick so they had a time as well
Would I do it again??? Yes, but only if I could travel with Anthony and wayne –what fun we had –have never laughed so hard in recent years 

Vermont 100 mile endurance run photos

2008-07-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

No race report yet, but here are some photos --check out Anthony's blog for a race report, slide show and photos and Frank's blog for report and photos....

Vermont 100 mile endurance run -July 18-19, 2008

2008-07-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Vermont 100 mile endurance run weekend --operating on 3 hours sleep for the entire weekend so will put together a race report and weekend report tommorrow!
Despite the heat, humidity, rain storms, hills and mud, I made it to the finish line in 25:50, when over 80 runners dropped out!, thanks to 2 people -Frank and Rob.
Frank stuck with me until mile 47 and Rob paced me or the last 30 miles.
Miles 80-90 were probably the toughest of my life --I so wanted to quit. And many did DNF --Frank DNFed due to raw chafing and heat, Sarah for severe blisters, Susan for quad pulls/blisters, Hugo for exhaustion --but I am proud of my friends for starting and they will finish the next one when I might DNF. Grant, Phil, Scott,mark, Zeke, Nick and Meredith's buddy Ethel all finished...it was not an easy day or easy conditions!! And my carpool friend Wayne finished despite sleeping on the side of the road at an aid station for 2 hours!! Boy, is he beat up --the medical people had to carry him to the car (mostly related to heat depletion). Here are some photos

Vermont 100 miler -last year's pacing report

2008-07-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

As I get ready to travel to VT tommorrow, got thinking about last year when I paced Frank --I had a blast. In many ways, I am very happy pacing...but want to at least try the whole thing this year ---and we are lucky that Rob is driving up and will be at camp ten bear -mile 70 -by 8 p.m... so here's my pacing report from last year -
and see Frank's blog -for his report and photos...

Sunday July 22, 2007

Just got back from VT after running all night with Frank -I am in awe of him finishing his first 100 -he finished in fine shape in 28 hours and change. But what a long night it was for him. The day was so gorgeous that I actually walked 26 miles and could see how hilly the second half of the course was --I got to see Frank at Margaritaville at the top of the mountain at mile 63, after he had climbed a long stretch.
I had waited with his wife Pat for what seemed like forever!! (seeing Christine from the Finger lakes running club come through
I met Frank at mile 70 --Camp Ten Bear --he flew down the hill at dusk @8 p.m amid flaming roadside flares, as he was trying to beat the darkness. He was shivering from sweating...and neither one of us had enough clothing.
Pat had given me a turkey sandwich to give to him, so he ate that, changed his clothes, got weighed, got his headlamp, and off we went
As a pacer, this was all new to me and I was about to learn what it takes to go 30 miles when you feel as if you can't go on -30 miles in the cold and darkness, on no sleep So many issues can do runners in in those last miles -hypothermia, blisters, sleep deprivation,
and least of all, the legs. Frank and I made our way to mile 77 aid station -up a single track hill and dirt hill -as I recall, it was all hills.
We talked to Zeke and Yuen, who were manning the red, white and blue-themed station --then the hard part came, as Frank started falling asleep standing up. Miles 77 to 82 were slow, as we had to stop several times -he wanted to lie down on the side of the road!!!
We leap-frogged a young boy from Ithaca, and an older man who offered him no-doz, and Christy and her pacer from Dirty girl gaitors!
We got some coffee at mile 85 and I told Frank to start running alittle to wake him up ---so we did jog and Frank kept time --he loved the smell of the Christmas trees along the roads...we planned for 15 minute miles and prayed for the lights of the aid stations to come up in the darkness. We went from aid station to aid station...I loved seeing the stars in the sky.
Finally we got to mile 92, and Frank had a breakfast sandwich and changed his socks. I mentioned to the aid station workers that he was having sleep problems and they made him eat! I will never forget seeing the runners littering the ground --all glassy-eyed and curled up in sleeping bags! Frank felt better as we left Bills garage and mile 92 --the sun was rising, which he had been looking forward to...I kept trying to find little things that he could look forward to along the way ---we made our way along a grassy trail and Frank actually started running fast!!!! I could not keep up with him -he was all of a sudden scared that he would not make the cutoff. But then we figured out that we had plenty of time, when w had to walk a monsterous hill at mile 94, which took 25 minutes or so. Frank's stomach was hurting from the sandwich -ugh --at mile 95 we started running again, and we ran 2 miles without stopping --Frank turned to me and he said 'I think we'll finish this sucker'. And the next three miles were slow, but no question that he knew the end was in sight -much to our surprize, at mile 98, we did not follow the nice dirt road but we went into the woods to climb 2 miles of single track!!! At mile 99, Frank told me he couldn't go on -his quads were beat. His legs wouldn't move.but i tld him he had to go on, and I think I was a bit mean (hope he doesn't remember). All of a sudden we saw the light of Silver hill meadow and the finish area --it was about 8:30 in the morning and Pat was waiting with a camera.
It was over and Frank did run through the finish line. Pacing that night was one of the highlights of my running career --even though I had driven up myself and drove myself home, it was worth it, as he said he couldn't have finished without my help and so that was rewarding.
Socially it was blast --I had more fun slogging through the night an talking to people along the way. I really would pace Frank anytime, except now I want to do the whole thing. and P.S. this year we have Rob driving up:)

waveny park x-country series

2008-07-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

I volunteered last night at the local cross-country series. Jim was away on vacation so my friends Kathy and Gail were the race directors and they needed help!! So I collected scoretags at the end -its funny how easy racing looks when you are just standing around. I had run 5 miles that morning and swam a mile -wayy too much already for my tender achilles. Am extremely nervous about how it will hold up for VT as the rest of my body feels strong, trained and ready to go...but I also have to be prepared for the fact that I could further strain my achilles on the ups and downs and may have to drop out --that's life -it's only one race..I will try. I am going to need Frank, Rob and I to work together in the middle of the night as the last 30 miles could take 10-11 hours. A full moon will be out!!!!!

Marty's poem from Utica Boilermaker Road Race

2008-07-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

Boilermaker Logo

My friend Marty, race director extraordinaire (and teacher, RD and coach during school year:)went up to Help with a National road race, the July 13 Utica Boilermaker 15K...
here is his answer to my question 'so how was Utica'??

I did not run
I did not jog,
I did not toe the start, nor blog.

We laid out the 'mats'
despite the gnats,
then came out, Rats!

Mike and I were in charge of the 10k split,
which also was the 5k start,
we had over 11,000 chips,
which registered perfectly!

Then we went to the party, and were back stage with the band and the VIP's

yes- like us!

hahaha --
Marty

dso concert at Governor's island -July 11

2008-07-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

I decided to go to this concert (as was invited by running friends) the night after driving into Radio City music hall with Christine so it was 2 late nights in a row!! But more than worth it, even if I did miss the Norwalk summer series this a.m. (let me just say that I shouldn't have raced it anyway --I just missed seeing our friends, and maybe helping Don out). This Friday night concert was a special outdoor concert on Governor's Island, at the very tip of manhattan. It was a perfect night to take a ferry ride over to the island and chill out and relax and listen to some Grateful dead music The distressing part of the concert was driving in -the FDR was bumper-to-bumper with traffic heading over the Queensboro bridge to LI...then free and clear sailing and got a parking spot right near the ferry --it was so much fun going over, with tye-dyed concert-goers -young and old alike!! Plenty of kids and 20-some kids --most of the males wearing tye dye!!! And, we got to see all the waterfall sculptures. We got to the concert area and Green tea leaf was playing -I had a beer and read and talked to Paul, an ardent dso fan ---the band came n at 7:30 and was awesome, but the set not as good as Westbury (last may 29)--ramble on rose, playin in the band, estimated prophet were some of the really good ones --about 10:15, during a long drum solo, it was time to take the ferry back!!! No traffic coming home-and thank goodness I had that nice parking spot:) The ferry ride view of the lighted bridges and buildings was phenomenal.